Wester Ross stretches from Kintail in the south to Inverpolly in the north and extends from the western watershed of ross and cromarty. The Atlantic coastline extends to over 300 miles (500km) and is heavily indented with sea lochs. This is an area of ancient mountains, tranquil coastal settlements, single track roads and few inhabitants. it has some of the most stunning scenery of anywhere in the UK, a huge variety of wildlife and a very changeable climate. Geology The diverse scenery of Wester ross is due to the complex geology of the area. The base rock, Lewisian Gneiss, is overlain by a succession of sedimentary strata – Torridonian Sandstone, Cambrian Quartzite and Limestone. In Wester Ross the Moine Thrust runs from Glenelg in the south west to Knockan crag in the north, adding to the geological confusion. Erosion over many millions of years has produced the spectacular scenery of today. Settlements in Wester ross are sparse. Apart from the main centres such as Ullapool, Gairloch or Lochcarron the villages are very small. Much of the landscape is unpopulated and frequently it is possible to walk all day without seeing another soul. Whichever way one enters this area, the pace of life suddenly becomes slower. Even some of the main roads are windy single tracks. There are spectacular views round every corner which vary with the season, weather and time of day.
AchiltibuieACHILTIBUIE is a remote crofting and fishing township on the west side of Coigach peninsula. “There is a marvellous amount of nothing to do in Achiltibuie”, says the brochure of the Summer isles Hotel. This is a place to be savoured by those who appreciate how the west of Scotland used to be. it offers [...]
ApplecrossApplecreoss (P Aber Crossan, Mouth of the Crossan) is a large mountainous peninsula composed of Torridonian Sandstone between Loch Kishorn and Loch Torridon. Though not unique in the Highlands for its remote situation, Applecross remains a thriving community. it can only be reached by two long narrow roads or by sea. Bealach na Ba (G [...]
CorrieshallochCorrieshalloch (G Coire Shalach, Ugly corry) has a fine waterfall, Eisan na Miasaich, (G Fall of the Place of Platters) or the Falls of Measach. This 61m deep box canyon is situated just south of Braemore, 12 miles east of Ullapool. The car park and access is off the A832 just after the junction with [...]
Falls of GlomachThe Falls of Glomach (G Glom, chasm, NG977222) at 113m, are arguably the most spectacular, though not the highest in UK. They can be reached by a 4 mile hike up a good path from the Forestry commission car park at Strath Coe, off the A87 and inland from Morvich. Though the falls themselves are [...]
GairlochGairloch (G Gearr Loch, Short Loch) until recent times looked to the sea for access to the external world. it offers much of what the West Highlands visitor expects and is an excellent base from which to explore the area. The village consists of a series of little settlements nestling round the shore of the [...]
Gruinard BayGruinard Bay (ON Grunna Fjordur, Shallow Bay) runs in a wide sweep from Mellon Udrigle to Little Loch Broom. At its head a large area of sand is exposed at low tide. To the west the shore is shingly and is backed by a prominent raised beach. At the viewpoint above Little Gruinard a scramble [...]
Plockton and StromeferryPlockton (G am Ploc, The Lump) is an impossibly picturesque little village which nestles in a sheltered bay at the mouth of Loch Carron. The National Trust has been successful in preserving its charm, without turning it into a museum. it was built as a planned fishing village in the early 19th century. Britain’s Prettiest [...]
PoolewePoolewe (ON Bolstadir, farm, Farm of Ewe) sits at the head of Loch Ewe where the short river Ewe enters the sea from Loch Maree. The name Ewe is ancient, but could refer to yew trees, which have always been regarded as holy or the Tree of Life. There is a Pictish symbol in the [...]
Stac PollaidhStac Pollaidh (613m) may take its name from the river Polly just to the north. its summit is only 500m above the car park via a very clear path. The views from the top more than repay the effort. Inverpolly Special Area of conservation is spread out before you. it covers the ground west of [...]
Strome CastleStrome Castle is now a ruin, but from Norse times or earli- er it was an important strategic site. The present buildingdates from the 15th century, when it was most likely a fortified tower house. it was fought over many times by the MacKenzies and the MacDonalds. in 1602 the Lord of Kintail, Kenneth MacKenzie, [...]
TorridonTORRIDON (ON Thorfinn’s Township, or G Place of Transference) is full of scenic grandeur, its ancient mountains rising steeply and dramatically from sea level to over 1,000m. They loom majestically over Upper Loch Torridon, the little villages of Torridon or Fasag, inver Alligin, Alligin Shuas and Diabaig at their foot.
UllapoolUllapool (N Ulli Bolstadir, Ulli’s Stead) is situated on a sheltered headland near the mouth of Loch Broom. The approach from the east on the A835 gives fine views of the village, with the white washed houses of Shore Street curving round the bay. This attractive spot has probably been inhabited for thousands of years. [...]
