Local Area

Mallaig sits at the end of the ‘Road to the Isles’, and is a haven for sailors wanting to explore the stunning coastline of north west Scotland. Our Marina is the ideal base to explore some of the most beautiful and remote scenery in Scotland.

To the west of Mallaig are the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck, Rum, Canna – all within easy reach - as is the Isle of Skye, with its mystical and atmospheric Cuillin hills. If you are a Munro 'bagger', head for the hamlet of Inverie and the Knoydart hills.

Mallaig Harbour with numerous boats docked, surrounded by a town with various buildings and a hillside with green vegetation and houses in the background.

Local Attractions

North of Mallaig is the Knoydart peninsula, often described as ‘Scotland’s last wilderness’. This area (Loch Nevis) is a haven for wildlife with dolphins and porpoises a common sight and they often follow sailing vessels. Minke whales and basking sharks are also regular visitors to the minch depending on the time of year. Closer to shore, sea and golden eagles can be spotted along with the occasional osprey. Of course, seals are in abundance and otters can often be seen on the shoreline. Knoydart is home to the UK’s largest village not connected to a road or rail network, Inverie which can claim to have the most remote public house in the UK. The Old Forge pub has 10 private moorings and dinghies can be left on the beach by the pub. Local seafood is a speciality.

For those arriving by boat and wishing to explore inland, local taxis can provide a tour of the area or can simply drop you where you want to go and can pick you up again at a designated time and place. Ideal for sailors wishing to explore the hills and glens. Should you want a guided boat trip to Knoydart or the Isles, there are morning, afternoon and full day excursions from Mallaig pier throughout the summer. There are a number of local walks in Mallaig, Morar and Arisaig, some of which are included in this handy guide. Please note that it is several years old, and that if you are walking to Tarbert Loch Nevis, your return trip should be booked through Western Isles Cruises.

Around 4 miles from Mallaig, Loch Morar is the deepest body of freshwater in Britain, and is said to be home to its own monster, Morag! The coastline locally is also famous for its sandy beaches, which are popular with visitors year round.

Highland Games take place each summer, with Arisaig Highland Games on the last Wednesday in July; Knoydart Highland Games on the first Saturday in August, and Mallaig and Morar Highland Games on the first Sunday in August. Pick up a copy of our local community newspaper, West Word, for more information on what is happening in the area.

Orange life buoy ring with reflective silver stripes and black text reading "MALLANG MARINA" and a phone number, hanging on a wooden wall outside near a window, with trees and sky reflected in the window glass.

Mallaig’s Facilities

Once moored, Mallaig is an ideal place to either stop for a night or two or to use as a sailing base. The village offers restaurants to suit all budgets, with locally caught seafood always on the menu.

There are two main hotels in Mallaig – the West Highland Hotel and the Marine Hotel, both offering accommodation and bar facilities. There is also B&B accommodation both in the village and surrounding area. The Chlachain Bar, Crab and Creel and Cornerstone restaurants also offer accommodation centrally within the village.

For those looking to learn more about the area, Mallaig Heritage Centre is located close to the Harbour, adjacent to the Railway Station. It details all of the area’s long and fascinating history, including the port’s long association with the fishing industry; coming of the railway in 1901; and the area's connection with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite uprising, and hosts temporary exhibitions.

Mallaig also boasts a 20m swimming pool with fitness suite and sauna, within walking distance of the Harbour and Marina. There are a number of local walks, the most obvious being the ‘Circular Walk’ and an interpretation board at the Marina gives directions to this.

Mallaig is also an ideal stop off for sailors needing to replenish supplies. There is a Co-op store supplying a full range of fresh provisions along with several gift shops and confectioners. Tea lovers can buy tea blended here in Mallaig. Our local Community Hub stocks a range of dried goods and fresh produce, and contains the local Post Office. Adjacent to the Marina, the Old Quay Bakehouse has developed an excellent reputation, and is often sold out by mid-afternoon.

There is also a chemist, doctors and medical centre in the village. The local ship chandler Johnston Bros has an extensive range of marine products to suit most requirements.

The nearby villages of Morar and Arisaig also provide various accommodation and food options, and the Land, Sea and Islands Centre in Arisaig is worth a visit while in the area.