Explore Assynt

Achmelvich Beach

With its beautiful white sand, turquoise water and rocky coastline, Achmelvich is one of Assynt’s best-loved beaches.

A short walk over the headland takes you to the smaller and quieter Vestey’s Bay, another lovely spot to explore.

Achmelvich has a large visitor car park, toilets, accessible facilities, baby changing, cycle parking and outdoor cold-water showers.

Please park responsibly and help protect this beautiful area.

Hermit’s Castle

Perched above the coastline at Achmelvich is the wonderfully unusual Hermit’s Castle.

Built in 1950 by architect David Scott, this tiny concrete folly is sometimes described as one of Europe’s smallest castles. It makes an interesting addition to a walk around Achmelvich and offers wonderful coastal views.

More information:
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/lochinver/hermitscastle

Clachtoll Beach & Broch

Clachtoll is another beautiful Assynt beach, with white sand, clear water and spectacular views towards the surrounding mountains.

Close to the beach is Clachtoll Broch, an impressive Iron Age structure that has been the subject of extensive archaeological excavation and conservation.

It is well worth combining a visit to the beach with a walk around this fascinating historic site.

Website:
www.clachtollbroch.com

Stoer Ceramics

Look out for locally made ceramic art while exploring the Stoer area.

Stoer and the surrounding communities are home to a number of artists and craftspeople, making this a lovely area in which to find an original reminder of your visit to Assynt.

Opening arrangements for small studios can change, so we recommend checking current details locally before making a special journey.

Highland Stoneware – Lochinver

Highland Stoneware has been making its distinctive pottery in Lochinver since 1974.

Every piece is handmade and individually freehand painted, so no two pieces are exactly alike. Visitors to the Lochinver workshop can browse the shop and, depending on what is happening that day, may also be able to see the craftspeople at work.

The Seconds Shop is particularly good for finding one-off pieces and gifts.

Highland Stoneware
Lochinver, Sutherland, IV27 4LP
Tel: 01571 844376

Website:
www.highlandstoneware.com

Assynt Ceramics – Glencanisp Lodge

Visit Fergus Stewart at Assynt Ceramics Workshop & Gallery in the Old Stables at Glencanisp Lodge.

Fergus creates distinctive hand-thrown stoneware and porcelain inspired by the colours and landscapes of Sutherland. Visitors can see the workshop and browse pieces from recent firings, including one-off and limited-edition ceramics.

The workshop usually welcomes visitors seasonally, so please check current opening arrangements before visiting.

Assynt Ceramics Workshop & Gallery
Old Stables Studio
Glencanisp Lodge
Lochinver, IV27 4LW

Tel: 07732 737616 / 01571 844022

Walking & Hiking

Assynt is a walkers’ paradise, with everything from gentle coastal strolls to challenging mountain days.

The landscape includes some of Scotland’s most distinctive mountains, including Suilven, Canisp, Quinag, Conival and Ben More Assynt.

The geology is equally remarkable. Assynt contains some extremely ancient rocks, including Lewisian gneiss dating back billions of years.

Popular walks include:

Suilven
Quinag
Canisp
Ben More Assynt & Conival
The Old Man of Stoer
Falls of Kirkaig
Bone Caves of Inchnadamph
Eas a’ Chùal Aluinn
River Inver & Glencanisp

Always check the weather and route information before setting out, particularly for the longer mountain walks.

Walking information:
www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ullapool/assynt.shtml

Lochinver Village Hall

Lochinver Village Hall sits at the heart of the local community and hosts a varied programme of entertainment and activities.

Events can include live music, ceilidhs, theatre, opera, dancing, craft markets and community gatherings.

The programme changes throughout the year, so check the current events calendar to see what is happening during your stay.

Lochinver Village Hall
High Street
Lochinver, IV27 4LX

Website:
www.lochinvervillagehall.com

Assynt Craft Markets

Assynt’s craft markets are a great opportunity to meet local artists, makers and producers.

Depending on the event, you may find ceramics, artwork, textiles, jewellery, handmade gifts and locally produced food.

Dates vary throughout the year rather than following a guaranteed monthly schedule, so check the latest programme at Lochinver Village Hall.

Website:
www.lochinvervillagehall.com

Assynt Leisure Centre

Assynt Leisure Centre in Lochinver provides sport, fitness and recreational facilities for both the local community and visitors.

Facilities and opening hours can vary, so check the latest information before visiting.

Website:
www.assyntleisure.co.uk

Tel: 01571 844123

Loch Land & Sea

For those wanting to get out on the water, Loch Land & Sea is based in Lochinver and offers outdoor activities including paddleboarding.

Availability, tuition and organised sessions can vary with the season and weather, so check directly for the latest options.

Website:
www.lochlandandsea.com

North Coast Sea Tours

Explore Assynt from the water with North Coast Sea Tours, operating from Lochinver Marina.

Wildlife cruises provide the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular coastline and look for local marine life and seabirds. Private charters, sea-angling trips and sunset cruises may also be available.

Wildlife cruises are generally around 90 minutes, with services operating seasonally.

Lochinver Marina
Lochinver Harbour
IV27 4JP

Tel: 07949 960500 / 07939 386330

Website:
www.northcoastseatours.co.uk

Kylesku Boat Tours

A boat trip from Kylesku is a wonderful way to experience this dramatic landscape from the water.

Trips travel into the spectacular sea lochs around Kylesku, with opportunities to see wildlife and the remote Eas a’ Chùal Aluinn waterfall when conditions allow.

Eas a’ Chùal Aluinn is one of Britain’s highest waterfalls and is particularly impressive after heavy rain.

As boat schedules and trip formats are weather dependent, check the operator’s current information before travelling.

Website:
www.kyleskuboattours.com

Shearwater Cruises – Ullapool

Shearwater Cruises operates sightseeing trips from Ullapool Harbour into Loch Broom and around the Summer Isles.

Cruises last approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and offer a wonderful way to enjoy the scenery, seabirds and marine wildlife of the northwest Highlands.

Head of Ullapool Harbour
Shore Street
Ullapool

Tel: 07713 257219
Email: cruises@summerqueen.co.uk

Website:
www.summerqueen.co.uk

Countryside Ranger Events

High Life Highland’s Countryside Ranger Service runs guided walks, wildlife events and outdoor activities throughout the Highlands.

The programme changes throughout the year, with events designed to help visitors discover the wildlife, landscapes, geology and history of the area.

Check the current programme for events taking place during your stay.

Website:
www.highlifehighland.com/countryside-rangers

Hamlet Mountaineering

Hamlet Mountaineering offers guided outdoor adventures in the northwest Highlands.

Activities can include hill walking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking and guided climbing, with options suitable for a range of abilities and experience.

As activities are dependent on availability and conditions, contact them directly for current information.

Website:
www.hamletmountaineering.com

Ardvreck Castle

The atmospheric ruins of Ardvreck Castle stand on the shore of Loch Assynt and are one of the area’s most recognisable historic landmarks.

The castle is thought to have been first constructed by the MacLeods of Assynt in the late 15th century and was substantially altered and extended during the following century.

Its dramatic lochside setting makes it a popular place to stop, explore and photograph.

Take care around the ruins and uneven ground.

Stoer Lighthouse & the Old Man of Stoer

Stoer Lighthouse is set on a spectacular stretch of coastline and offers far-reaching views across the Minch on a clear day.

The area is also a good place to watch for whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife.

From the lighthouse, a popular coastal walk leads to the Old Man of Stoer, a dramatic sea stack rising around 60–70 metres from the sea.

Allow plenty of time for the walk and wear suitable footwear, as the route crosses rough and sometimes boggy ground.

Walking information:
www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ullapool/old-man-of-stoer.shtml

Handa Island

Handa Island is one of the highlights of the northwest coast for wildlife lovers.

Its dramatic sea cliffs support more than 200,000 seabirds during the breeding season, including guillemots, razorbills and hundreds of pairs of puffins.

You may also be lucky enough to spot otters, dolphins, minke whales or even orcas offshore.

Handa is reached by a short passenger-ferry crossing from Tarbet, a few miles north of Scourie. There is no timed advance booking system, and crossings are weather dependent.

Tel: 07780 967800 / 07796 677328

Website:
www.handa-ferry.com

Sea Fishing

The Assynt coast offers plenty of opportunities for sea fishing.

Several local boat operators offer fishing trips, while shore fishing is also possible from suitable coastal locations.

If fishing from rocks, please take particular care with tides, swell and slippery surfaces. Local advice is invaluable when deciding where and when to fish.

Assynt Angling

With hundreds of lochs and lochans scattered across the landscape, Assynt is renowned for wild brown trout fishing.

Assynt Angling Information provides details of fishing areas, permits and individual lochs, including an interactive map that allows anglers to explore the available waters.

Always check current permit requirements before fishing.

Website:
www.assyntanglinginfo.org.uk

North Assynt Fishing

The North Assynt Estate offers access to a remarkable network of lochs and lochans, many providing wild brown trout fishing.

Bank fishing, boats on selected lochs, permits and other fishing services are available.

Guided fishing, fly-fishing tuition and tackle hire may also be available, so it is worth contacting the estate when planning your trip.

Tel: 01571 855298

Website:
www.theassyntcrofters.co.uk

Salmon Fishing – River Kirkaig

The River Kirkaig provides challenging salmon fishing in beautiful surroundings.

It is a spate river, meaning fishing conditions depend heavily on rainfall and water levels. Fishing is by fly only.

The published salmon-fishing season runs from 11 February to 15 October, although conditions and regulations should always be checked before fishing.

Some pools are surrounded by difficult and rocky terrain, so this is best suited to suitably experienced and mobile anglers.

For current availability, permits and regulations, check with the relevant fishery before making plans.

A Little Local Advice

Opening hours, boat trips, markets and outdoor activities can change according to the season, weather and local circumstances. We recommend checking directly with businesses and attractions before making a special journey.

The weather in Assynt can also change quickly. For longer walks and mountain days, always carry suitable clothing, footwear, food and navigation equipment, and check the forecast before setting out.

Most importantly, take your time and enjoy exploring this extraordinary corner of the Highlands.