Attractions

Wester Ross has a huge range of activities, from award winning museums and heritage centres, to the amazing landscapes that offer hill climbing, watersports, pony trekking and fishing.

Walking

Not only does Gairloch lie just on the Western fringe of the infamous "Wilderness" tract of unspoilt mountainous land, it can also boast Torridon just to the South and Coigach and Assynt by Ullapool to the North. These areas have some of the best mountains in Scotland, with a large number of Munro's (mountains over 3,000 feet), and many other great climbs of lesser heights to attract rock climbers and walkers. On lower ground, there are many great walks around the many lochs and glens that offer panoramic views to the hills and across the sea to Skye.

Beaches

Wester Ross can have some stunning summer weather thanks to the Gulf Stream air flow. Indeed, while at a similar latitude to Moscow, it is possible to grow Palm Trees in local gardens. To make the most of the weather, it's worth hitting some great beaches. The Atlantic water is usually a few degrees warmer than that found in the North Sea to the East, and in sheltered bays can be warm enough to accomodate a whole day swimming. Some of the great beaches can be found South of Port Henderson at Opinan (just 10 minutes walk from the cottage), and further along the road at Redpoint, where 2 beaches can be found either side of the point. North of Gairloch, there is a predictably large beach at Big Sand, and further afield there are good clean beaches at Mellon Udrigle and Gruinard Bay.

Watersports

With such a great coastline, it's no surprise that there's plenty of watersports activities. Badachro and Shieldaig bays offer some of the best sheltered anchorages in the North-West, and are ideal for kayaking, wind-surfing, and sailing. Gairloch has a busy fishing fleet, and from the harbour area cruises are run daily by Gairloch Marine Life Centre and Cruises, with a good chance of spotting Seals, Porpoise, Whales and Dolphins.

Fishing

The area around Gairloch has some prime fishing locations - from sea fishing to the many hill lochs and rivers. The Rivers Ewe, Badachro, Kerry and Gruinard offer the chance of excellent Salmon and Sea Trout, while Loch Badachro, the Fairy Lochs, Loch Maree, Loch Tollaidh and Loch Kernsary amongst others are well known rich spots among local fishermen. Permits for the Gairloch Angling Club are available from many local shops and the Creag Mhor Hotel. Sea fishing is also popular, with some top class specimens of Turbot, Whiting, Plaice, Cod and of course Haddock ripe for the catch. Close to the shore there are Mussels, Cockles, possibly Mackrel and even Squid and Conger Eel close by the shore. There is atleast one local boat available for hire, and this really is recommend to get the best from Sea Fishing the Gairloch.

Golf Course

As early as 1898 golf was being played on the links above Gairloch Beach. The course comprises 9 holes, set in spectacular scenery with a backdrop of mountains and views to Skye and the Western Isles. Although a small course, the holes are nevertheless challenging with some tricky shots. Visitors to the club have included Prince Andrew, and there are regular tournaments for both locals and visitors. The clubhouse occupies a delightful position overlooking the beach, with views to the mountains, and is open for refreshments to those who do not wish to play golf. There is ample parking beside the course. Tourists can take advantage of day or weekly rates to play the greens. The members are always keen to welcome visitors.

Visitor Centres

Gairloch has a prize winning Heritage Museum, with informative displays on the local lighthouse, illicit whisky stills, croft life and the effects of WWII on the area. The hands on activities will have children and adults travelling through time on the dullest of days. Events are often run in the Community Centre throughout the year, look out for posters advertising the latest events. Ruadh Reidh Lighthouse is now run as a hostel, and runs Rock Climbing Courses and Guided Walks. Near by Inverewe Gardens are astonishing - at the same latitude as Moscow, the gardens are full of exotic plants from as far afield as the Himalaya, China, New Zealand, Africa and America, indeed they even grow Palm Trees!

Bars & Restaurants

Gairloch can boast a number of truely brilliant places to eat and drink. For a small snack or coffee the Mountain Coffee Company in Strath Square can't be beaten, hours can be whiled away munching on rock cakes and taking in the view from the conservatory. Also in Strath Square is the Blueprint Restaurant, which also boasts a take-away Chip Shop. There are many Hotels to choose from, in Strath there is the Millcroft Hotel and Myrtle Bank Hotel, while around the harbour area the Old Inn and The Creel are found. In Badachro there is the waterside Badachro Inn, and Raptures restaurant. It is advised to book in advance, weekend evenings can be particularly busy, especially through the Summer months.