Spectacular Assynt: Mountains, Moors & Cliffs

Programme

Day 1: Arrival and Northwestern Highlands

Individual arrival in Inverness (alternatively Edinburgh/Glasgow). From here the journey takes you through the barren and wild beauty of the Northwestern Highlands, a mix of mountains and moorland, tranquil lochs and deep fjords. The area is one of Europe’s most sparsely populated regions. In the evening enjoy some typical Scottish dishes at the “Old Inn” in Gairloch.  Distance: 70 miles, Driving Time: about 1.5 hrs, Accommodation: Gairloch

Day 2: Gairloch and Fairy Lochs

Start the day with a hearty Scottish breakfast to set you up for the day. Gairloch is a typical Highland village with its own identity and a rich Gaelic heritage. The surrounding area offers a lot to discover: Gairloch bay, beaches, dunes and golf courses. You can go hiking, cycling, play golf or just relax and unwind. Take a boat trip to look for dolphins and whales, watch playful seals and colourful puffins. The area offers a multitude of walks for all abilities and experiences. Visit the Fairy Lochs on a short circular hillwalk into an area of small rocky hills with many small lochs and excellent views to both the coastline and mountains. In the afternoon discover idyllic Gairloch Bay or take a walk to Flowerdale Glen with its attractive waterfall. Walking Distance: Fairy Lochs 3.75 miles, Flowerdale Glen 3 miles, Accommodation: Gairloch

Day 3: Tropical garden and a remote lighthouse

Further north blooms on the shores of Loch Ewe the prettiest and most northerly botanic garden Scotland’s – Inverewe Gardens. Created from barren land in 1862 by Osgood Mackenzie, the garden boasts many exotic plants from all over the world which grow here thanks to the influence of the North Atlantic current. Inverewe has a noteworthy rhododendron collection and hosts an Erythronium festival in spring. Since 1952 the garden and estate are managed by the National Trust for Scotland. In the afternoon take a walk across Melvaig Peninsula to the remote Rubha Réidh lighthouse. Its prominent clifftop location offers fantastic views over the waters to the Outer Hebrides and some of the most spectacular sunsets in the area. Walking Distance: Rubha Reidh Lighthouse and Camas Mor 8.5 miles, Accommodation: Gairloch

Day 4: Ullapool and Stac Pollaidh – Lochinver

In the morning visit picturesque Ullapool, where whitewashed cottages hug the coastline around Loch Broom and the small fishing harbour designed by Thomas Telford. Despite its small size it is the largest settlement for many miles around and an important port and tourist destination. Ferries sail to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides. The village is known for its lively folk music scene and is a centre for Gaelic music, art and language. In the afternoon you can climb the spectacular Stac Pollaid, also known as Stac Polly. The walk is fairly easy and has great views over Assynth to the north and the Summer Isles and Achiltibuie to the south and west. Walking Distance: Stac Pollaidh ridge and circuit 2.75 miles, Accommodation: Lochinver

Day 5: Old Man of Stoer

Follow small country roads through tiny villages to Stoer lighthouse. From here a walk along the cliffs will lead you to The Old Man of Stoer, a spectacular sea-stack. The walking is rough but the coastal scenery impressive. This is the best walk in Assynt for whale and dolphin spotting so take a picknick, sit down and enjoy the view. If the weather is good you can see all the way to the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. The cliffs are home to thousands of nesting sea birds including cute puffins. Walking Distance: The Old Man of Stoer and the point 4.25 miles, Accommodation: Lochinver

Day 6: The mountains of Assynt

The mountainous Assynt region is a paradise for hikers and hillwalkers and consists of some of the oldest rock layers on the planet. Many of the local mountains like Suilven formed in the last Ice Age. Depending on weather and ability choose from a variety of hill walks today – climb Quinag, Canisp or Cul More. The view from the top of any of those won’t disappoint. Walking Distance: Suilven 12.5 miles, Quinag 8.75 miles, Canisp 7.5 miles, Cul More 8.5 miles, Accommodation: Lochinver

Day 7:  North West Highlands Geopark

For one last time you can enjoy this magnificent landscape on the drive back to Inverness. North west Scotland is home to Europe’s largest Geopark and contains some of the continent’s oldest rocks. The interpretative Knockan Crag Trail brings the geology of the Moine Thrust to life. The path climbs past exposed rocks and up onto the Top of Knockan Crag which offers spectacular views over Assynt. In the afternoon you will reach Inverness, capital of the Highlands, where this tour ends (optional additional night in Inverness). Walking Distance: Knockan Crag Trail 1.25 miles, Driving Distance: 95 miles, Driving Time: about 2 hrs

Services

Tour includes

•  overnight stays in 3-4* B&B accommodation (en-suite) in Gairloch
• 3 overnight stays in 3-4* B&B accommodation (en-suite) in Lochinver
• Scottish breakfast
• hire car for 7 days from/to Inverness airport including damage waiver, Sat Nav and 2 drivers
• Scotland road map
• comprehensive info pack including leisure and restaurant recommendations
• 24/7 emergency hotline

Not included

• flights
• lunch and dinner
• fuel
• admissions

Optional add-ons

• £69 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow B&B, based on 2 people sharing (£41 single supplement)
• £89 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow hotel, based on 2 people sharing (£61 single supplement)
• from £50 per day car hire extension

Additional Information

Duration: 7 days
Participants: from 2 pax
Start: Inverness Airport (alternatively Glasgow/Edinburgh)
Finish: (alternatively Glasgow/Edinburgh)

When deciding on your travel dates, please bear in mind that we require at least 6 weeks to prepare. Every trip is meticulously planned and organised, and the information pack is compiled with great care and attention. We also have to allow time for the information pack to be delivered (postal delivery can take on average 4 weeks in Europe). If you do want to travel at short notice, please contact us by email. Thank you for your cooperation!

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