Home Activities around Gairloch


Visitors to Torgorm Cottage or our self catering  bungalows in Poolewe may enjoy visiting the following places in and around Gairloch and Poolewe.

Inverewe Gardens   one mile from Poolewe 

Gairloch Marine Live Centre and Cruises  - daily boat trips between March and October where you can view Hebridean wildlife including Harbour Porpoises, Whales, Grey and Common Seals and Dolphins as well as a selection of seabirds

Gairloch Trekking Centre -  Pony trekking in the Scottish Highlands

Gairloch Heritage Museum -  The museum takes you on a journey through time showing how local people lived and worked in Gairloch through the ages

Flowerdale Walk -  A delightful 7km/4.25 miles waymarked walk up a sheltered glen to a pretty waterfall.

Rua Reidh Lighthouse -  Offering Hiking, Walking,  Wildlife Trips,  Rock Climbing

Sealife Glass Bottom Boat - Daily cruises to enjoy the spectacular scenery, birdlife and wildlife of Gairloch Bay.

Hebridean Whale Cruises -  whale and wildlife cruises from Gairloch, on Scotland's spectacular north west coast.

Gairloch Golf Club -  18 hole golf course ' Possibly the best wee course in the Highlands '

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve -  A cluster of mountain peaks, ancient pinewoods, secretive crossbills and soaring golden eagles, it's no wonder that Beinn Eighe was Britain's first National Nature Reserve

Solas Gallery -  The gallery and working studio on Scotland’s beautiful West coast  featuring paintings and ceramics by Rob Howard and  Lyn Beckett


Add more fun to your hiking try Geocaching

"Geocaching is a pastime where participants using a GPS unit seek caches hidden by other players. The caches are listed (along with a more information) at www.geocaching.com."

That’s one definition. I prefer to think if it as the very best way to explore a new area while on holiday. Caches are often hidden in areas of historic interest or scenic beauty so there is no better way to discover the best an area has to offer than to download the local caches into your handheld GPS and head out for the day. There are over a million caches hidden worldwide and more being added every day so there are bound to be some near you wherever you are

Geocaching is truly the game for all. The kids love the thrill of the hunt while adults can enjoy the walking , scenery or the challenge of finding the more cunningly hidden caches. Try finding “Only in Perth CG28VFY” hidden by “snaik” for a real mind teaser.

Starting is easy. First you will need a GPS unit. There are many models available varying in price and capability. The geocaching website has advice on many models and what to look for. Being able to pick up weak signals (under trees or in cities) is a major plus, as is the ability to download caches locations directly to the unit. Most outdoor store will be able to sell you one or at least offer good advice. Many online merchants offer them as well along with user reviews.

Next sign up for a free account at www.geocaching.com and after reading the faq’s you are ready to use the search feature to find your nearest caches. Getting a premium membership is a very inexpensive way to access some very useful tools to improve your experience as well as supporting the sport.

Then it’s time to fire up the GPS and head out. Caches are hidden on trails, hills, in forests and parking lots, under statues, bridges and benches. Go one, see what you can find. It will be a great day out, you will enjoy the exercise and return having seen the best the area has to offer. To see the local caches click on this link.


Other useful sites while planning your holiday

The Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers is the official independent Association for holiday home owners and is dedicated to providing high quality self-catering holiday accommodation to visitors across Scotland.  Members of the Association promise high standards, a friendly welcome and a professional approach.

Visit www.EmbraceScotland.co.uk to find holiday cottages and self-catering accommodation right across Scotland.

Visit Scotland, the Official site of Scotland's national tourism organisation

Northern Highlands - Things to Do comprehensive information on everything there is to see and do in the area

Wildlife in the Northern Highlands -  an excellent introduction to wildlife in the area

Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action forum  (GALE) - website  to help you discover this wonderful area of Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands

Walk Highlands, a guide to walks in Scotland

Hoseasons self catering accommodation

The Kilt Sporran Co - specialists in hand made scottish sporrans and quality kilt accessories.

Hillwalking.org.uk: Website providing hillwalking related links, books and information on hillwalking in the UK.