Lochaline

Settlement in Argyllshire

Scotland

Lochaline

Ferry arrival, Lochaline Ferry from Mull. — Ferry arrival, Lochaline Credit: Richard Webb

Lochaline is a small village located on the western coast of Scotland, specifically in the region of Argyllshire. Situated on the picturesque Morvern Peninsula, Lochaline offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Sound of Mull.

With a population of around 200 residents, Lochaline is known for its tranquil and remote atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The village is accessible by road, with the A884 providing a direct link to the nearby town of Fort William.

One of the main attractions in Lochaline is its proximity to the Lochaline Quartz Sand Mine. This mine, the only underground silica sand mine in the UK, has been in operation since 1940 and is a significant source of high-quality silica sand used in various industries, including glass manufacturing and renewable energy.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Lochaline, with numerous hiking trails and nature reserves in the area. The nearby Lochaline Forest offers a range of walking routes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking Scottish countryside.

For those interested in marine life, the waters around Lochaline are teeming with wildlife. The village is a popular spot for diving enthusiasts, who come to explore the diverse underwater ecosystems and the wreck of the SS Shuna.

Overall, Lochaline is a charming and secluded village that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic significance, and recreational opportunities for all who visit.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Lochaline Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.530095/-5.7904874 or Grid Reference NM6744. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ferry arrival, Lochaline Ferry from Mull.

Ferry arrival, Lochaline

Ferry from Mull.

On the ferry, Lochaline Rules for the open deck short route ferries - disease prevention by staying in the vehicle. The black objects are chocks.

I don&#039;t like to take pictures from inside the car, but them&#039;s the rules!

On the ferry, Lochaline

Rules for the open deck short route ferries - disease prevention by staying in the vehicle. The black objects are chocks. I don't like to take pictures from inside the car, but them's the rules!

Bracken covered ground, Lochaline

Bracken covered ground, Lochaline

Logging road, Lochaline

Logging road, Lochaline

B849, Lochaline The road to Drimnin.

B849, Lochaline

The road to Drimnin.

Time out waiting for the Mull ferry Whilst people in camper vans who just missed the ferry to Lochaline seemed mainly to sit in the queue, those in smaller cars seemed more drawn to the picnic area just along the forest track. Such places often have a height barrier to deter overnight camping, though I didn&#039;t notice one here - the restriction to small vehicles seemed entirely voluntary in the middle of the day.

Time out waiting for the Mull ferry

Whilst people in camper vans who just missed the ferry to Lochaline seemed mainly to sit in the queue, those in smaller cars seemed more drawn to the picnic area just along the forest track. Such places often have a height barrier to deter overnight camping, though I didn't notice one here - the restriction to small vehicles seemed entirely voluntary in the middle of the day.

Andy Waddington

Looking across Sgeir MhÃ²r to the Sound of Mull

Looking across Sgeir MhÃ²r to the Sound of Mull

Andy Waddington

Lochaline seen from Goirtein Dearg Sound of Mull beyond.

Lochaline seen from Goirtein Dearg

Sound of Mull beyond.

Caolas na h-Ãirde The narrows at the mouth of Loch Aline. As expected there can be a bit of a tidal stream here.

Caolas na h-Ãirde

The narrows at the mouth of Loch Aline. As expected there can be a bit of a tidal stream here.

Silica mine, Lochaline Developed during World War II as a domestic source of pure quartz for optics. Most sand contains metals, this is near 100% silicon dioxide and is an exceptional deposit. The mine closed in 2008 but has since resumed production.

The sands date back to shallow seas in the Cretaceous and were preserved from later erosion by the lava flows during the Tertiary volcanic episode.

Silica mine, Lochaline

Developed during World War II as a domestic source of pure quartz for optics. Most sand contains metals, this is near 100% silicon dioxide and is an exceptional deposit. The mine closed in 2008 but has since resumed production. The sands date back to shallow seas in the Cretaceous and were preserved from later erosion by the lava flows during the Tertiary volcanic episode.

View towards Cnap a' Chaolais The crags are of Cretaceous sandstone, related to the silica deposits mined across the loch.

View towards Cnap a' Chaolais

The crags are of Cretaceous sandstone, related to the silica deposits mined across the loch.

Sandstone crag, Cnap a' Chaolais The crag is of Cretaceous sandstone, related to the silica deposits mined across the loch.

Sandstone crag, Cnap a' Chaolais

The crag is of Cretaceous sandstone, related to the silica deposits mined across the loch.

Ferry House, Loch Aline

Ferry House, Loch Aline

Road to Old Ardtornish

Road to Old Ardtornish

Road to Old Ardtornish

Road to Old Ardtornish

Road to Old Ardtornish

Road to Old Ardtornish

Burn, Old Ardtornish

Burn, Old Ardtornish

Ardtornish Estate Ferry House over Caolas na h-Airde The right hand building is a Category C Listed building of 1879 by Samuel Barnham. Formerly the Caolas Ferry House; sited opposite the Caolas Ferry pier linking (Old) Ardtornish with Lochaline. Caolas Cottage was former stables and is not included in listing.

Ardtornish Estate Ferry House over Caolas na h-Airde

The right hand building is a Category C Listed building of 1879 by Samuel Barnham. Formerly the Caolas Ferry House; sited opposite the Caolas Ferry pier linking (Old) Ardtornish with Lochaline. Caolas Cottage was former stables and is not included in listing.

Jo and Steve Turner

Show me another place!

Lochaline is located at Grid Ref: NM6744 (Lat: 56.530095, Lng: -5.7904874)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///allies.closets.tens. Near Lochaline, Highland

Nearby Locations

Lochaline Loch Alainn

Related Wikis

Lochaline

Lochaline

Lochaline (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Àlainn) is the main village in the Morvern area of Highland, Scotland. The coastal village is situated at the mouth of...

Lochaline Mine

Lochaline Mine

Lochaline Mine is a mine on the Morvern peninsula of the Highland area of Scotland. The mine works a white cretaceous sandstone to produce high grade silica...

Fishnish

Fishnish

Fishnish (Scottish Gaelic: Finnsinis) is a ferry terminal on the Isle of Mull, roughly halfway between Tobermory and Craignure. It is owned and operated...

Ardtornish Castle

Ardtornish Castle

Ardtornish Castle is situated in the grounds of the Ardtornish estate in Morvern, on the west coast of Scotland. It stands at the seaward end of a promontory...

Loch Aline

Loch Aline

Loch Aline (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Àlainn) is a small salt water loch home to fish, birds and game, located in Morvern, Lochaber, Scotland. Key features...

Ardtornish Bay

Ardtornish Bay

Ardtornish Bay is coastal embayment, on a chord of 0.89 miles, on a 161° orientation, in the Morvern peninsula in Lochaber, in the western coast of Scotland...

Ardtornish

Ardtornish

Ardtornish (Scottish Gaelic: Àird Tòirinis) is a Highland estate in Scotland located in Morvern, Lochaber. Ardtornish House is famous for its gardens...

Kinlochaline Castle

Kinlochaline Castle

Kinlochaline Castle is a 15th-century Scottish tower house on the Ardtornish estate in Morvern in the Highland council area. It is also known as Caisteal...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 56.530095,-5.7904874

Created By: dmgroom_coastlines

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 56.532765/-5.788639

Location Transition: yes

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 56.5343351/-5.7926728

Seamark Construction: metal

Seamark Light Category: vertical

Seamark Light Character: F

Seamark Light Colour: green

Seamark Light Height: 4

Seamark Light Multiple: 2

Seamark Light Range: 2

Seamark Name: Lochaline pier

Seamark Type: light_minor

Lat/Long: 56.5322657/-5.7852789

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Ceann Loch Aileart Inverness-shire

Lochanhully Inverness-shire

Have you been to Lochaline?

Leave your review of Lochaline below (or comments, questions and feedback).