Port Appin and Lismore Island
A hidden gem on the West Coast of Scotland
Despite it’s location in between the uber touristy destinations of Fort Wiliam and Oban, the pretty coastal village of Port Appin is generally overlooked as visitors to Scotland drive along Loch Linnhe in search of better known destinations such as Glencoe, the Mull of Kintyre and the Inner Hebridean islands of Mull, Islay and Tiree.
A small road leading west just past picturesque Castle Stalker leads you to the village which house 2 of Scotland’s best restaurants, a beautiful coastal walk , as well as a small passenger ferry over to the peaceful island of Lismore.
Fantastic for cycling, walking or simply eating seafood and watching the world go by over the most spectacular of views, this is a don’t miss secret location!!
Castle Stalker
Built in 1495 by Duncan Stewart of Appin, the land was given to him by James IV as a thank your for supporting him and overthrowing the lord of the Isles.
Taken by the Campbells in 1620 followed by the stewarts in 1685, it was left abandoned in the late 1700s before its restoration in 1960 to the stunning castle you see today.
Clan Stewart of Appin: The area around Port Appin was historically part of the lands controlled by Clan Stewart of Appin. The Stewarts of Appin played a significant role in the region’s history, particularly during the medieval period and the Jacobite uprisings.
A private home, sadly you are unable to visit it but it does give you a sense of history as you drive past and imagine the sea conquests along the whole of the Scottish west coast.
Port Appin
The clear waters around Port Appin are perfect for kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding. Local operators offer equipment rentals and guided tours.
A must for your visit is a trip on the pedestrian ferry over to the tranquil island of Lismore which is only a mile from Port Appin and takes approximately 10 minutes.
The region is rich in wildlife and even this short ferry gives you the opportunity to spot otters, seals, and a variety of bird species, including sea eagles.
Medieval Times: During the medieval period, the strategic location of Port Appin and the surrounding areas made it an important site for trade and defense. The proximity to Loch Linnhe and the natural harbor provided shelter for ships and facilitated trade with other parts of Scotland and beyond.
Lismore Island
This beautiful tranquil island located on Loch Linnhe is 10 miles long and 1 mile wide and with only 170 residents, the perfect place to cycle.
Surrounded by the mountains of Morven to the west, and the island of Mull to the south west, this beautiful west coast island translates from Gaelic to the ‘Great Garden’, so named because of its fertile low lying landcape.
The relatively flat landscape makes it perfect for cycling and bikes can be hired on the mainland from
I highly recommend either walking or cycling the 4 miles to the Gaelic Heritage Centre & Museum Gift Shop which houses annually changing exhibitions as well as permanent exhibits depicting life in Scotland in the century and a Cottar’s cottage . The café serves light meals, tea, coffee and cake.
Two outstanding restaurants and hotels in one village!
As you enter the village of Port Appin you pass by the Airds Hotel – a reknowned Scottish hotel and restaurant known for the quality of its food. On the menu you will find Scottish game and seafood and foraged produce making this gastronomic delight a truly local find!
Drive a little further along the coast and you find the pretty Pierhouse Hotel, opposite the pier and ferry to Lismore island. The Pierhouse (pictured opposite) is one of my favourite restaurants in the whole of Scotland. Totally unpretentious with outstanding food and hospitality, the warm atmosphere of this place in the most stunning of locations is reason enough to visit never mind the array of perfectly cooked seafood. The langoustines and the cullen skink are sublime!
The stunning loch side location of The Pierhouse Hotel offers the perfect place to dine outside and watch visitors taking the pedestrian ferry to Lismore. Alternatively, enjoy these amazing views beside the fire in the restaurant inside. I would highly recommend booking as locals and those in the know flock here!
Our Hidden Gem
Take the track behind the Pierhouse hotel and you will discover the coastal path around the headland past high cliffs overlooking Lismore.
Take the path bearing right through the bracken to the end of the headland looking out of lynn of Lorn and take a moment to look out over the water and mountains and breathe in the tranqulity of this beautiful place!
Lismore lighthouse sits in the distance at the west side of Lismore island.
Continue back to the main track and round the headland into Airds Bay before looping back along to the village and Airds hotel. Continue back through the village and stop at the old lighthouse lantern with information about Port Appin’s history
Excursions to take
Shepherding Experience
on the island of Lismore. Head out on a 4×4 vehicle and on foot to see how Aurther and his collies Misty and Tam flock their Hebridean sheep through the ruggged ancient landscape of Lismore