Things to See and do near Inverness & The Highlands of Scotland |
Wester Ross has some of the most beautiful coastal and mountain scenery of any part of the Scottish Highlands. Its remoteness means that it is quiet and peaceful even at the height of the summer months.
The vast expanses of wild countryside are home to red deer, pine martins, the magnificent golden eagle and the elusive sea eagle. The seas around Wester Ross are home to a multitude of marine mammals – seals, porpoises, dolphins, otters and whales.
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The landscapes of Wester Ross have it all – towering mountains, glorious sweeping sandy beaches, miles of breathtaking unspoilt coastline, sea and hill lochs, rich forests and wild open moorland. Here you can find freedom, space and solitude in abundance.
If you want more from your holiday than soaking up the magnificent scenery, Wester Ross has plenty of other attractions and activities to keep holidaymakers fully occupied. Heatherside provides an excellent starting point to explore the area by car and on foot.
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| Walking in and around Wester Ross and the Highlands of Scotland |
From the cottage there are many walks, including a very popular short circular walk around Mellon Udrigle & Opinan, providing lovely views out to the Hebrides & the Hills of Coigach and Sutherland. About two miles out of Mellon Udrigle on the right hand side is the track to the deserted village and beach at Slaggan, a return walk of about five miles. Both walks provide the opportunity to see otters, dolphins a wide variety of water birds.
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There are many fine walks for all ages and abilities from short gentle strolls to challenging mountain climbs on the regions many Munros. A Local map and details of walks in the area are provided in the cottage.
There are many beautiful sandy beaches in the area, with one of the best beaches at Mellon Udrigle less than a mile from the house. Other beaches are only short drive away at Red Point, Gairloch, Big Sand, Inverasdale and Gruinard.
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| Boat Trips in Wester Ross and the Highlands of Scotland |
There are many boat trips which allow further exploration of the area out to sea.
Hebridean Whale Cruises have 2 boats operating from Gairloch Harbour and are the top boats for whale and dolphin sightings. The boats take you well off shore where you have a realistic chance of seeing whales. In the spring and early summer, Hebridean Whale Cruises has trips to the enchanted Shiant Isles, home to many thousands of puffins,
guillemots, razorbills and other seabirds. They are based at The Chandlery on Pier Road.
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There are other boats on which you can go on a short trip around the bay. Sailing and powerboat trips are also available.
Regular boat trips also sail from Ullapool and Achiltibuie to the glorious Summer Isles.
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| Fishing in Wester Ross and the Highlands of Scotland |
Evening sea fishing trips are available on the ‘Kerry’, from Gairloch Harbour. Sea fishing from the shore is possible all round the coast, indeed we have caught many a fish off the rocks at the beach at Mellon. There is a slipway for launching a boat at Laide.
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Fishing tackle can be bought or hired from Gairloch Chandlery on Pier Road, Gairloch. There is good trout fishing in the many hill lochs and some river fishing for salmon and trout. Permits are available from the Post Office in Laide.
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| Golfing in Wester Ross and the Highlands of Scotland |
There are three 9 hole golf courses at Gairloch, Ullapool and Lochcarron
Gairloch Golf Club
A challenging and scenic 9-hole course set on the shore of Loch Gairloch, with fabulous views across the beach and bay.
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Lochcarron Golf Course
A
9 hole course in a magnificent location by the shore of Loch Carron.
Ullapool Golf Course
A professionally designed 9 hole golf course.
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| Pony trekking & bike hire in Wester Ross and the Highlands of Scotland |
Pony treks can be arranged at Gairloch Trekking Centre in Flowerdale, Gairloch. |
Mountain bikes, children’s bikes and a tandem are available to hire at Birchwood, overlooking Gairloch Harbour. |
| Other sports around Wester Ross and the Highlands of Scotland |
Pitch and putt course in Strath, Gairloch
Swimming pool in Poolewe
Leisure Centre, Gairloch – where activities include badminton, short tennis, table tennis, archery, trampolining and an indoor climbing wall.
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Lochbroom Leisure Centre, Ullapool – swimming pool, multi sports hall and fitness suite |
