Corrachadh Mòr

Corrachadh Mòr is a headland on the Ardnamurchan peninsula in Lochaber, in the Scottish Highlands. By modern measurements it is the westernmost point of land on the island of Great Britain. There is no viewing car park or signed path here, but you get a wild, open stretch of coast facing the Atlantic.

What makes Corrachadh Mòr special?

For a long time, the nearby Ardnamurchan Point, famous for its lighthouse, was taken to be Britain's western tip. More precise coordinates showed that Corrachadh Mòr sits a few tens of metres further west. Sources quote slightly different figures, generally somewhere around 30 to 45 metres, depending on the reference system used. It lies roughly 36 to 37 km west of Land's End in Cornwall, which makes it the western limit of the whole island, not just of Scotland.

Where is it?

The headland is at the far end of the Ardnamurchan peninsula, about a kilometre south of Ardnamurchan Point lighthouse. Its coordinates are approximately 56.716° N, 6.228° W. The nearest village of any size is Kilchoan, from where a narrow road runs west towards the lighthouse. The terrain is moorland, bare rock and small inlets.

How do you get there?

Most visitors start at Ardnamurchan Point lighthouse, which can be reached by car. From there it is a walk across open ground. Walkers describe the ground as rocky and boggy in places, with no clear path. Some visitors only look at the headland from a distance, since crossing the uneven terrain takes time and sturdy footwear. Take a map or GPS, as landmarks are scarce.

What will you see?

Corrachadh Mòr is a geographical point, not a developed attraction. The reward is the view over the open Atlantic and along the Ardnamurchan coast. In clear weather the islands of the Hebrides show on the horizon. There is no monument or plaque, so many people simply photograph a GPS reading.

When should you visit?

Choose a day without heavy rain or strong wind: the ground is exposed, and wet weather makes the boggy sections worse. Long summer days leave plenty of daylight for the return. Winter brings short days and tougher conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Corrachadh Mòr really the westernmost point of Great Britain?

Yes, for the main island. It lies several tens of metres west of Ardnamurchan Point, which was once considered the western extreme.

Can I drive there?

Not to the headland itself. You can drive to the area of Ardnamurchan Point lighthouse, and the rest is on foot.

Is there a marked trail?

No. The route crosses open, rocky and sometimes muddy ground, so you need solid boots and some navigation skill.

Where is the nearest village?

Kilchoan, on the southern coast of the Ardnamurchan peninsula.