Strontian on Loch Sunart: Nature and Walking Routes

Strontian lies at the head of Loch Sunart, giving visitors a clear connection to the water and the surrounding routes when planning a trip. If you are looking for a hotel in Strontian, you can use the village as a starting point for a range of experiences: a short walk leads from the Village Centre along the Strontian River to the church, while nearby woodland paths offer a different route through the landscape. The area also has local history and a visitor information centre that doubles as a community retail outlet for local creatives.

Location on Loch Sunart

Strontian pier provides boat access to Loch Sunart and lies towards the upper end of the loch. Before travelling, check locally which facilities are currently available at the pier. Oakwood Tourism and Crafts in Strontian is both a tourist information centre and a cooperative retail outlet for local artists, photographers, jewellers and craftspeople. Visitor arrangements may change; check before your visit.

Church and local history

Strontian Parish Church stands on the west bank of the Strontian River. The building was constructed in 1827 to a design by Telford. It has a T-shaped floor plan and a porch on the south side. These distinctive architectural features make a walk through the village more purposeful, linking local history with a route along the river.

Walks and woodland trails

The Back Road Walk, “An Rathad Cuil”, starts at the Village Centre, follows the Strontian River, passes the Community High School and continues to the church built by Thomas Telford. This easy walk is half a mile long and takes 30 minutes. You can return the way you came or take the main road back; parking is available at the Village Centre. As path conditions can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before setting out.

Nearby is Ariundle Oakwood, an ancient native broadleaved woodland on south-east-facing slopes on the north side of Strontian Glen. It is part of the Scottish rainforest. Ariundle Oakwood NNR has woodland and nature trails that can be combined into a five-kilometre circuit. A path provides access to the reserve’s woodland trail; the car park is two miles north of Strontian. Check access and path conditions before your visit, as they may change.

More walks and activities

The circular route through Strontian Community Woodland passes through the old policy woodlands of the Sunart Estate. The route from Ardnastaing to Scotstown is called “The High Road”: this old route follows a historic coffin-carrying route that leads towards Eilean Fhianain (St Finnan’s Isle) in Loch Shiel. Conditions and surfaces on these routes may change; check them before setting out.

Phemie’s Walk is named after Phemie Mackinnon, who worked for the Forestry Commission and was a well-known figure in Strontian. There are several walking trails around Strontian and up to the mines; a local walking guide provides detailed information. Sunart Cycles is based in Strontian and offers bicycle hire on the West Highland Peninsulas. Check that bicycle hire is available before travelling.

For the broader travel overview: Highland.