Things To See And Do

THERE’S THE SHEER BEAUTY, THE RICH NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE, AND THE FANTASTIC ARRAY OF ACTIVITIES ON OFFER!

Wester Ross is one of the jewels in Scotland's crown and Gairloch takes centre-stage. No day is long enough to cram everything in if the weather is good, and if it’s bad there is more than enough to keep you busy.

Picture of Red Point and Red Point Beach from the road to the north, looking across the MInch to the Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye

We thought that you might like to know what has drawn our extended family back to Badachro for almost 80 years without a break.

There is the sheer beauty of the area. The hills, lochs, rivers, open moor, bogs and pockets of native woodland are bordered by a deeply serrated and rocky coastline studded with beautiful beaches, while out to sea, across the deep blue Minch, the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides continually draw the eye westward.

Then there is the atmosphere. This is a land rich in Highland history and culture with a very strong community spirit, and it has a very different feel to the UK in general. It is a spiritual place and the longer you stay and the more you visit the more you will appreciate just how special it is. No wonder so many of our guests return year after year.

Find out about all the great activities that you can enjoy below:

there are all the great activities that you can enjoy here

View of Red Point Beach in Gairloch taken from the sand dunes

beaches

There are four truly magnificent beaches within a 15 minute drive of the cottage, and a fifth within 25 minutes, and there are even more on Loch Ewe and Gruinard Bay to the north.

Picture of a fishing boat near Dry Island with tourists on board

boat trips

The sea is so central to Gairloch that you must venture out at least once.

cycling

Cycling around Gairloch is a real pleasure, though many of the roads are single track so care must be taken. eBikes can be hired at the Badachro Inn.

Distillery

The Badachro Distillery Highland whiskies, gins and vodka from Badachro Distillery makes great gin, vodka and whisky and they’re located less than 500 yards from Aird Cottage’s gate, so no need to drive back after sampling their wares.

A picture of the seating area within the Badachro Inn in Gairloch. The picture includes a selection of wines, a large dining table and a specials board.

Eating Out

There are a number of very nice places to eat in Gairloch but we like to stroll to the Badachro Inn and back along the shore.

Fishing

Gairloch is rich in wild brown trout lochs, and salmon and sea trout fishing are also available. Permits and guide books are available locally.

Golf

Gairloch boasts one of the most picturesque, challenging and fun 9-hole courses in Scotland.

A picture of a kayaker at Badachro Bay, Gairloch

Kayaking

If you haven’t kayaked before or you can’t bring kit with you, then the Gairloch Canoe & Kayak Centre Kayak Centre located beside the Shieldaig Lodge Hotel is the place to go.

A picture of a bar shop exhibition in the Gairloch Museum

Museums

Within short drives you can enjoy three excellent experiences – the Gairloch Heritage Museum in Gairloch, the Arctic Convoy Museum in Aultbea, and the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve Visitor Centre near Kinlochewe

Gardens

To the south you can enjoy the amazing Attadale Gardens on the south side of Loch Carron, while to the north, and a closer to the cottage, are world famous Inverewe Gardens, and also the outstanding Garden Cottage Nursery at Tournaig

A picture of the Shop at the Pier, Badachro, Gairloch

shopping

Strath, some 6 miles away, has a range of good shops, including two licensed grocers, an excellent butcher/fishmonger, attractive gift shops, a hairdressers and the post office and takeaway.

Walking & Climbing

Wester Ross is a dream come true for walkers and climbers, offering everything from short strolls to major expeditionsRemember that there is no bad weather in the Highlands, only bad clothing, so make sure that you bring clothing for all eventualities.

A photo of a Red deer stag as seen in Gairloch, Wester Ross

Wildlife

Gairloch’s natural heritage reflects the Highlands at its best. Whether it be the more common red and roe deer, grey and common seals, buzzards, herons and guillemots, or the more exotic pine marten, dolphins, golden and sea eagles, there’s something for everyone – and don’t forget the trees, plants and fungi!