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 […]

Clava Cairns

The Highlands of Scotland has a number of carins dotted around the landscape - ancient ceremonial sites later used for burials.
However, Clava Cairns is one of the most remarkable and accessible examples of cairns in Scotland.
The site was developed as part of a general Neolithic building program that gripped the UK between around 4000-3000 BC, […]

Ullapool

Ullapool is the last major settlement on the west coast of Scotland as you travel north, and also a major ferry port for the Western Isles.
As a town it’s remarkably small - there’s room enough for a Somerfields, but not much else for shopping.
However, it’s nestled among one of the most scenic stretches of […]

Achnahaird

A journey through Assynt Coigach offers a visit to a secluded beach by Achnahaird.
To get to it, follow the single-track road from the A835, and after a long journey turn right into Achnahaird. Then follow the signs to the caravan park, and shortly you’ll arrive at a small car park.
It’s a small bay with white […]

Assynt Coigach

The A835 continues north out from Ullapool and curves around the right of Assynt Coigach.
This is a wild and beautiful stretch of Scotland, dominated by a handful of imposing mountains thrusting out alone from the cragged landscape: Cul Beag, Stac Pollaidh, Cul Moor, and Suilven.
Simply put, this is a breathtaking place and absolutely worth visiting, […]

A835

The A835 leads from Inverness in the heart of the Highlands to Ullapool on the Western coast of Scotland.
And it has to be said, this is probably the most scenic drive through Scotland I’ve experienced.
You start by leaving the roundabout at Tore from the A9, and drive uptowards the imposing view of Ben Wyvis, rising […]

A837

Filed under: Scotland, Highlands, Avoid, Roads

The A837 passes from some of the most amazing scenery on the West Coast to the base of the Sutherland Mountains, and right through the heart of the barren Highlands.
So you’d think you may be in for a treat with the views.
And you’d be completely wrong.
To be fair, the countryside isn’t particularly dull - it’s […]

Ardersier

The first time we went to Ardersier we simply drove through.
We were looking for a beach to let the kids play on, and on various maps Ardersier is always shown as having a long stretch of beach.
But when we drove past all we saw was a high tide that left no room for any […]