Here at the distillery we are very fortunate to be situated on one of the most beautiful peninsulas that the west coast of Scotland has to offer. The Morvern peninsula is remote and sparsely populated but there is so much to do to make the most of the beautiful scenery and dramatic coastline. We have pulled together a list of nine things to do to make the most of what this local landscape has to offer. To check out our favourite places to stay on the peninsula click here or for our ideal west coast food and drink trip click here.
1. HIKING AMONG THE HILLS OF MORVERN
The hills of Morvern are dense with trees and walks are beautiful all year round with breathtaking views and wildlife. At the very end of the peninsula you can often spot otters or if you are more of a history buff there is a great eight mile walk with stunning sea view that takes you to Ardtornish Castle. It is a 13th century castle which once served as the seat of the MacDonald Lordship of the Isles. The website Wild about Lochaber is great for walks inspiration and local tips.
2. WILD FORAGING WITH CLARE HOLOHAN
If you are heading out on a walk it is worth having Clare Holohan in tow. Clare is a local foraging expert and author of Scotland’s Wild Medicine. She runs West Highland Herbal in Lochaline, specialising in herbal medicine, consultations, walks and retreats. On walks Clare talks through the various tasting profiles and medicinal properties of the abundant plants, shrubs and berries on the peninsula, including Broad Leaved Dock, Bog Myrtle, Rosebay Willowherb, Sorrel, Meadowseet and Round Leaved Plantain. Clare is also a great advocate for the benefits of connecting with nature for health which is always nice to be reminded of.
3. VISIT NC'NEAN!
While on the peninsula, come and visit us for a full guided tour of our distillery in Drimnin to understand more about our innovative, experimental and sustainability driven distillery. We offer classic, private and specific sustainability tours. On the tour you will have the chance to sample some of our spirits, look around the distillery and take in the beautiful views across the sound of Mull. On a sunny clear day we can see the coloured houses of Tobermory across the water. Our team is small and is very very busy so please make sure you book in advance for tours and tastings as they are by appointment only.
4. THE WHITEHOUSE
At the end of the day we recommend dinner in The Whitehouse. This restaurant is well-loved for their delicious locally sourced menu showcasing sustainable ingredients and the best of Scottish produce. This is the go to restaurant for locals and our team and we always recommend it to visitors who come to the distillery. (You can also head to Achnacriche for a lovely afternoon tea, but remember to pre-book).
Image credit: Sophie Gerrard
5. THE HAYMAN GALLERY
Our closest neighbour to the distillery is local artist Alan Hayman, who is based just down the path from us towards the shoreline. He shares the same views over the Sound of Mull as us and it is these views along with the scenery across the peninsula and further afield around Scotland that inspires his beautiful oil paintings. If you have visited us before you may have noticed a few of his paintings of local scenery in our stillhouse and bar. His studio and gallery, which displays a stunning array of his paintings, is open from 10:30am to 4pm on weekdays from April to October and is just a few minutes walk from us.
Image credit: Alan Hayman Art
6. TAKE A TRIP FROM MORVERN TO MULL
The beautiful isle of Mull is worth visiting for a day or a few if you get the chance. You can get the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Fishnish from Lochaline harbour, and, the crossing takes just ten minutes. Then head to Tobermory which is the island’s main town, with great places for super fresh seafood including Café Fish. The Mishnish is a great sailor’s pub which dates all the way back to 1869 and is well worth the visit. Additionally, there are lots of beautiful white sand beaches on Mull which are worth a visit rain or shine - you can see some of the best ones here.
7. MUSIC CONCERT AT ST COLUMBA'S CHAPEL
To promote music and the arts here on the peninsula, back in 2005 the St. Columba’s Trust was established. The trust enables professional musical ensembles from all over the world to come and practice in peaceful, inspiring surroundings. The residencies provide accommodation and coaching and at the end of their stay the ensembles perform for the local community and visitors in the beautiful St.Colomba’s chapel. These performances take place a few times throughout the year so you can check out whether there is one that ties in with your visit here. To book seats for the concert you can get in touch via email. There is no charge for these performances, but the trust appreciates a donation to help support future concerts and residencies.
8. DIVING IN SOME OF THE UK'S BEST WATERS
The waters surrounding Lochaline are home to some of the best diving spots in the British Isles. The Sound of Mull is a post-glacial channel which is about thirty kilometers long, three kilometers wide and 130 meters deep. It makes such an excellent diving location because, in addition to the waters being surrounded by some of the country’s most impressive scenery, there are several famous wrecks to explore. One of these wrecks, Shuna, is renowned for how in-tact the ship remains nearly 100 years after it sank (luckily all of the crew on the ship which was going to Sweden managed to escape). Lochaline Boat Charters who are the local diving experts have become well known for the delicious meals that are whipped up post dive. You can also sometimes also sometimes find yourself swimming alongside Basking Sharks on your dive. So if you fancy learning more about diving in the area, click here for more details.
9. MORVERN GAMES
If you are here in July, there is also the Morvern Games & Gala Week each year. It is a super fun few days and worth incorporating to your visit if you’re heading into the peninsula at the same time. The event features Highland games, a regatta, guided walks, ceilidh nights, and a producers market, celebrating local culture and community. If you happen to be planning a trip here earlier in summer, there is a midsummer ceilidh on the 21st of June 2025 at the local Drimnin hall.
So there you have some of our favourite things to do on the peninsula, we hope to see you here soon!