The best walks and hikes around Sunart

Yes, Sunart has several gentle walks perfect for families. The area offers around 5 easy-rated trails. A great option is the Ard-Airigh and Garbh Eilean walk, which is a short, mostly flat path leading to the Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide. It's an excellent opportunity for children to spot wildlife like seals and herons.

Dogs are generally welcome on trails in Sunart, but it's essential to be responsible. The region is home to livestock and sensitive wildlife. Always keep your dog under close control, especially near farm animals, and on a lead during bird nesting season (typically April to July). The woodland paths in the Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve are great for walks with a dog.

The terrain is very diverse. You'll find everything from gentle, mossy paths through ancient oak woodlands to boggy moorland and steep, rocky ascents on the hills. Coastal walks can be rugged and uneven. It's important to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for good ankle support and to cope with wet conditions underfoot.

Many routes in Sunart are circular or can be hiked as an out-and-back trail. For a rewarding loop with some history, consider the Corantee Lead Mine & Loch Doillean trail. This moderate hike takes you through varied landscapes, past historical mining ruins, and offers lovely views.

Sunart is a fantastic place for wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for Scotland's 'Big Five': red deer, otters, golden eagles, red squirrels, and seals. Loch Sunart is particularly known for its high density of otters. The Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide is a highly-regarded spot specifically designed for observing seals, herons, and sometimes even eagles.

The trails in the Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve are magical, taking you through one of the UK's rare temperate rainforests. Expect well-maintained paths that wind past moss-covered trees, lush ferns, and the rushing Strontian River. It's a serene environment, ideal for both short strolls and as a starting point for longer, more challenging hill walks.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, Sunart offers some difficult ascents. A great example is the Beinn Resipol from Ariundel route. This demanding trail involves a significant climb of over 800 meters, rewarding experienced hikers with spectacular panoramic views from the summit.

The hiking routes in Sunart are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of over 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the incredible sense of remoteness and the stunningly varied scenery, from the ancient, mossy oakwoods to the wide-open views over the lochs and islands from the hilltops.

There are over 15 designated hiking routes around Sunart available on komoot. These range from short, easy walks under an hour to challenging full-day mountain ascents, ensuring there's a trail to suit every ability level.

The Ardnamurchan peninsula, which borders Sunart, offers some of Scotland's most spectacular coastal walking. While not a specific route in this guide, the 'Silver Walk' near Castle Tioram is a classic local trek. It's a rugged path cut into the rock, offering dramatic views of the sea, lochs, and the historic castle.

Given the changeable Scottish weather, waterproofs (jacket and trousers) are essential, even on a sunny day. You'll also need sturdy hiking boots, extra layers of clothing, a map and compass (or a fully charged phone with offline maps), and plenty of food and water. Insect repellent is also highly recommended, especially for midges in the summer months.