Visitor Attractions (some may be seasonal)
There are many visitor attractions in the local area as well as further afield. Some of the more popular local attractions include the following:
Inverewe Gardens, Poolewe – These world famous gardens maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, are 6 miles North of Gairloch (further North than Moscow) and contain a miraculous mixture of exotic plants from around the world supported by the warmth of the Gulf Stream. There are several paths around the gardens, ideal for all to explore. For more information click here. | |
Big Sand Archaeological Trail – This is situated about a mile from the cottage and consists of a signposted walk over mooreland passing excelent examples of the remains of pictish round houses. | |
Aroma Café & Perfume Studio, Mellon Charles – A vast range of perfumes made on site and crafts for sale along with a delightful coffee shop. For more information click here. | |
Gairloch Heritage Museum – This award-winning museum located in Gairloch, provides an insight to life in the area from pre-historic times to the present day. For more information click here. | |
Gairloch Harbour – A relaxed harbour for fishing boats and pleasure craft, with a small marine life centre. Look out for Sammy the seal who makes a regular appearance! click here | |
Gift/Craft Shops – There are several in and around Gairloch, including art galleries and pottery workshops. | |
Red Point – A spectacular sandy beach and dunes reached via the scenic route around the south side of Loch Gairloch past the picturesque sheltered anchorage of Badachro. For more information click here. | |
Short Walks & Waterfalls – There are several spectacular waterfalls in the area. Good examples can be visited at Flowerdale in Gairloch, and also at Slattadale just a few miles to the south on the A832. | |
Beaches – There are many stunning award winning beaches situated in the immediate vicinity, including Big Sand Beach, which is 5 minutes walk from the cottage. Other beaches in the area include Gairloch Beach, Mellon Udrigle Beach, Gruinard Beach and Firemore Beach. For more information click here. Tide times for all of these beaches can be found here. |
Activities (Some may be seasonal)
The cottage is ideal for getting away from it all and just relaxing in comfort or to use as a base to sample the many activities in the area including:
Swimming Pool – The pool is open to the public at various times in the day and is situated in the neighbouring village of Poolewe. For more information click here. | |
Sports & Leisure Centre, Gairloch – The Leisure Centre next to the High School offers sporting activities all year round. For more information click here. | |
Pony Trekking Centre, Flowerdale, Gairloch – Open March – October. For more information click here. | |
Fishing – For more information click here. | |
Hill Walking/Walking – There are many superb walks to take you through the famous mountains of Wester Ross, which include 60 Corbets and Munros. Ask at the Tourist Information Centre for details of Guided walking with qualified mountain guides. For more information click here. | |
Beinn Eigh Nature Trail – Britain’s first National Nature Reserve, is 16 miles south of Gairloch, alongside beautiful Loch Maree. Here you will find a variety of tracks for different abilities. For more information click here. | |
Golf – There is a well maintained 9 Hole Golf Course at Gairloch – Open 7 days, visitors welcome and you can hire clubs. For more information click here. | |
On the sea – Sea fishing trips and sea life tours go out daily in the summer season from Gairloch Pier. Gairloch is home to many species of porpoises, seals, dolphins, whales and sea birds. For more information on sealife and birdwatching click here and here. For more information on wildlife cruises click here. For details of glass-bottomed boat click here. | |
Mountain Biking – There are several tracks suitable for mountain bikes in the area. For more information click here. | |
Sports – Outdoor pursuits around Gairloch include rock climbing, abseiling and orienteering with instruction and equipment available locally. For more information click here. | |
Pitch & Putt – There is a small pich & putt course beside the play area at Strath. | |
Toybox Play Centre – This is situated behind the Community Centre and provides daycare for children from 3 months to 12 years, and visiting children are made very welcome. For more information click here. | |
For further information on the Wester Ross area please click here. |
There is an extremely well-stocked campsite shop and lovely cafe/bar/restaurant within walking distance of the cottage along with 2 well-stocked grocery shops and an award winning butchers in Gairloch. There are also several cafes/restaurants/hotels within the area to choose from that do excellent, reasonably priced, bar suppers as well as a good local Chinese takeaway and fish and chip shop.