Strontian lies at the head of Loch Sunart. Nearby, trails through the countryside and woodland meet an ancient native broadleaf forest; in the village, a walking route follows the river to a church dating from 1827. For a stay, you can choose between a short village walk and longer routes and nature trails.
Loch Sunart and getting around the village
Strontian’s pier provides boat access to Loch Sunart and lies towards the head of the loch. Check the facilities on site before making plans based on them. Strontian also has a tourist information service. Oakwood Tourism and Crafts combines a tourist information centre with a cooperative retail outlet for local artists, photographers, jewellers and craftspeople. Arrangements may change; check ahead of your visit if needed.
A walk to the Telford church
The easy “An Rathad Cuil” Back Road Walk starts in the Village Centre and follows the Strontian River. Along the way, it passes the Community High School and continues to Strontian Parish Church. The route is listed as half a mile and 30 minutes. You can return along the same path or take the main road back; parking is available in the Village Centre. Trail conditions may change, so it is worth checking before setting out.
The church stands on the west bank of the Strontian River. It was built in 1827 to a design by Telford. Its floor plan is T-shaped, with a porch on the south side. This makes the walk an opportunity to learn about a specific part of Strontian’s architectural history: not only its construction date but also its floor plan and porch give the church a clearly identifiable character.
Ariundle Oakwood and its woodland trails
Nearby is Ariundle Oakwood, an ancient native broadleaf forest on the south-east-facing slopes on the north side of Strontian Glen. It forms part of the Scottish rainforest. Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve offers woodland and nature trails that can be combined into a five-kilometre circuit. Access is via a path to the reserve’s woodland trail; its car park is two miles north of Strontian. Check access conditions before travelling and trail conditions before setting out on a walk.
The routes differ considerably in their stated distances, which can help with planning your day: “An Rathad Cuil” is a 30-minute walk of half a mile, while the circuit in Ariundle Oakwood is five kilometres long. This comparison helps you assess a village walk and a woodland hike as options of different lengths, without assuming a walking time for the longer circuit.
Other trails and local history
The circular route through Strontian Community Woodland also passes through the old policy woodlands of the Sunart Estate. Woodland conditions and trail surfaces may change along this route. Phemie’s Walk is named in memory of Phemie Mackinnon, who worked for the Forestry Commission and was a well-known figure in Strontian.
The old trail known as “The High Road” runs between Ardnastaing and Scotstown. It follows a historic route used by coffin bearers, leading towards Eilean Fhianain, also known as St Finnans Isle, in Loch Shiel. There are also several hiking trails around Strontian and up to the mines; a local walking guide provides more detailed information. The different trail descriptions focus on different things: the village and river, woodland scenery, or a historic route.
Sunart Cycles is based in Strontian and offers bike hire on the West Highland Peninsulas. If you would like to include bike hire in your plans, confirm availability before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Greshornish, Kirkhill, Boat Of Garten, Strome Ferry, Castletown, Ardgay, Carbost, Teangue.
For the main travel overview: Highland.
