Ardnamurchan Point and Lighthouse, Kilchoan

4.6

#4 of 14 in Historic Sites in Lochaber

Must see · Lighthouse · Tourist Spot

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Ardnamurchan Lighthouse is a listed 19th century lighthouse, located on Ardnamurchan Point in Lochaber part of the Highland council area of Scotland. The lighthouse with its 36m, pink granite tower was completed in 1849 to a design by Alan Stevenson. It is the only lighthouse in the UK built in the Egyptian style. The light was automated in 1988 and is now operated remotely by the Northern Lighthouse Board from Edinburgh.The former keepers' cottages and outbuildings are owned by the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Trust and operated as a visitor centre, with a museum called the 'Kingdom of Light' - Rioghachd na Sorcha. Exhibits detail the history and operations of the lighthouse, including access to the restored engine room and workshop with the original fog horn. Other displays include the geology and natural history of the area, and local social history and culture.The last part of the computer game Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened takes place in this lighthouse.

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Ardnamurchan Point and Lighthouse reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

333 reviews

Google

4.7

By Stephen C

Well worth the drive. The wee cafe was well stocked and served a selection of drinks and snacks, the toilets were clean and accessible. The trip up the lighthouse was fascinating and the view from...

Well worth the drive. The wee cafe was well stocked and served a selection of drinks and snacks, the toilets were clean and accessible. The trip up the lighthouse was fascinating and the view from... more »
By Susan M

The journey from Kilchoan to the lighthouse isn't easy (and from Acharacle to Kilchoan isn't easy either) but by golly it is so worth the trip once you get there. We tried to visit in 2021 but it was.... more

The journey from Kilchoan to the lighthouse isn't easy (and from Acharacle to Kilchoan isn't easy either) but by golly it is so worth the trip once you get there. We tried to visit in 2021 but it was.... more »
By Lorraine G

We've been to the lighthouse before so came not long before closing - so much better without the crowds. The weather was bright & fresh (aka blowing a hoolie) and we loved it. Crashing waves, wind...

We've been to the lighthouse before so came not long before closing - so much better without the crowds. The weather was bright & fresh (aka blowing a hoolie) and we loved it. Crashing waves, wind... more »

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By Carole MacRae

Not the prettiest lighthouse I've ever seen but absolutely stunning location. Very busy with tourists but some parking . Didn't have time to visit the coffee shop.

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By Stephen Infield

This lighthouse is at the end of a long one track road from Salen. There was almost no traffic whatsoever. But there are plenty of passing spaces anyway... although sometimes it's like riding the big dipper just to get there... but 100% worth it. The scenery along the way is breathtaking. There are tours to go up the lighthouse itself only on weekdays, so unfortunately we missed out. But there was plenty more to see: A delightful lookout room below the fog horn. Also, the fog horn generator room was open, with fascinating old machines (if you like that sort of thing). Nice, well attended lawns and pathways. The cafe is stunning with superb cakes and biscuits, which is extraordinary considering the place is so remote. The manager told me he gets them from Tobermory on Mull using the ferry. Even on a 'driech' day this was a wonderful visit.

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By Kalandria De Mein

Really interesting visit. So much more than just the lighthouse, which is fabulous. Lovely walks, beach, great tearoom and shop. Saw dolphins off the shore.

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By Rachel Brown

Loved this place. Went up the tower for the tour (minus hubby who hates heights). The guide was so informative and clearly loves his job. The views were amazing. It was a clear day so could see the outer Hebrides. The guide said it’s equally amazing on a a stormy day watching the waves crash in. Friendly helpful staff in the tea room and gift shop. Car park made it look busier than it was. Love this peninsula so much.

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By evelyn lyall

Don't underestimate the journey out to this point . It's single track with passing places for over one hour there...and the back again! However the scenery along the way is impressive for those that can take their eyes off the road! Parking is not well signposted as there is actually additional parking closer to the lighthouse but everyone thought the lower area was the extent of paring and were trying to manoeuvre spaces! The lighthouse was actually closed on the day we visited so would have been very disappointing for anyone who actually wanted to climb up . We enjoyed a picnic at one of several tables located around the site. There is a cafe and gift shop along with toilets.

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