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Rosehall
Craft Shop
A ten minute walk from Cairncroft - down the hill, past the school and
the Village Hall, turn right and it's on the right. Hidden away in the
woods, the Shop offers a good standard of teas, and home cooked meals.
Local crafts are on sale along with appropriate books, maps and some
toys. Given its proximity, a must visit for all who stay at Cairncroft!
Inverewe
Gardens, Poolewe
An oasis of flora and fauna in the the wilderness. Even if you don't
know any of the Latin names , and your garden vocabulary extends only
to "Flower", "Tree" and "Bush", you're
in for a visual treat! Wierd and wonderful flowers, trees and bushes
everywhere. The Garden is great all year round, but is at it's best
at the end of May.
Visit The National Trust for Scotland
for more information, entrance fees (free for NT members). Also see
the Undiscovered
Scotland pages.
Photo: Inverewe
Gardens
Photo: Inverewe
Flower
Photo: Inverewe
Tree
Photo: Inverewe
Bush
Kinlochewe,
Loch Maree and Torridon
Drive down Loch Maree from Poolewe, stopping regularly to take
in the quiet beauty of Loch Maree, dominated at Kinlochewe by the impressive
bulk of Slioch (980m), and visit the National
Trust for Scotland's Torridon Visitor Centre (just before Kinlochewe).
On a clear day, a trip up Glen Torridon is a must, to view the awesome
mountain architecture of Beinn Eighe (more of a range of mountains,
than a single one) and Liathach. Better still, climb..
Photo: Loch Maree
and Slioch
Photo:
Liathach, from Beinn Eighe
Photo: Beinn Eighe
(Spidean Coire nan Clach and Sgurr Ban), from Liathach
Highland
Stoneware,
Lochinver
and Ullapool
Visit the Highland Stoneware Pottery at
Lochinver, and watch the artists at work, hand painting plates, cups,
vases, etc. A good range of "seconds" is available for purchase.
The Pottery isn't the cheapest, but every piece is a unique work of
art, and a great reminder of the Highlands. Their website has much more
information, and an on-line store.
Kirkaig
Falls (and
Achins
Bookshop/Tea Room) Ordnance Survey Landranger 15 Grid
Reference NC 112178
The walk to the Kirkaig Falls combines well with a visit to Lochinver.
The car park at the river (GR 086193) is only three and a half miles
from Lochinver on the single track B road. The falls themselves are
impressive, especially in spate conditions, and it is little wonder
that they form a natural barrier to salmon running up the river. The
walk is about four miles round trip, along a well maintained path, boggy
in just a couple of places. The path continues beyond the falls, and
it is worth continuing the three-quarter mile to Fionn Loch, from where
the southern profile of Suilven may be admired. The Falls walk may be
managed by quite young children, although the path down to the viewpoint
at the falls becomes steep in places. A welcome cuppa at the Achins
Bookshop (close to the car park) awaits on the return...
Photo: River Kirkaig
Photo: Kirkaig
Falls
Knockan
Cliff Trail Ordnance
Survey Landranger 15 Grid Reference NC 188092
Re-opened in August 2001
following extensive upgrading (including an interactive information
point and sculptures) in order to explain the geological significance
of the area - recommended.
Circular short routes are rare in the Highlands.
This one has a good car park just off the A835, about a mile or two
after Elphin towards Ullapool, and a clearly defined well maintained
trail. The walk involves a gentle incline to the top of the cliff, from
where one is treated to some fantastic views (weather permitting) of
the Inverpolly Mountains and Ben More Assynt. Suitable for (supervised)
children 4+, except in strong winds.
Photo
: Cul Beag, from Knockan Cliff
The
Old Man of Stoer Ordnance
Survey Landranger 15 Grid Reference NC 016353
Photos
: Stoer Lighthouse and The Old Man of Stoer
Clynelish
Whisky Distillery, Brora
Just off the A9 a mile to the
north of Brora, this small friendly distillery is one of the most northerly.
The forty-five minute tour is interesting and informative, and a free
dram awaits at the conclusion. There is a fee for the tour, but will
be deducted from the purchase of a bottle of the elixir (£30.00
per 75cl bottle).
While in the Brora/Golspie area, also worth a visit:: Dunrobin Castle
(G), Orcadian Stone Company (G), the beaches (G&B), the Big Burn
Walk (G) - see below, Hunters Tweed Mill/Shop (B)
More details on the Highland
Escape website.
Big
Burn Walk, Golspie
On the northern edge of Golspie.
Park either in the car park by the Sutherland Arms just before leaving
Golspie or continue north on the A9 for a mile or so, taking a left
turn signposted The Big Burn. Follow this for half a mile until you
reach the car park. The latter is to be preferred, since it starts nearer
to the Falls, and a child manageable circular route is available. Worth
dropping in to Orcadian
Stone Company at Golspie, a geologists heaven, and pretty stones
for the rest of us..
Photo: Big Burn
Falls
Sandwood
Bay
Sandwood Bay is an enchanted place, remote even by Highland
standards, but a more beautiful beach would be hard to find anywhere,
combining miles of golden sand, cliffs and a sea stack An outstanding
day out.
Eas
Coul Aulin
Bev's Walking page
has a good summary of the route. Britain's highest waterfall.
Ullapool
The attraction of this Highland
town is its stunning location - a quiet harbour in Loch Broom, surrounded
by mountains. The town itself has an array of tourist orientated shops,
and a Museum (entry charge). Various sightseeing boat trips are available,
including excursions around the Summer Isles on the Summer
Queen. A little way south on the A835 one comes to Leckmelm, and
an arboretum open to the public, and a wood turning shop.
To get the most wonderful views
of Loch Broom and the village, a hike up the Ullapool Hill is a must.
It starts on North Road. Allow 2 hrs to get to the top (300m or 900ft)
& back. You can also make a longer circular walk (about 3 hours)
by turning right after leaving the top of the hill towards Loch Achall,
then return by Rhidorroch estate road. Details & map available at
Tourist Information Centre on Argyll Street.
Also see the Undiscovered
Scotland website.
Photo:
Ullapool and Loch Broom from the north
Photo: Ullapool
harbour
Photo:
Ullapool harbour
- winter sunrise
Achiltibue
Ordnance Survey Landranger 15
Grid Reference NC 025085
Small village on the west coast, with great
views and a couple of attractions worth visiting: Combine with a visit
to the nearby beautiful beach at Achnahaird. Also see the Undiscovered
Scotland website.
The Hydroponicum - a unique
indoor garden, with tropical plants and exotic fruit and vegetables.
Hourly guided tours. Lily Pond cafe. Open mid April to September, 10am
- 6pm. 01854 622202.
The Smokehouse (Summer
Isles Foods) - perfect smoked fish, seafood, and other meats.
Portmahomack
On the east coast, on the opposite side
to Dornoch over the Dornoch Firth. Nearby at Fearn, there is Anta
Scotland Limited,
designers and manufacturers of furnishings, fabrics and ceramics, with
a Scottish theme.
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