Top 10 Things to do in Gairloch?

Download our Otterburn What to do in the Area PDF. It is brimming with ideas and links to everything you can think of to do…and below is a little taster. Download PDF

Walk down to the pebble beach of Melvaig and look for otters, seals and dolphins, not forgetting to look up in the sky for Sea Eagles, Buzzards and Gannets.

Walking and Wildlife Adventures  Our sister company offering walking and wildlife tours in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Your Walking and Wildlife Adventures begin here – come and see Scotland’s Big Five. We can organise bespoke trips to climb the Torridon hills or view amazing wildlife including black throated divers, otters, sea eagles, golden eagles, red deer, red squirrels and harbour seals.

Sea Kayaking  in the coastal waters around Melvaig, Gairloch, Loch Maree and Badachro offer the opportunity for fantastic sea kayaking. Cory is an experienced expert kayaker and ecologist and runs the award winning Gairloch Canoe & Kayak Centre. Discover the waters of Wester Ross and enjoying paddling with the local wildlife, especially the seals.

Rua Reidh Lighthouse  Rua Reidh Lighthouse,  stands at the entrance to Loch Ewe and only 5km walk away from Oran Mara, Melvaig, at one of the most dramatic locations on the north-west coast of Scotland, with stunning views across the Minch to the Isle of Skye, the Shiant Isles and the Outer Hebrides.

Walk from Rua Reidh Lighthouse to Camas Mor (Big Beach), perhaps staying overnight at the lovely Ivor’s Bothy or just go for a lovely day walk. Camas Mor is only 6km return journey from Rua Reidh Lighthouse.

Walk the beautiful  trails in Flowerdale. A delightful waymarked walk up a sheltered glen to a pretty waterfall. The Flowerdale Glen was given its English name by the Mackenzies of Gairloch (the owners of the estate) after its impressive displays of wild flowers.

Sands River Archaeological Trail, near Big Sands is a lovely  3km trail into the past.The seemingly bleak moorland north of the Sand River, like many in the Highlands, harbours the remains of centuries of human activities. There is a trail and marker posts  to indicate a route that helps to make sense of some of the crumbling stones in this lonely place.

Boat Trips  Enjoy a shell fish safari. Join local skipper Ian McWhinney on his traditional creel fishing boat in the beautiful setting of Badachro Bay on Scotland’s West Coast. Watch as the creels are hauled from the crystal clear waters, and participate in an activity that has been part of Ian’s family for centuries.

Minke Whale, Dolphins, Orcas and even Humpback whales are regular spotted off the coast of Melvaig with Hebridean Whale Cruises. Whale watching and wildlife cruises can be taken from Gairloch Harbour.

Inverewe Gardens A lush, tropical oasis perched on a peninsula at the edge of Loch Ewe amid the rugged landscape of Wester Ross, this world-famous historic garden is one of Scotland’s most popular botanical attractions. It is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of estate managed for conservation.

Visit Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, Britain’s first National Nature Reserve. A cluster of mountain peaks, ancient pinewoods, secretive crossbills and soaring golden eagles with a trail network here that offers something for everyone, whatever the weather.

The best wee museum in Scotland! Gairloch Heritage Museum takes you on a journey through time showing how local people lived and worked in Gairloch through the ages.

Fancy a little bit of history on your walk, why not visit the Fairy Lochs, near Badachro and then stop off for a pint and watch the sunset? A short 6km walk will take you to the war memorial of a sad World Ward 2 air crash site. After the walk why not refresh yourself at The Badachro Inn which has a lovely conservatory and outside seating atea.

Gairloch Golf Club occupies a fabulous location above a beautiful long sandy beach. The 9-hole course set amongst rolling dunes, provides an excellent challenge to golfers of all abilities. The club which was established in 1898 has been steadily developed and every year sees further investment in the course and its facilities.

Pony Trekking at Red Point have friendly, sturdy ponies to take you on private, off-road tracks through rugged hills and forests and they welcome riders of all abilities.

Walk around the beautiful beach at Mellon Udrigle. An excellent wood planking path, leads you the short distance to Mellon Udrigle’s main attraction. The north east facing beach of Camas a’Charaig comprises a broad expanse of white sand sloping gently into a turquoise sea. It is backed by dunes and framed by rocky promontories, and is one of the most attractive pieces of coastline you’ll find in Wester Ross. You can walk a lovely 5km beach circuit.

A little bit thirsty? Why not visit the Perfume Studio, enjoy a cup of tea, some delicious lunches and home baked cakes and perhaps treat yourself to some lovely creams and lotions.

Red Point, near Gairloch offers more of the beautiful sandy beaches of the West Coast. There are two spectacular sandy beaches at Red Point; this 5km walk combines both to make a short but rough circuit with great views out to the islands on a fine day.

Gairloch Leisure Centre   offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for the local community and visitors to the area. The facilities include a 4 court games hall, climbing wall, fitness room, all weather pitch and outdoor tennis courts. (We have corporate membership cards which may be available for our guests, subject to terms and conditions).

Poolewe Swimming Pool  15m x 6 m swimming pool, a locally run charity offering lane swimming, general public and other sessions. (We have corporate membership cards which may be available for our guests, subject to terms and conditions).

Stay in amazing holiday accommodation at  Otterburn II, dog friendly self catering crofter’s cottage.

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