Mallaig Scotland: 12 Very Best Things To Do in The West Highlands

Where is Mallaig in Scotland?

Mallaig is a vibrant fishing port in Lochaber, located in the west coast of the Highlands, Scotland. It is linked to Fort William by the A830. The coordinates for this pretty harbour town is 57.0038° N, 5.8272° W

You can see the location of Mallaig from the map below, rather remote on the west coast of Scotland. Other places are included in the map which will be mentioned in this article to give you some destination inspiration to help design your itinerary.

The word “Mallaig” is derived from the old Norse “Mel Vik” which means ‘a sand dune bay’ and is less than 2 centuries old.

It began back in 1840 when the owner of the North Morar Estate, Lord Lovat divided his farmstead known as Mallaigvaig which had a population of just 23 into 17 plots of land. He encouraged his tenants from the more populated part of the estate, Loch Morar and Loch Nevis to resettle here and adopt fishing as a way of life.

By 1851, the population had grown to 134. The population and economy grew rapidly in the 20th century and became a thriving fishing port thereafter.

As a fishing port, Mallaig grew to be the busiest herring port in Europe in the 1960s. However, Mallaig sees the highest catches of prawns in Europe these days. Nevertheless, it still prides itself for its oak smoked kippers, which you must absolutely try when visiting this pretty town. There is only one place in Mallaig who does it “the old way” these days.

How to Get to Mallaig: Transport Connections to Mallaig

There are several ways to get to Mallaig.

By Rail

The local railway station is the terminus for one the greatest scenic rail journeys in the world, the West Highland Line and the highly acclaimed journey from Fort William aboard the Hogwarts Express made famous by the Harry Potter series of movies.

There are train services all year round from Fort William to Mallaig operated by Scotrail.

By Road

This historic pretty harbour town is also linked to Fort William by the stunning A830, evocatively known as ‘Road to the Isles’.

Shiel buses operate many of the local routes between Fort William and Mallaig.

Ferry services

Overlooking the Sound of Sleat that separates the mainland from the Isle of Skye, Mallaig’s focus is its ferry services. There are daily services to the Isle of Skye, Small Isles, South Uist and to the Knoydart Peninsula. Caledonian MacBrayne and Bruce Watt Sea sail from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye, Inverie in Knoydart and the isles of Rum, Eig, Muck and Canna.

How Much Time do You Need in Mallaig?

What to see and do in Mallaig depends very much on how much time you have.

Most visitors do the round trip journey on the Jacobite Steam Train which means they have about 90 minutes to have lunch and to sightsee. Some stay overnight at this fishing village and immerse in the surroundings, taking a piece of Mallaig with them when they leave.

Some others stay a little longer, a couple of days and use the harbour town as base to explore the Isles and other surrounding remote destinations.

Depending on how much time you have in this picturesque town, you could select from this comprehensive list to create your itinerary.

12 Best Things to Do in Mallaig, Scotland

Rather remote in the west coast of the Highland, Mallaig, a pretty harbour town offer 12 best things to see and do on your visit.

1. Mallaig Heritage Centre

Just next to Mallaig Railway Station is a nice little spot, home to a treasure trove of stories on West Lochaber, its people and landscape. Mallaig Heritage Centre is a place to learn about the local history.

The Centre tells the stories on the history of the fishing industry in Mallaig, the building of the West Highland Railways, and explains everything you need to know about this pretty harbour town.

The Mallaig Heritage Centre has a multimedia display, film show, lifeboat exhibition, a model railway and a gift shop. It is worth visiting if you have about an hour or so.

Address: Station Rd, Mallaig PH41 4PY

Opening hours: From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission charges apply. Special rates are available for groups of 8 persons and over.

2. St Columba’s Church of Scotland Mallaig

St Columba sits on a small hill overlooking the harbour of Mallaig, with spectacular views over the Small Isles. The church was built in 1903 and has one stained glass window. The window depicts Christ walking on water. A little further up, near the Manse, you have stunning views across the Sound of Sleat, and the Small Isles.

Address: Annies Brae, Mallaig, PH41 4QX

3. Western Isles Cruises — Wildlife cruise

The Western Isle Cruise operate the Knoydart Ferry Service at Mallaig. They offer a one-hour wildlife cruise which is a great opportunity to spot some wildlife.

The boat travels past the isles of Skye, Rum & Eig on the right, crossing the entrance to Loch Nevis, onwards to Green Island in the Knoydart Peninsula. The waters here are visited by birds, seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales and basking sharks.

Tour details:

The tour is designed to fit in with the Jacobite Steam train and Scotrail arrival and departure times at Mallaig.

Tour departs the harbour at 12:45 p.m. and at 5:00 p.m. daily between April and October. Arriving back in time to catch your trains back to Fort William.

Dogs welcome. Fully licensed bar and toilets.

4. Mallaig Circular Walk

Ideal if you wish to explore more of this picturesque village. A pleasant, short circular walk around the hills and village of Mallaig offer great views over the Isle of Skye and Small Isles.

Route:

i | Park by the harbour, at East bay car park;

ii | Head away from the village centre, towards your right, to a path signposted as Circular Walk;

iii| Head up the hill at the back of the houses and onto rough pasture. The path passes through a valley.

iv | Continue along the track, past the signpost to the top of the hill. There is a bench ideally placed for best views.

v | The path then heads towards the coast, joining a track, passing some houses to wards Mallaig Beag. On a clear day, you are rewarded with views over the Sleat Peninsula, Small Isles and Knoydart Peninsula.

vi | The track continues to the road. Turn left and return to Mallaig town centre.

TIP: Every now and again, stop to look back at the views. The views of the coast, cliffs, birch and willow are spectacular. Look out also for marine life and coastal birds.

5. Explore the Harbour at Mallaig Scotland

Mallaig harbour is lovely. The view of fishing boats, calm waters, the generous curve of the land, sunlight and breeze – moments where no clock can measure. It’s a place to easily dream away your time while watching the boats come in with their catches.

6. Morar Cross

Morar Cross is located near Mallaig Railway Station. If you can climb to the Morar Cross, you will be rewarded with some spectacular views of the bay. The climb is a little steep and there is a handrail in some parts.

There is a car park next to the train station. At the gate, look out for a sign that says ‘Steps to the Cross’. Takes about 5-7 minutes to reach the top.

7. Visit Morar

Morar is located to the south of Mallaig, about 4.8 kilometres (3 miles). Morar is ideal for spectacular views. Watch the Steam trains go past on the West Highland line and stunning views of the Small Isles.

The beaches of Morar are famous for its silvery sands where movies such as ‘Highlander‘ and ‘Local Hero’ were filmed. Take a relaxing stroll along the wide shoreline of soft, pristine sand and crystal clear waters in what seems a paradise.

There are seafood restaurants nearby that offer fresh catches of the day. The Morar Hotel is worth looking into if you are looking for a place to stay in this picturesque area of Scotland.

8. Loch Morar

Close by is Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Europe, stretching 19 kilometres (12 miles) in length and plunging to depths of 300 metres (1,000 feet) in places. Its pristine waters offer a serene setting for boating, canoeing, and fishing. A great spot in the West Highlands for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquillity amid stunning Highland scenery.

Hiking guide – Map on Loch Morar & Mallaig

9. Morag

If you do decide to head out to the waters of Loch Morar, be sure to have your cameras ready to capture a photo of Morag, a monster said to be a long time resident of the waters.

Morag—also known as Mòrag—is the legendary “monster” said to inhabit Loch?Morar in the Scottish Highlands, with reports dating back to 1887. By 1981, about 34 sightings had been documented, including a dramatic 1969 encounter involving two local fishermen who claimed their boat was bumped by a large, brown, three?humped creature approximately 25–30?ft long. This legend led to several surveys of the loch undertaken by the University of London in the 1970s.

Three further sightings have been reported since but no one has been able to capture an image of her. Who knows, she may pop her head up when you are out there, so be sure to capture an image of her.

10. Jacobite Steam Train

If you plan to get to Mallaig by car or bus, then a journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William is highly recommended. Well-known as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, this ride goes over the 21 arch Glenfinnan Viaduct with extraordinary vistas, creating timeless memories. It does not matter if you are not a fan of the wizardry world of Harry Potter, but a ride on the famous Hogwarts Express is a bucket list experience for many travellers. I highly recommend that you give it a go.

11. Shops in Mallaig to Explore

For a small harbour town, Mallaig offers a delightful range of shops that reflect the charm and creativity of the West Highlands. Whether you’re after unique gifts, essentials for your journey, or a magical memento, Mallaig has you covered.

A standout is Haggard Alley, a dedicated Harry Potter shop tucked down a whimsical lane just off Main Street, across from the Royal Bank of Scotland, close to the station. This locally beloved shop sells a wide range of official Warner Bros. merchandise, including wands, scarves, and house-themed keepsakes—perfect for fans visiting via the Jacobite Steam Train, which inspired the Hogwarts Express.

Art lovers will enjoy the Mallaig Art Gallery & Crafts, located at 2 Station Road. It features works by local artists alongside handcrafted jewellery, textiles, and Highland gifts—ideal for responsible souvenirs that support regional makers.

For everyday needs, there’s a Co?op grocery store conveniently located near the ferry terminal and train station. You’ll also find several independent gift and souvenir shops along Main Street, such as Mallaig Toys & Gifts and Way Out West, offering coastal trinkets, toys, and Highland memorabilia.

Mallaig also has two banks—Royal Bank of Scotland and Bank of Scotland—as well as the Mallaig Pool & Leisure centre, which serves locals and visitors alike with swimming and fitness facilities.

12. Festivals and Cultural Scene

Among the top things to do in Mallaig is to immerse yourself in its vibrant cultural scene, especially during “A Write Highland Hoolie”, the town’s annual literary festival held each mid-November.

This warm and welcoming event brings together renowned authors, poets, and readers for an inspiring weekend of storytelling, music, and Highland hospitality.

Set against the backdrop of Mallaig’s rugged coastal beauty, it offers a unique chance to experience local creativity and community spirit in one of Scotland’s most scenic settings.

Add to Your Itinerary of Things to Do Near Mallaig, West Highlands, Scotland

Exploring beyond Mallaig Scotland reveals even more of the dramatic beauty and rich history that define the West Highlands. Here are some places you may want to add to your Mallaig itinerary:

Arisaig, just 13 kilometres (8 miles) south of Mallaig, is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and panoramic views of the Small Isles—perfect for a quiet coastal walk or a kayak adventure in summer.

Loch Nan Uamh, south-east of Arisaig, is steeped in Jacobite history. It’s the landing site of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 and the very place he fled from in 1746 after the failed uprising—a hauntingly beautiful spot marked with a cairn and steeped in stories.

Lochailort, set between Arisaig and Glenfinnan, is home to Inverailort Castle, which served as a training base for British Commandos during WWII. Though not open to the public, the atmospheric ruins echo with wartime intrigue and are a unique point of interest on the drive inland.

Glenfinnan, a hamlet located at the head of Loch Shiel, is one of Scotland’s most iconic historic sites. It’s here that Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745, marking the start of the Jacobite Rising. Today, the Glenfinnan Monument commemorates this pivotal moment, and nearby you can also spot the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films.

Places to Eat in Mallaig

Mallaig offers varied choices of an abundance in fresh produce from land and sea. There are cafes, takeaways, restaurants and fine dining for all budgets along with panoramic sea and island views. My top 4 are as follows:

1. The Cornerstone, Mallaig

The Cornerstone Seafood Restaurant has a cosy atmosphere and offers elevated views of Mallaig harbour. I dined here and their fish & chips is the one to go for!

Address: Main Street, Mallaig, PH41 4PU

2. Jaffy’s

Jaffy’s is a must-visit for seafood lovers in Mallaig, renowned as the only place in town serving traditional Oak Smoked Kippers, prepared on-site using age-old smoking techniques.

This family-run smoke-house and takeaway celebrates the region’s fishing heritage with a fresh, no-fuss menu featuring locally caught seafood—think smoked salmon, fish and chips, and of course, their signature kippers.

Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or taking some delicacies away, Jaffy’s offers an authentic taste of the West Coast straight from the harbour to your plate.

Address: J.Lawrie & Sons, ‘Jaffys’ , Station Road, Mallaig, PH41 4QD

3. The Fishmarket Restaurant

If you love seafood, the Fishmarket Restaurant is the place to be. Fish and shellfish are as fresh as they can be from the local boats! Ideally situated in the centre of town, with beautiful views of the harbour.

The relaxed, maritime-themed setting complements the menu perfectly, making it an ideal spot to savour the flavours of the sea.

Address: Station Road, Mallaig, Inverness-shire, PH41 4QS

4. The Terrace Restaurant

The Terrace Restaurant has a range to offer – from light bites, soups, sandwiches to classic favourites and specialities. It ensures the freshest and locally available produce is used.

Address: Davies Brae, Mallaig, Inverness-shire, PH41 4QZ

Where to Stay in Malaig, Scotland

Mallaig has a number of good places to stay:

• West Highland Hotel — Harbour-front with panoramic views of the Small Isles, comfortable rooms, terrace restaurant, and solid guest rating of 7.9/10 
• The Chlachain Inn — A modern pub-style inn with ensuite rooms, bar, terrace, and live music; rated 8.4/10 
• Cornerstone Guest House — Seafront guest house offering superb hospitality, sea views, and outstanding breakfast service (rating 9.4/10)
• Seaview Guest house — Main Street B&B with panoramic harbour views, warm décor, and a cosy feel (9.3/10) 
• The Mission Bunkhouse — Budget-friendly, hostel-style accommodation located right opposite the train station and ferry terminal (rated 8.5/10) 
• Mallaig Glamping Pods – Unique, modern pods with waterfront views, highly praised for their comfort and cleanliness (9.4/10)

…as a deliberate escapist and mindful wanderer on Mallaig

Mallaig is fascinating and it is different to other tourist destinations in The Highland. It is the harbour that is the centre point of activity rather than the town. Visitors soak up the atmosphere of a working fishing port while also relax in the untouched remoteness of this pretty harbour town.

Due to its location, Mallaig is the gateway to the archipelago of islands on the west coast of Scotland. Definitely a perfect destination to spend some quality time and an escape to for some island views, seafood dining and sunsets.

Have a splendid time exploring Mallaig and The Highlands of Scotland.

Georgina xoxo

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