Sutherland – North West and Assynt

The west coast of Sutherland runs from Loch Kirkaig to Cape Wrath. These Lonely Lands have some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of Britain. Although the mountains here are not as high as those further south, their individual splendour is striking. This is a starkly beautiful landscape of ancient rocks, lochs, sea lochs and islands lovely on a fine day, but dour when the weather is bad. Most of the roads are single track and require care, but they also force you to slow down and afford a new vista around every turn. Geology Most of the area has been designated as the North West Highlands Geopark, whose eastern boundary roughly follows the Moine Thrust from east of Loch Eriboll south to Ben More Assynt. Coigach and the Summer isles, to the south, are also included. Much of the landscape is composed of ancient Lewisian Gneiss, but this is overlain by Torridonian Sandstone in several places. The mountains of Suilven, canisp and Quinag are examples, as is the Stoer Peninsula, Handa island and much of the Parph Peninsula. Outcrops of limestone at Durness, inchnadamph and Elphin are lush in comparison to most of the area. Many of the mountains are capped with Cambrian Quartzite, which gleams in the sunshine, especially when wet. This complex geology combined with the relatively mild climate leads to a hugely diverse range of habitats, making it a compelling place for naturalists to visit. There are many localities where one can spend the entire day without seeing anyone, or any sign of human habitation. The changeability of the weather creates enchanting and variable light at all times of year. To see the wild flowers and breeding birds the best time to visit is early summer. Snow rarely lingers long near the coast, but when it falls the landscape is transformed.