Assynt is one of the most spectacular regions of Scotland, packed full of hidden adventures and beautiful sights. There's an adventure for everyone, so come and explore!
After a long day of adventuring through Assynt, from kayaking around the Summer Isles to hiking and biking, Lochinver Larder is the perfect place to kick back and relax. With a pie in one hand and a beer in the other, take in the views across loch and river.
The activities shown are only suggestions, we are not partnered with the businesses and cannot take any bookings on their behalf.
If you'd like to take part in one of the activities, please visit the business website directly.
We hope you enjoy your Highland adventure!
Aberdeenshire born, Griogair Macailien is a Highland based award winning Writer, Storyteller, Poet, Folklorist, Photographer, Playwright, Dramaturge, Broadcaster & Photographer.
With his father a Master Watchmaker, paternal grandfather a Jockey, maternal grandmother Traveller and Music Hall performer, not unsurprisingly Griogair has followed a creative path with a deep sensitivity for ‘’a’ the airts! ‘’ gathering material , orally and visually, frae ‘’ a the pairts ‘’.
Griogair has been fortunate in being able to combine all the above disciplines in the process of telling tales and stories and sharing them through various mediums inc. writing, theatre, broadcasting & photography.
Griogair offers low level walks through easy terrain, making for the perfect family-friendly adventure. Or for those looking to explore a bit further higher level walks are also available.
To explore the history, folklore, flora and fauna of Assynt, book a tour with Griogair Macailien through telliesperie@gmail.com or call 07840 692766 or 01571 844092.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/tellie.sperie.5
Come and paddle with Summer Isles Sea Kayaking, escape onto the crystal clear waters of the far north-west, get close up to nature and capture a sense of freedom like no other!
Summer Isles Sea Kayaking runs a variety of trips for all ages and abilities. We offer:To book your adventure, visit https://www.summerislesseakayaking.com/
We are a friendly local guided walking company offering an inspiring experience for visitors to the Scottish Highlands.
Our small company started up in Edinburgh in 2012 but in recent years we moved up to the Highlands to be closer to the nature we love so much. From here we can offer great value day walks, 3-day adventures and week-long tours in the mountains and valleys surrounding the village as well as further afield.
Many walks are just a stone's throw from the main NC500 route around the north of Scotland and can offer a chance to escape from the confines of a car for a few hours or a few days.
Our two comfortable 9 seater vans offer us a lot of flexibility with plenty of space for your comfort. You can also meet us at the start point for day walks using your own vehicle if preferred.
We have lots of return bookings which is a huge compliment that we truly appreciate and we are proud to say we have many lovely reviews reflecting this.
‘You may arrive as a client but will always leave as a friend!’
To book a trip with Rosie and Ben, visit: https://www.mckenziemountaineering.com/
Hamlett Mountaineering offers both mountain guiding and scrambling, led by Tim and Laura who are both qualified mountain leaders. Whether you want to ascend Suilven or explore the coastal paths of the North West Highlands, Tim and Laura will create a tailored experience that’s perfect for you.
At Far North West Mountains we offer bespoke guided walks up, down and around the spectacular hills of the north west highlands. Whether you are looking to tackle some of the iconic mountains of the area, want to learn the skills to take yourself into the hills or want to discover more about the natural history of this fascinating area we can help. We can tailor walks to any ability or interest (we don’t just walk up hills!) and pride ourselves on ensuring that our clients have a day they will not forget.
To book, visit: www.farnorthwestmountains.com
Join Hamlet Mountaineering for an adventure through the Loch systems of Scotland. Whether an afternoon paddle tickles your fancy or a 5 day exploration, Tim and Laura will arrange the perfect adventure.
We booked Tim for a days canoeing on the inland lochs as a family with our 2 boys. New skills to learn and to enjoy the wilderness landscapes from a different perspective down on the water. We really enjoyed our day, Oh and Tim makes a great cup of campfire tea!
To book, visit: https://www.hamletmountaineering.com/
From sea cliffs to mountain crags, the Highlands are the perfect place for your climbing adventure. Tim and Laura will tailor your session to suit your experience levels, showing you the ropes and taking you to breathtaking locations.
"My 13 year old son had a days rock climbing at Reiff with Tim. The location was breathtaking, climbing on cliffs right by the sea. Tim gave him space to use the skills he had while making sure he was always safe. An excellent experience and great value for money. Thanks"
To book, visit: www.hamletmountaineering.com
Smoo Cave is a natural sea cave located just outside of Durness village and is monumental in size. The name is thought to have been derived from the Old Norse ’Smuga’, which means hiding-place or hole.
Shearwater cruises sail from Ullapool Harbour, on the north west coast of the Highlands of Scotland, and goes in and around the Summer Isles, where seals, porpoise, dolphins, whales, white tailed eagles and variety of seabird may be seen. Ullapool itself was established as a fishing port in 1788 and has been a hub of fishing, sailing, ferry operations and boating activity since. The locality offers access to some great features along the coast and the Summer Isles. En route, you may spot anything from sea birds, seals and dolphins, all whilst cruising through a picturesque landscape.
The landscapes in the North West Highlands are among the best in the world and that’s thanks to the incredible range of rock types we have here. Covering more than half of Earth’s history, our rocks can tell amazing stories of the first life on Earth, colliding continents, and the rise and fall of vast mountain chains. Our Earth stories are world-class, and it’s no surprise that the North West Highlands was awarded UNESCO Global Geoparks status.
Our Geopark is managed by a Charity that organises events and activities, with an emphasis on fun and discovery—and that’s just the beginning of your experience in the Geopark!
At the Rock Stop information centre in Unapool, you can experience hard-to-reach places in virtual reality or play with our augmented reality sandbox. There are many star attractions and events in the Geopark, so head over to our website to learn more: www.nwhgeopark.com
07377 969118 or 07498 973094.
Lochinver and Assynt are home to an array of talented photographers and artists. Whilst you're visiting it's worth stopping by to take in and take home some of John McCarthy's photography (highlighted all over our site) or to visit the home of the famous Highland Stoneware.
Lochinver Landscapes is situated in the heart of Lochinver and is run and owner by John McCarthy. As well as John’s stunning photographs of Lochinver, Coigach, Assynt and the surrounding areas, the gallery features a wide variety of artwork by both local and nationally renowned artists. It includes original paintings in pastels, watercolours and acrylics, as well as etchings and drawings all featuring the stunning scenery to be found in the North West Highlands There are also exclusive postcards, greeting cards, calendars and unique jigsaws all featuring John’s photographs.
Visit the gallery at 14 Main St. Lochinver, Sutherland, Scotland or for more information visit www.lochinverlandscapes.com
A unique business established in 1974 and based in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Renowned for high quality, durable and practical, hand painted ceramics, our highly skilled team makes and decorates every piece by hand. Inspiration for our popular designs come from our stunning scenery and nature, the blend of our coloured glazes and high temperature firing give our pottery a distinctive look, creating a very special and collectable Scottish product.
Normally we allow visitors access to the workshops to see the craftspeople at work, but during the pandemic we only allow access to the Seconds Shop. Our outdoor mosaics are a perfect photo opportunity and worth a visit.
To find out more, visit: https://www.highlandstoneware.com/
Selling art & crafts, jewellery, gemstones, postcards and outdoor gear, Rockpool Gifts has something for everyone!
"We first discovered The Rockpool four years ago so whilst we were in the area, this was our first port of call. I couldn't get my granddaughter away from here. What a delightful shop to visit. We bought a load of loose semi precious gemstones along with many other items."
You can find Rockpool Gifts at: 21 Main Street, IV27 4JY, Lochinver
Your late-opening local convenience store, providing affordable essentials for everyday life. Services offered by this branch include; Off License, Lottery, Fresh Fruit & Veg, Fresh Meat.
Opening hours:
Monday | 08:00 - 18:30 |
Tuesday | 08:00 - 18:30 |
Wednesday | 08:00 - 18:30 |
Thursday | 08:00 - 18:30 |
Friday | 08:00 - 18:30 |
Saturday | 08:00 - 18:30 |
Sunday | Closed |
Convenience store chain offering baked, fresh and packaged goods, plus alcohol sales.
Opening hours:
Monday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
Tuesday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
Wednesday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
Thursday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
Friday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
Saturday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
Lochinver is home to a fantastic selection of B&Bs, hotels and self-catering accommodation, and offers a range of activities and attractions to help you make the most of your visit.
The Larder sits on a sheltered bay in the wilds of the far North West. Dominated by remarkable views across river and loch, offering some of the most stunning scenery in the north of Scotland. Simply kick-back, with a pie or two and take in the views from our garden.
Luxurious, unique and gorgeous, three self-catering shepherd huts with stunning sea and mountain views. Soak in the hot tub, awestruck by the northern lights, an amazing sunset or the incredible stars of a dark night sky.
Set on the coast road between Lochinver and Kylesku, you can explore stunning beaches, waterfalls, lochs, mountains, castles and great places to eat and drink.
Each hut accommodates two in fabulous comfort. Ensuite with rainfall showers, log burning stoves, fully fitted kitchens, king sized beds and a large picture window showcasing the wonderful views. In your private outdoor living space, is the wood fired hot tub, a charcoal BBQ and outdoor table and chairs.
We are licensed so why not pre-order a bottle of chilled Champagne or Prosecco for your arrival. Just drop your bags, jump in the tub and soak - A romantic hideaway for a special occasion or any simply any occasion.
Each hut sleeps a maximum of two. Minimum stay 3 nights (2 in low season). Rowan hut welcomes one dog (additional cleaning fee applies)
To book, visit: www.westcoasthideaways.co.uk
In 2016 Philip and Sophie (hence Philosophy BnB) opened their BnB in Clashmore, between Lochinver and Drumbeg. Philosophy overlooks Loch na Claise and is close to many picturesque coastal walks. They are situated 3 miles from the Stoer Lighthouse. The BnB has two modern rooms in the converted barn, which is separated from the main house, breakfast is served in the old croft house. Guests have access to a private garden area, books and other amenities on site.
Clachtoll Beach Campsite is a family run touring and camping site in Sutherland, North West Scotland near to Lochinver and is renowned for it's stunning and iconic scenery. It is directly on the North Coast 500 approximately 5 miles North of the busy fishing village of Lochinver.
The campsite provides a mixture of serviced and unserviced pitches, all on level grass sites overlooking the beautiful sandy beach and surrounding hillsides.
There are toilet and shower facilities, including disabled and a family room with baby changing facilities all of which are free. In the ladies toilets, there is a hair drier and GHD curling tongs.
There are dishwashing facilities with free washing up liquid and cleaning products. Laundry service with new washers and driers (the site supplies the laundry products free but there is a charge for the machines). All cleaning products are, where possible eco-friendly to protect our fragile environment.
There are also freezer facilities and secure media charging lockers, again all free. For everyone, there is an undercover BBQ area with seating and a small kitchen area with microwaves and kettles to let you get a hot drink on the go quickly. There is also a vending machine with coffee, tea, soup etc.
The site is dog-friendly.
To book, visit: https://www.clachtollbeachcampsite.com/
We are situated on the North West coast of the Highlands, 4-miles from the small village of Lochinver. Achmelvich bay is right next to the Caravan Site itself and has had a clean beach award since 2000. Achmelvich Beach has also been featured many times online and in magazines/newspapers as being one of the best in Britain.
The beach is perfect for all water-sports and activities and there is plenty of hillwalking, mountain-climbing and fishing to be done in the surrounding area. We are a family run caravan site with young staff and try to make the site suitable for everyone. In the summer it is predominantly a family site. Everyone is very friendly and we try and make sure that everyone has a great stay. We are quite informal, with no set pitches on the site. The school holidays are our busiest time, especially if the weather holds, and there is always a great atmosphere on the site.
* WI-FI AVAILABLE *
SORRY, WE DO NOT ALLOW DOGS
To book, visit: http://shorecaravansite.yolasite.com/
Ard Choille, Gaelic for High Wood, is a semi-detached cottage in the picturesque fishing village of Lochinver. The property sleeps up to six guests in two upstairs bedrooms, one with views to the harbour and the other with a view over the village to Suilven. The ground floor comprises a lounge, shower room and well-equipped kitchen. There is also garden seating available.
Ard Choille welcomes guests all year round, is heated throughout and is in walking distance of all amenities including shops, restaurants, leisure centre, pubs and Highland Pottery.
The Pie Shop (Lochinver Larder) is 0.6miles, around a ten minute walk from Ard Choille.
To book, visit: http://www.ard-choille.co.uk/
The two log cabins are positioned right at the water’s edge: the croft house is situated just 50 metres behind them, along with Pod. All have panoramic views across Loch Inver to the Assynt mountains of Canisp and Suilven and provide a tranquil haven as a base for walkers, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Ideally situated for both sea-loch and river fishing, coastal walks or mountain treks, and with opportunities to view various wildlife including Golden Eagles, Sea Eagles, Seals, Otters and Dolphins, our holiday properties really are the ideal get-away for the outdoor enthusiast, or those who simply seek peace and relaxation amidst stunning scenery.
All of our holiday homes boast unrivalled views and positions on the loch. The cottage has an attractive conservatory which maximizes the views and is a stone’s throw from the loch shore! The two log cabins have equal prime locations on the loch front. Each has panoramic views across Lochinver to the Assynt mountains of Canisp and Suilven, providing a tranquil haven and excellent base for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. Also, we are ideally located for a break on Route NC 500 (North Coast 500): more than 500 miles of the best beautiful coastal routes the North Highlands has to offer. The route runs to and from Inverness, venturing round the capital of the Highlands, up the West Coast and back via the rugged north coast. Our Pod is a perfect stop over for your travels.
Check Availability & Book Online www.mountview-lochinver.co.uk
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