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Scotland West Coast Guide Scotland's west coast is one of the richest areas of the UK's coastline, in terms of landscape, habitats and wildlife. Along its length you will find a wealth of stunning coastal views, secluded villages, unspoilt beaches and rich wildlife habitats. There are also some of the UK's best unknown seaside resorts and the UK's 4th largest city - Glasgow. There is certainly a great deal to see and do in this area and a visit is the only way to achieve this - so off you go!
The west
coast of Scotland is amazing in terms of its environment and length - with its
twisting, convoluted shape and myriad of islands, there is a great deal of
coastline to consider. It is estimated that 60% of the total UK coastline lies
within Scotland. This represents around 6000 miles of coast, taking into account
all of the off-shore islands - the total length of the UK's coast is estimated
to be around 11,300
miles. So a rough estimate would suggest that around 50% of Scotland's
coast lies within the
western sector and 50% in the eastern sector - which would work out at around
3000 miles of coast in each sector. See map below. This rugged region
offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventure which include; sailing
and windsurfing, surfing, climbing and walking, cycling and you can even go
whale watching off the western coast. To
look for Scotland west coast hotels, guest houses, cottages and holidays - see the resort
pages.
Scotland West
Coast
West coast
islands
Hebrides beach Transport Travelling to and from and within the west coast of Scotland
region can be tricky as there are no routes that cover the whole region. The
route into the region from England is the exception with the M74 going directly
to Glasgow. After that you will need to navigate more carefully. The A75 will
take you west to Stranraer. The main route north is the A82 out of Glasgow which
will take you along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Take the A85 west to get to
Oban. Staying with the A82 will take you to Fort William. Shortly after Fort
William is the turn for Mallaig - the A830. Further up the A82 at Invergary take
the A87 for The Kyle of Lochalsh and the Isle of Skye. To go further north you now have a difficult decision to make.
You can stay with the A82 which now crosses to the east coast to end at
Inverness via Loch Ness - so you can do a bit of monster hunting along the way.
You can then swing west again on the A9 and then the A835 towards Ullapool on
the west coast. The alternative route, which stays closer to the west coast,
is to head towards the Kyle of Lochalsh and take the A890 just after Dornie -
heading north along Loch Carron. You should note that some of these roads are
single track - with passing places - you need to keep your eyes open along these
roads! There are several routes you can take via Shieldaig and Gairloch which
will take you eventually to Ullapool more or less along the coast. Some of these
roads have only been put in place fairly recently - the road along Loch
Shieldaig is an example - it was built in 1975 before that the villages got
about by boat! This road is an experience in itself - its better than any roller
coaster ride! Beware of delivery vans coming towards you! Our recommendation; - do both routes, one in and the other on the
way back, they are both very rewarding in terms of scenery and exploration! Great news - the toll on the
Isle of Skye bridge has been suspended after much protest - it is now free to
all! You will need to catch ferries to the islands of course - the
main ferry operator along the west coast of Scotland is Caledonian MacBrayne,
known locally as Calmac - www.calmac.co.uk
Details of hotels, guest houses and cottages are on the resort
pages.
Map of the West Coast of Scotland Southwest Coast Guide South
Coast Guide South East Coast
Guide East Coast Guide Wales Coast Guide
North West Coast Guide
North East Coast Guide Scotland East Coast Guide Scotland
West Coast Guide Northern
Ireland Coast Guide Quick Guide to the European Union |
Ukcoastguide |
Ukcoastguide 2016
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Portree Isle of Skye
