Places to visit - Discover Assynt

Places to visit around Lochinver

Highland Stoneware Pottery, Lochinver
You can buy, browse or watch the potters at work
Tel: 01571 844376
email: potters@highlandstoneware.co.uk
website: www.highlandstoneware.com

Achins Book Shop, Inverkirkaig
A vast range of books and gifts for all ages -
AND a comfortable coffee shop serving light snacks
Tel: 01571 844262 - email: alex@scotbooks.freeuk.com

Lochinver Harbour - watch the boats coming and going -
and landing their catches

Culag Woods, Lochinver
A community woodland managed by the Culag Community Woodland Trust with interesting walks for all ages!

The CCWT also manage the Little Assynt Estate (see further down the page)
with a range of facilities and organised events.
For details of these events CLICK HERE to download a Word file
Tel/Fax: 01571 844368
email: info@culagwoods.org.uk - website www.culagwoods.org.uk

Clachtoll Broch - on the shore between Clachtoll & Stoer
A ruined prehistoric broch which has recently been stabilised

Clachtoll Salmon Bothy and Ice House
With displays organised by the Assynt Historical Society

Stoer Lighthouse and the Old Man of Stoer
A working lighthouse and a spectacular cliff walk to the famous sea stack

Stoer Hall
Open from 2 - 4 pm Monday to Friday until 13th August
Teas and displays - Assynt Historical Society community archive including computer photo archive and local census information

Places to visit to the South

The Little Assynt Estate
This Estate, just a few miles south of Lochinver, was purchased by the Culag Community Woodland Trust on behalf of the community in 2000. The Estate consists of 1200 hectares of beautiful wild Assynt landscape. With sign-posted walks, you may catch a glimpse of black throated divers, otters and the occasional eagle.

One of the main features of the Estate is the newly-constructed All Abilities Path, which provides a great opportunity for those with limited mobility to access the wild and beautiful landscape of Assynt. The route has been constructed so that it is suitable for wheelchair access with gradients no more than 1:12 and a gravel surface that is as level as possible. It winds its way past the shores of two lochs eventually reaching a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding mountains and lochs. Along the way there are rest points, with heather-thatched shelters and compost loos at each loch, as well as two jetties and specially adapted Pioner 13 boats suitable for disabled anglers. Overall, the return distance is about 2.5 km.
For more details email info@culagwoods.org.uk

Ardvreck Castle
on the shores of Loch Assynt. Ruined (but stabilised) ancient stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt and famous as the prison where the Duke of Montrose was held prior to his trial and execution in 1650

Inchnadamph National Nature Reserve
more information from Assynt Field Centre
Email: info@inch-lodge.co.uk - Website www.inch-lodge.co.uk

Traligill Limestone / River Caves

Prehistoric (Bone) Caves

Knockan Visitor Centre - south of Elphin
Come to Knockan Crag and discover the amazing story stored in Scotland's rocks
Website: www.knockan-crag.co.uk

Summer Isles Foods, Achiltibuie - a family-run, craft smokehouse where you can buy produce or arrange to have it mailed to friends or family (or yourself when you get home!)
Tel: 01854 622353
Email: sifsalmo@globalnet.co.uk - Website: www.summerislesfoods.com

Hydroponicum, Achiltibuie
Established in the 1980’s - a premier centre for soil-less growing - with spectacular results! Incorporates a shop and a café.
Tel: 01854 622202
Email: info@thehydroponicum.com - Website: www.thehydroponicum.com

Places to visit to the North

Maryck Memories of Childhood - Unapool
Museum and Tearoom, craft, gift shop, exhibition of dolls, dolls' houses and toys, 1880 to present Open Easter - October. 10am - 5.30pm daily. Small admission charge.
Tel: 01971 502341 / 502009 - Website: www.maryck.co.uk

Kerrachar Gardens
Accessible by boat only - set in a uniquely remote and beautiful location
on the shores of Loch a Chairn Bhain. Ask us about boat trips from Kylesku.
Tel: 01571 833288
Email: info@kerrachar.co.uk - Website: www.kerrachar.co.uk

Strathcroy Studio & Gallery - (north of Clashnessie)
Browse or buy paintings
Open May to October
Tel 01571 855209

Kylesku Bridge
A spectacular bridge replacing the old ferry service
opened by the Queen in 1984

Kylesku Boat trips
For more information about the trips on offer,
ask at the Visitor Centre in Lochinver

Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve at Handa Island - Offshore island with seacliffs.
One of the largest seabird colonies in NW Europe. Boat trips from Tarbet (near Scourie). For more information ask at the Visitor Centre in Lochinver
SWT Website: www.swt.org.uk

Cape Adventure offers a range outdoor activities, sea kayaking, walking, climbing,
Land-yachting, surfing, orienteering and survival, set in the remote north west highlands.
Email: info@capeventure.co.uk
Website: www.capeventure.co.uk

Sandwood Bay, Durness
About as far north as you can go! Owned by the John Muir Trust. Quite a walk - but worth it - more information at the Visitor Centre in Lochinver
or from the JMT website: www.jmt.org

Picture Shack - Gallery
formerly in Achiltibuie, now open in Lochinver featuring original works in pastel and other media by Mary King; landcsape photography by John McCarthy; limited edition prints, cards, and works by selected other artists.
Main Street, Lochinver - Open Easter to October, Monday to Saturday - Tel.: 01571 844009
www.pictureshack.co.uk