An Cois Na Mara is perfectly located to enjoy the many attractions and activities that Wester Ross has to offer. Below is a small sample of the many ways of spending time in the area.

 

Wildlife       

Wester Ross is a perfect holiday location for the wildlife enthusiast.  We spend much of our spare time bird & wildlife watching and we don't always have to venture very far to spot things. Sparrow Hawks & Kestrels are regularly hunting in the garden, Golden & White Tailed Sea Eagles soar over the house, Seals bask on the rocks at the bottom of the garden. Otters are frequently in the bay or feeding on the rocks, diving Gannets can be seen from the house. Peregrines hunt over the moorland & flocks of Twites feed on the heather & berries around Opinan. Whilst in the nearby Laide wood you can watch Little Grebes & Teal on the Lochans, you may even spot the elusive Pine Marten. 

 

Attractions         

Here is a brief flavour of some of the nearby attractions.

• Inverewe Gardens is a world renowned National Trust garden and is just a short drive away. 

• The Russian Arctic Convoy Museum has been set up in memory of all who braved the convoys between Loch Ewe and Russia during the Second World War. 

• Gairloch Heritage Museum gives visitors a wonderful insight into the culture and history of the area and of the people who grew up in this harsh and remote land

• Leckmelm Arboretum dates back to the 1880's and is a 12 acre woodland garden full of rare trees and shrubs.

• Ullapool Museum has exhibitions focusing on the history of Ullapool and the Wester Ross area.

• Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre has interactive displays and 'all abilities' trails around the reserve.

 

Beaches      

There are an abundance of incredibly beautiful beaches within the area. The breathtaking beaches of Mellon Udrigle - included in The Guardians 'Five Best Beaches in the UK' & Gruinard Bay to name just two. Anyone with an interest in Rock Pooling, Snorkelling or Shell collecting will enjoy many of the varied beaches.

 

Water Based Activities

• The area is ideal for river and sea fishing. Permits can be obtained from Laide Post Office.

• Ewe Canoe provide guided canoe trips and paddling adventures 

• Gairloch Marine Wildlife Centre is the perfect place to learn about the wildlife found around our shores.

• Glendale Self Drive Boat Hire is located in Gairloch Harbour and allows you to hire a motor boat & explore the waters and rocky outcrops of Loch Gairloch

• Hebridean Whale Cruises provide Whale watching and sea cruises from Gairloch. 

• Sealife Glass Bottom Boat Trips specialise in trips enabling you to not only see the wonderful birdlife & coastlines around the area but also show you the amazing world below the waves.

• Shellfish Safaris as seen on BBC1 and recommended by The Observer provide a chance to experience traditional creel fishing. 

 

Land Based Activities

Whether walking up into the hills, climbing a mountain ridge or taking a stroll through the many woodlands, there are walks suitable for all abilities. For those wanting a challenge, the impressive peaks of An Teallach can be viewed from the house and walks to the range are just a short drive away.

Our blog has several ideas for local walks & ways of spending time in this beautiful area.

• Walk Highlands have different levels of walks in and around Laide, Mellon Udrigle, Poolewe, Aultbea & Gairloch

• The Gairloch Pony Trekking Centre based a Redpoint Beach

• There are a range of good routes suitable for cyclists in the area along some hills & relativley flat coastal roads.

• Gairloch Golf Course is a challenging 9 hole links course with spectacular views across Gairloch beach. Visitors are welcome and clubs are available for hire from the shop.

• Indoor Climbing Wall and Rock Climbing is available at Gairloch Leisure Centre. 

 

Eating Out

There are several options in the way of cafes & restaurants in the Wester Ross area. Our nearest eatery is Ocean View in Laide a 10-15 minute walk away. The Aultbea Hotel 3 miles south is currently undergoing a refurbishment and so the bar is just open for drinks at the moment but there are alternatives, Aultbea - Oran Na Mara Cafe, Poolewe - Poolewe Hotel, Pool House, Bridge Cottage Art Cafe, Gairloch - The Myrtle Bank Hotel, The Barn Cafe at Big sand, The Old Inn, Coast Coffee, Black Pearl Creole Kitchen and several others. Dundonnell -  The Dundonnell Hotel.

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For evening meals we would recommend booking a table in advance.

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