Scottish Highland self catering cottage situated by the world famous Silver Sands of Morar
morar hotel

morar hotel near Mallaig

Essan Cottage, Morar, PH40 4PA, Scotland
Telephone: 01687 460014
E-mail:enquiries@cottageselfcatering.co.uk



       Activities in the area of Essan Cottage

There are many things to see and do around Morar. The main attraction of the area is the scenery. It is often described as breathtaking, some would say out of this world. On a clear day the view from the cottage looking out across the islands and the Silver Sands is absolutely spectacular.

Staying at Essan Cottage, the obvious choice for a relaxing walk is the Silver Sands. There are however plenty of other unspoiled places to explore where you can forget about the stresses of modern life and simply relax.
the silver sands of Morar
The famous Silver Sands
Mallaig Marine World, and ideal place to visit for young and old alike
Mallaig marine world


Mallaig has plenty of things to offer, including a heritage centre detailing the interesting and varied history of the local area.

A local leisure centre is also available where there is a swimming pool and various fitness facilities available.
If you enjoy golf the nearby course at Traigh is a wonderful place for a round or two. It has been described by the Scotsman newspaper as "Probably the most beautifully sited nine-hole golf course in the world", and it is easy to see why when you get there.
Traigh golf course, which is close to the Morar Hotel
Beautiful Traigh golf course
Caledonian MacBrayne ferry which travels regularly to the Isle of Skye from Mallaig
Calmac ferry on route to Skye


The cottage is a convenient base for day trips to the Isle of Skye. The ferry timetable ensures that you can spend a day touring Skye.

Fancy a relaxing cruise then why not take a trip on Bruce Watt's cruises. They leave from the harbour and sail up Loch Nevis to Tarbet and the Knoydart Peninsular where there is a chance of sighting whales or dolphins!

Cruises are also available from Arisaig just a few miles down the road from Morar. These cruises are operated by Arisaig marine and travel to the tranquil small isles of Eigg, Rum and Muck.


For further information on the area try The Road to the Isles website.

For a more general guide to Scotland try The Internet guide to Scotland

    Fishing at Essan Cottage

Essan Cottage is the ideal base for a fishing holiday in the beautiful West Highlands.

The cottage is conveniently situated only a short drive from Loch Morar.

The Loch is the deepest in Britain and has many small and beautiful islands and sheltered bays to fish in. Indeed, one of the islands was the site of the first ever seminary in Scotland; this was however burnt down during the first Jacobite uprising.
view of Loch Morar from the hotel
Loch Morar from above the cottage
fishing available on Loch Morar
The fishing on Loch Morar is mainly brown trout fishing, although there are also some good runs of salmon and sea trout that enter the loch via the River Morar, the shortest river in Britain. Arrangements can be made locally for permits and boat hire.

Fishing is permitted from both the bank and from boats. There are no restrictions on the types of fishing permitted, "so long as no explosives are used!"

Whilst most fishing is done on Loch Morar there are endless opportunities for fishing in the area including sea and hill loch fishing.

 

Loch Morar does of course have a famous resident in Morag the monster, cousin of Nessie, the Loch Ness monster.

The legend of Morag can be traced right to the time of Saint Columba who it is claimed saw the monster. More recently there have been at least 100+ documented sightings dating back to 1887. Over the years people have reported seeing objects ranging from snakelike creatures to the classic three humps above the water. Whatever the truth it certainly makes for more interesting fishing, you never know what you might catch!

 

cousin of the Loch Ness monster
Does Morag look like this?

 

As with all fishing there are a fair few tales which emerge, some more true than others! However in recent times there is one which stands out above all others, and what's more it's true. Every year a fishing competition is held on the loch in which locals compete to see who is the best fisherman.

fishing competition

On one occasion, the boats went out as usual and unbeknown to them a huge run of salmon had entered the loch. Almost all the boats unknown to each other had caught a salmon or two. Every boat that came in thought they were the winners, only to be disappointed. The boat that finally won had caught an astonishing five salmon. After the event a poem was written about the day. To read it click here.

fishing competition winners
"The Lucky Winners"


   
 

Essan Cottage, Morar, PH40 4PA, Scotland
Telephone: 01687 460014

www.westhighlandholidays.co.uk