The West Highland Peninsulas are a year-round destination, with spring and summer offering the chance to enjoy the spectacular landscapes and wildlife at their best, and a whole calendar of events showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the local communities, with visitors welcome to join in the fun.
In springtime nature awakens from her winter slumber, and the ancient oak woodlands come to life with trees in leaf, carpets of spring flowers; snowdrops, wood anemones, dog violet, primroses, wild garlic and bluebells West Highland Peninsulas bringing scents and splashes of colour. Resident birds are pairing up and building nests, while migratory birds pass overhead filling the skies with bird song. The call of the cuckoo echoes across the peninsulas heralding the start of the season.
The miles of coastline offer rocky shores and sandy beaches, home to otters and wading birds, many of which are on endangered lists, but continue to thrive in these remote places. The red deer stags are regrowing new antlers while the hinds are preparing to give birth to this year’s young. Badgers are waking from their torpid winter state and thanks to the longer daylight hours, it is easier to spot pine martens out and about before darkness falls. The West Highland Peninsulas are home to all of Scotland’s Big Five; red deer, red squirrels, otters, seals and golden eagles. Along with an abundance of insects including dragonflies and rare chequered skipper butterflies.
The fresh and saltwater lochs offer opportunities for kayaking, sailing or paddleboarding, with places to hire kit if you are travelling light and don’t want to bring your own. Walking and hiking are perfect pursuits with longer days offering hours of daylight to get out and explore. If cold water swimming is your passion, there are endless bays and beaches, rivers, lochs and waterfalls to find your favourite spot for a dip. Hire a self-drive boat or book an organised trip such as to Staffa to see the Puffins, and Fingal’s Cave (named in The Telegraph as an extraordinary place to visit in Scotland.)
As summer arrives, the West Highland Peninsulas calendar begins to fill up with agricultural, produce and handicraft shows, Highland Games, live music and rousing ceilidhs, showcasing the rich local heritage of crofting and rural crafts, traditional music and Gaelic culture. Crafts and gifts are available from local shops along with a huge variety of locally made and grown produce from cafes, restaurants and honesty larders at croft gates across the area.
Dates for your diary
Morvern Games & Gala
Saturday 19th July, followed by
Morvern Gala week
West Ardnamurchan Regatta
1st August
Sunart Show, Strontian
Saturday 9th August
Moidart Produce Show
Saturday 30th August
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.