Loch Shiel Wildlife Cruise

  • The Jetty at Acharacle
  • Ben Resipole from Loch Shiel
  • Common Gull
  • Dalilea Pier
  • St Finan's, The Green Isle
  • Wildernesse, a former home of Mike Tomkies
  • Looking North up Loch Shiel from Gaskan
  • The Glenfinnan monument and viaduct
  • Loch Shiel
  • The pier at Glenfinnan
  • The MV Sileas at Glenfinnan
  • Atlantic oak woodland on the shores of Loch Shiel - a temperate rainforest
  • A white tailed eagle seen on a cruise in September 2013
  • A white tailed eagle perched by the side of Claish Moss in September 2013
  • A closer view of one of the white tailed eagle on Loch Shiel
  • The refreshement area aboard the MV Sileas
  • Cruising down Loch Shiel on a misty morning

A lovely cruise along Loch Shiel in Moidart and Ardnamurchan with a knowledgeable and friendly skipper with chances of spotting golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, osprey, black throated diver, red deer and other wildlife.  The skipper provides a good commentary  about the history and culture of the Moidart, as well as being on the look out for local wildlife.  The trip affords some fantastic views of the Green Isle, Ben Resipole and Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct on a clear day. 

The MV Sileas, captained by Jim Michie, can carry up to 50 passengers and has covered and open decking, as well a below deck saloon.  There is a small selection of light refreshments (including a bar and hot beverages) on board and a pump out toilet. 

There are a variety of short circular  trips available from 1 hour to 2.5 hours on Monday- Friday, with the exception of Wednesday.  The trip to Gaskan offers the opportunity to see the former home of wildlife author and naturalist, Mike Tomkies. 

On Wednesday, you can travel between Glenfinnan (Moidart) and Acharacle (Ardnamurchan), either returning by boat or catching the service bus back.  If returning by boat, there is a short stop-over, giving you an opportunity to visit the shop, cafe and bakery at Acharacle.

We took the afternoon trip from Acharacle to Glenfinnan with Loch Shiel Cruises in June 2011.  It was very interesting cruise with ample opportunity to enjoy the loch and its wildlife.  On this occassion, we saw a golden eagle soaring high amongst the crags.  The bus met the boat at the jetty in Glenfinnan and took us back to Acharacle. 

We took a second trip on a misty morning from Glenfinnan to Acharacle in September 2013.  On that occassion we were lucky enough to see two white tailed eagles perched in trees on the shoreline.

It is a good idea to wrap up warm if you intend to sit out on deck and, if returning by bus, sit at the front of bus, if possible.

A lovely trip on the water on a fine day to explore the wildlife in Moidart and the Ardnamurchan.

starting grid ref

NM685678
NM901804

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