Ardnamurchan beach Photo: Gavin Davis, @fatgav67
bringing scents and splashes of colour. Resident birds are pairing up and building nests, while migratory birds pass overhead filling the skies with bird song. The call of the cuckoo ech- oes across the peninsulas heralding the start of the season. The miles of coastline offer rocky shores and sandy beaches, home to otters and wading birds, many of which are on endangered lists, but continue to thrive in these remote places. The red deer stags are regrowing new antlers while the hinds are prepar-
ing to give birth to this year’s young. Badgers are waking from their torpid winter state and thanks to the longer daylight hours, it is easier to spot pine martens out and about before darkness falls. The West Highland Peninsulas are home to all of Scot- land’s Big Five; red deer, red squirrels, otters, seals and golden eagles. Along with an abundance of insects includ- ing dragonflies and rare chequered skipper butterflies. The fresh and saltwater lochs offer opportunities for kayaking, sailing or paddleboarding, with places to hire kit if you are travelling light and don’t want to bring your own. Walking and hiking are perfect pursuits with longer days offering hours of daylight to get out and explore. If cold water swim- ming is your passion, there are endless bays and beaches, rivers, lochs and waterfalls to find your favourite spot for a dip. Hire a self-drive boat or book an organised trip such as to Staffa to see the Puffins, and Fingal’s Cave (named in The Telegraph as an extraor- dinary place to visit in Scotland.) As summer arrives, the West Highland Peninsulas calendar begins to fill up with agricultural, produce and hand- icraft shows, Highland Games, live music and rousing ceilidhs, showcas-
The West Highland Peninsulas are a year- round destination, with spring and summer offering the chance to enjoy the spectacular landscapes and wildlife at their best, and a whole calendar of events showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the local communities, with visitors welcome to join in the fun. In springtime nature awakens from her winter slumber, and the ancient oak woodlands come to life with trees in leaf, carpets of spring flowers; snow- drops, wood anemones, dog violet, primroses, wild garlic and bluebells
ing the rich local heritage of crofting and rural crafts, traditional music and Gaelic culture. Crafts and gifts are available from local shops along with a huge variety of locally made and grown produce from cafes, restaurants and honesty larders at croft gates across the area. Morvern Games & Gala Saturday 19th July, followed by Morvern Gala week West Ardnamurchan Regatta 1st August Sunart Show , Strontian - Saturday 9th August
Moidart Produce Show Saturday 30th August
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