Gairloch

There are few places that evoke the imagination as much as Scotland’s Western coast.

However, I’ve been surprised by my travels to find few places that can really live up to that ideal, let alone remain accessible.

But Gairloch really impresses. Seriously impresses. And at the time of writing I think is the clear winner in terms of most beautiful place on Scotland’s mainland West coast.

There are a number of factors that really make Gairloch work for the visitor.

Firstly, there’s the main beach, a lovely small bay of lush sand, which can only be great on those summer days:

There are also various like rock bays lapped by shallow crystal waters I’d love to wade through:

Probably the best part of Gairloch is the views, though.

For example, when at the beach, you directly overlook the Isle of Skye - but to me the best bit is if you just drive on past Gairloch up the hill - about a half mile to a mile along, and then look around.

What you see is a clear view over the Isle of Skye, out to the rising Outer Hebrides - and a view to the wild mountains behind Gairloch itself:

Go on - click the picture above if you’d like a closer view.