An astonishing 35,000 domestic vehicles make the journey to The Isle of Mull each year aboard The Lochinvar, Calmac’s ferry servicing the Lochaline–Fishnish route.
Many of those travellers, we imagine, pass by the modest ‘Aird Toirinis’ sign at the end of our road, continue along the winding high road towards the ferry, and look out at the scattering of houses — assuming the village to be nothing more than a sleepy, forgotten place, existing only to serve the crossing to Mull.
“There’s not much here,” they might think, “the real Highland experience must be on the other side.” But we know better!
A Hidden Highland Gem
Many (if not most) of those visitors who take the time to explore Ardtornish and the surrounding area soon discover that Morvern is a holiday destination in its own right — a place of history, wild beauty, abundant wildlife and quiet wonder. Once they experience this, they tend to return…year, after year, after year. Some of our guests have family ties to holidays at Ardtornish that stretch back three, four, even five generations. They’re in on the secret!
The Buzz of Morvern
Here at Ardtornish, our team work hard to make sure there’s always a new story to tell. We’re already blessed with an area of astonishing natural beauty, rich in wildlife and wild places – perfect for sailing holidays, wild swimming, walking, cycling and a bit of quiet awe. But what really makes Morvern special is the people who keep it thriving. Local businesses, ours included, are constantly finding new ways to make Lochaline a more vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
Believe it or not there is not one, not two, but six places to go and enjoy a drink and a Highland view during the summer months! Not bad for a peninsula with a population of just over 300 people. In addition to the new, seasonal harbour bar and foodie theme nights at the community café, visitors now have access to an award-winning restaurant, a woodfired sauna on the shores of Loch Aline, regular lively session nights at the local pub, wildlife boat tours, diving trips, foraging courses, holistic therapy treatments, yoga classes… the list goes on.
New Discoveries: The Coal Shed Café
The latest addition to our community? The Coal Shed Café at Ardtornish — our dog-friendly ‘estate to plate’ concept Café at the heart of Achranich. It’s been wonderful to see food sourced on our doorstep being enjoyed by guests and locals alike. The Café has added a whole new kind of buzz to the place — and is just one more addition to the many hidden gems in Morvern to be discovered by those who pause here long enough to take it all in.
Kathi’s Car-Free Escape
A few weeks ago, we welcomed Kathi to Ardtornish to celebrate her wedding anniversary. Kathi has previously spread the word of Ardtornish via her travel podcasts, so it was a pleasure to invite her back to relax in one of our cottages, sample The Coal Shed Café (for research purposes, of course), and create some fresh content to show that here at Ardtornish, you don’t need to go far to find something special.
Point proven — Kathi told us she didn’t once get back in her car from the moment she arrived until the moment she left. Now that’s our kind of holiday.
You can read all about her autumn escape and discover what a short break at Ardtornish looks like here. As Kathi proved, there really is no need to get on that ferry!
By Hannah Collins
