Coastal Walks
The cottage is located beside a path that gives direct access to a circular coastal route which takes you past the remains of a 2000 year old Broch out to the headland where you can watch for seals or just admire the sunset before returning past the Piping Cafe to the cottage.
There are many miles of coastal paths to explore to keep you occupied for weeks - some less well travelled than others (bring a pair of wellies - for even in the driest spell some of the paths can remain a bit soggy).
The cottage is located beside a path that gives direct access to a circular coastal route which takes you past the remains of a 2000 year old Broch out to the headland where you can watch for seals or just admire the sunset before returning past the Piping Cafe to the cottage.
There are many miles of coastal paths to explore to keep you occupied for weeks - some less well travelled than others (bring a pair of wellies - for even in the driest spell some of the paths can remain a bit soggy).
Hillwalking and Climbing
The spectacular and remote Assynt hills are reminiscent of a fantasy landscape dreamt up by Tolkien. Many hills are readily accessible from the cottage, such as the diminutive, but spectacular Stac Pollaidh (our particular favourite and only 7 miles from the cottage), the mighty Ben More Coigach, Cul Mor, the sugar loaf Suilven, or the challenging An Teallach, just south of Ullapool (regularly voted the most impressive mountain in Scotland).
For the rock climber, the sea cliffs at Reiff (5 miles from the cottage) offer a wide variety of single pitch (mostly south facing) routes for climbers of all standards and is widely regarded as one of the gems of Scottish rock climbing. Local guiding is available (hamletmountaineering.com).
The spectacular and remote Assynt hills are reminiscent of a fantasy landscape dreamt up by Tolkien. Many hills are readily accessible from the cottage, such as the diminutive, but spectacular Stac Pollaidh (our particular favourite and only 7 miles from the cottage), the mighty Ben More Coigach, Cul Mor, the sugar loaf Suilven, or the challenging An Teallach, just south of Ullapool (regularly voted the most impressive mountain in Scotland).
For the rock climber, the sea cliffs at Reiff (5 miles from the cottage) offer a wide variety of single pitch (mostly south facing) routes for climbers of all standards and is widely regarded as one of the gems of Scottish rock climbing. Local guiding is available (hamletmountaineering.com).
Kayaking and Sailing
The Summer Isles offer a fantastic opportunity to explore many of the uninhabited islands (including some secret beaches). For the experienced, there are many places close to the cottage to launch your own Kayak and boats can be launched in nearby Polbain or Old Dornie.
Summer Isles Sailing School (www.summer-isles.com) can offer sailing courses or boat hire and North West Sea Kayaking (www.northwestseakayaking.com) offer a wide variety of 1/2 day or multi-day trips within the area open to all ages and abilities.
The Summer Isles offer a fantastic opportunity to explore many of the uninhabited islands (including some secret beaches). For the experienced, there are many places close to the cottage to launch your own Kayak and boats can be launched in nearby Polbain or Old Dornie.
Summer Isles Sailing School (www.summer-isles.com) can offer sailing courses or boat hire and North West Sea Kayaking (www.northwestseakayaking.com) offer a wide variety of 1/2 day or multi-day trips within the area open to all ages and abilities.
Beaches
Some of the finest beaches in Scotland are a short drive from the Cottage including the dramatically located Achnahaird beach with its backdrop of mountains and the "tropical" looking waters of Achmelvich not far from Lochinver. At certain points of the day you can find that you have the beach all to yourself!
Some of the finest beaches in Scotland are a short drive from the Cottage including the dramatically located Achnahaird beach with its backdrop of mountains and the "tropical" looking waters of Achmelvich not far from Lochinver. At certain points of the day you can find that you have the beach all to yourself!
Cycling
The single track roads around the Coigach peninsula are generally very quiet and ideal for cycling. We generally cycle to the beach at Achnahaird and return via Altandhu - a nice easy 12 mile circular route with no steep uphills.
For the hard core tarmac fan there is the Assynt Achiltibuie circular route (70miles, total ascent of 1468m, taking the coastal road to Lochinver and returning via Inchnadamph) combining a mixture of single track and A class roads but with no classic climbs, this hilly and twisty route regularly features in the top 10 routes in Britain.
The single track roads around the Coigach peninsula are generally very quiet and ideal for cycling. We generally cycle to the beach at Achnahaird and return via Altandhu - a nice easy 12 mile circular route with no steep uphills.
For the hard core tarmac fan there is the Assynt Achiltibuie circular route (70miles, total ascent of 1468m, taking the coastal road to Lochinver and returning via Inchnadamph) combining a mixture of single track and A class roads but with no classic climbs, this hilly and twisty route regularly features in the top 10 routes in Britain.
Craft and Culture
The Coigach peninsula has a vibrant traditional music scene. There are regular weekly Ceilidhs, dances and music sessions held at the community hall (a short 5 minute walk from the cottage) open to the public who are welcome to join in (you would be welcome to bring your own instrument), to spend an unforgettable evening of live entertainment.
Achiltibuie Artists' Gallery is a collective of artists who all live an work on the Coigach peninsuls who have combined to showcase their work also at the Coigach Community hall combining textiles, paintings and ceramics.
The Coigach peninsula has a vibrant traditional music scene. There are regular weekly Ceilidhs, dances and music sessions held at the community hall (a short 5 minute walk from the cottage) open to the public who are welcome to join in (you would be welcome to bring your own instrument), to spend an unforgettable evening of live entertainment.
Achiltibuie Artists' Gallery is a collective of artists who all live an work on the Coigach peninsuls who have combined to showcase their work also at the Coigach Community hall combining textiles, paintings and ceramics.
Food and Drink
Fresh seafood caught locally is very much a feature of the shops and restraunts in the area. We are fortunate to be within a short walking distance of three places to eat!
Salt Seafood Kitchen is a recent addition to the area and is already getting much praise for the quality of freshly prepared meals specialising in local seafood (please note that it closes in winter season).
The Summer Isles Hotel (which held a Michelin star for almost a decade) which also has a public bar with gourmet pub grub and a range of local ales.
The Piping School Cafe offers light meals, cakes and bakes.
The very popular Am Fuaran Bar at Altandhu (4 miles from the cottage) also specialises in freshly prepared seafood whilst also providing childrens' menu, snacks, lunches, evening meals and takeway food.
Fresh seafood caught locally is very much a feature of the shops and restraunts in the area. We are fortunate to be within a short walking distance of three places to eat!
Salt Seafood Kitchen is a recent addition to the area and is already getting much praise for the quality of freshly prepared meals specialising in local seafood (please note that it closes in winter season).
The Summer Isles Hotel (which held a Michelin star for almost a decade) which also has a public bar with gourmet pub grub and a range of local ales.
The Piping School Cafe offers light meals, cakes and bakes.
The very popular Am Fuaran Bar at Altandhu (4 miles from the cottage) also specialises in freshly prepared seafood whilst also providing childrens' menu, snacks, lunches, evening meals and takeway food.
Wildlife and Birdlife
It is possible to witness a wide variety wildlife from the comfort of the Sun lounge, from a herd of red deer that regularly visit the croft land below the cottage to golden eagles and buzzards hunting above. From the coastal path starting at the cottage out to the headland you will witless a wide variety of seabirds (far too many to list!) and regular sightings of dolphin and porpoise. With a bit of patience and a bit of luck it is possible to spot sea otters, the recently re-introduced white tailed sea eagle, Killer Whales and basking sharks.
It is possible to witness a wide variety wildlife from the comfort of the Sun lounge, from a herd of red deer that regularly visit the croft land below the cottage to golden eagles and buzzards hunting above. From the coastal path starting at the cottage out to the headland you will witless a wide variety of seabirds (far too many to list!) and regular sightings of dolphin and porpoise. With a bit of patience and a bit of luck it is possible to spot sea otters, the recently re-introduced white tailed sea eagle, Killer Whales and basking sharks.
Angling and Fishing
Rivers, Burns and Lochs: There are many rivers, burns and lochs in the area that hold wild brown trout, sea trout, salmon, ferrox trout, arctic char. Permits are widely available from the shops, bars and hotels in the area.
Sea Angling: From boat, shore or pier, Achiltibuie and the Summer Isles offer a fantastic opportunity. We hope you like mackerel, they can be abundant in Loch Broom and are often caught by our visitors.
Rivers, Burns and Lochs: There are many rivers, burns and lochs in the area that hold wild brown trout, sea trout, salmon, ferrox trout, arctic char. Permits are widely available from the shops, bars and hotels in the area.
Sea Angling: From boat, shore or pier, Achiltibuie and the Summer Isles offer a fantastic opportunity. We hope you like mackerel, they can be abundant in Loch Broom and are often caught by our visitors.
Golf
There is a nine hole course with alternative tees for the second nine in Ullapool. The course was opened in 1998 by H.R.H. Prince Andrew and is laid out from the northern end of the town and extends to the shores of Loch Broom. This is a very picturesque course that can be testing to both beginner and experienced players.
There is a nine hole course with alternative tees for the second nine in Ullapool. The course was opened in 1998 by H.R.H. Prince Andrew and is laid out from the northern end of the town and extends to the shores of Loch Broom. This is a very picturesque course that can be testing to both beginner and experienced players.
Geology
You don't need to be a geologist to appreciate that the landscape here is a little special (it totally rocks!). There is a fascinating way-marked National Nature Reserve trail that will take you back through geological times as you climb past different layers of exposed rock on the flanks of Knockan Crag, with poetry and sculpture along the way. From the top, there are spectacular views over the mountains of Coigach and Assynt.
Knockan Crag can be found on the Ullapool - Elphin road, about 2miles south of Elphin.
You don't need to be a geologist to appreciate that the landscape here is a little special (it totally rocks!). There is a fascinating way-marked National Nature Reserve trail that will take you back through geological times as you climb past different layers of exposed rock on the flanks of Knockan Crag, with poetry and sculpture along the way. From the top, there are spectacular views over the mountains of Coigach and Assynt.
Knockan Crag can be found on the Ullapool - Elphin road, about 2miles south of Elphin.
Photography
Don't forget your camera! The landscape, coastline, wildlife and even the wildest of weather offer the opportunity to capture dramatic shots. The Summer Isles are famous for stunning sunsets and under the right conditions, Northern Lights. It is not unsurprising that many artists, musicians and photographers have made their home here, it truly is an inspirational place.
Don't forget your camera! The landscape, coastline, wildlife and even the wildest of weather offer the opportunity to capture dramatic shots. The Summer Isles are famous for stunning sunsets and under the right conditions, Northern Lights. It is not unsurprising that many artists, musicians and photographers have made their home here, it truly is an inspirational place.
