19 May Why the West Coast of Scotland is best
Why the West Coast of Scotland Is the Best (And Why You’ll Want to Keep Coming Back)
There are many beautiful corners of Scotland — wild glens, historic cities, rolling farmlands, rugged islands. But ask anyone who has spent real time on the West Coast, and you’ll hear the same answer: there’s nowhere quite like it. Whether it’s the ever-changing light, the mountain-to-sea landscapes, the peaceful villages or the sense of space you can physically feel — the West Coast has a magic all of its own.
Here’s why we think it’s the best place in Scotland… and maybe the best place on earth.
1. Mountains and sea in one sweeping view
Few places give you the drama of peaks rising straight from the water. Here, mountains don’t just sit on the horizon — they plunge into sea lochs, shape the coastline and create some of the most cinematic views in the country.
On the West Coast, you can have breakfast overlooking a calm bay, climb a hill by lunch and watch the sun set behind Skye by dinner.
It’s Scotland in its most concentrated form.
2. The light shows are world-class
Painters, photographers and daydreamers all say the same thing: the light here is different.
The West Coast lives in a constant state of transformation — sunbursts through clouds, soft pastel evenings, glowing mountainsides after the rain, and winter skies that turn gold, pink and silver all at once.
Even on a quiet day, the sky puts on a show.
3. Wildlife you can actually meet
Red deer grazing at dusk, pine martens darting across garden edges, seals lounging on rocks, eagles circling above the ridge lines…
On the West Coast, wildlife isn’t something you hope to spot — it’s part of daily life.
Take a gentle walk and you might see otters in the shallows or porpoises breaking the surface. Sit quietly long enough and the landscape reveals itself.
4. Peace, quiet, and the rare feeling of true escape
The West Coast gives you something modern life rarely allows: space.
Space to breathe, to reset, to slow down. Space where the loudest sound is sometimes just the wind in the trees or waves lapping the shore.
For many visitors, the moment they arrive is the first time they’ve felt properly relaxed in months.
There’s something about this place that unclutters the mind.
5. A playground for walkers, climbers and explorers
Whether you’re finishing your last Munro or simply heading out for a gentle coastal stroll, the West Coast offers adventures for every energy level:
Iconic Munros and airy ridgelines
Forest trails and family-friendly loops
Hidden beaches and quiet bays
Island-hopping day trips
Paddleboarding, kayaking and wild swimming
This isn’t just pretty scenery — it’s a landscape that invites you in.
6. Timeless villages with genuine charm
Places like Plockton, Shiel Bridge, Dornie, Balmacara and Kyle of Lochalsh aren’t picture-perfect by accident — they’re living communities with culture, history and warmth.
Think fresh seafood, local craft shops, friendly pubs, community events and the feeling that you’ve stepped into a slower, more human rhythm of life.
7. A sense of magic you can’t quite explain
Everyone feels it differently — awe, nostalgia, inspiration, peace — but the West Coast has a pull.
People come for a holiday and end up returning year after year. Some even move here.
The mountains, the water, the weather… it all adds up to something that stays with you.
You don’t just visit the West Coast — you absorb it.
8. And of course… it’s home to Coillemore House
Nestled on the Balmacara Estate, surrounded by ancient woodland, sea views and endless walking routes, Coillemore House is at the heart of everything that makes the West Coast special.
Your morning coffee can come with birdsong and mountain light.
Your evenings can end in a hot tub under a sky full of stars.
And between those moments?
Adventure, quiet, laughter, rest — whatever you come here to find.
In the end… the West Coast isn’t just the best of Scotland — it’s the best of life
It’s where the mountains meet the sea, where time slows down, where people breathe deeper, and where memories form easily.
Whether you’re here for a last Munro celebration, a family gathering, or simply a week to switch off, the West Coast has a way of giving you exactly what you need.
And we’d love to welcome you to experience it for yourself.