Things to do in Badachro, Gairloch & Wester Ross
Below is a list of attractions in the Wester Ross area, with links to associated websites, which will give you more information about the area.
Cruises, Fishing, Whale Watching etc.
Dry Island Shellfish Safaris - Join local skipper Ian McWhinney on his traditional creel fishing boat in the beautiful setting of Badachro Bay on Scotland's West Coast. Watch as the creels are hauled from the crystal clear waters, and participate in an activity that has been part of Ian's family for centuries. We saw lots of different marine life and the kids loved it. Iain will also sell you fresh produce too (langoustines, squat lobsters or crabs). Great for eating in!
Hebridean Whale Cruises - Whales, dolphins, porpoises, sharks, white tailed sea eagles and puffins....
Gairloch Marine Life Cruises - Join the daily boat trips between March and October where you can see Hebridean wildlife including Harbour Porpoises, Whales, Grey and Common Seals and Dolphins, plus a huge variety of seabirds including White Tailed Eagles, Golden Eagles, Black-Throated Divers, Great Northern Divers to name but a few.
Summer Queen Cruises – Cruises around the Summer Isles from Ullapool
Ullapool to Stornaway Ferry – Ullapool is the ferry terminal for Stornaway and the Western Isles
Kerry Sea Angling - Established in 1987, Kerry Sea Angling is the only boat operator offering daily sea fishing cruises. They have cruises to suit everyone from beginners to experienced anglers, from two-hour family excursions to full-day Giant Skate expeditions.
Arts, Crafts and Local Industry
Gairloch Trekking Centre, Red Point - 4 miles
The Perfume Studio – The only working perfume studio in Scotland at Mellon Charles
Highland Stoneware, Ullapool – Working pottery and shop – watch the craftspeople make and paint these distinctive ceramics
Summer Isle Foods, Achiltibuie – Traditional salmon and kipper smokehouse
The Studio, Achnasheen – The largest selection of contemporary jewlery in the Highlands
Photos of the Scottish Highlands by professional landscape photographer
Sheildaig Falconry – Private Falconry and Archery experiences on the stunning grounds of Sheildaig Hotel
Mountain & Sea Guides, Applecross – Sea kayak trips, guided hillwalking and mountaineering trips
Lochbroom Leisure Centre, Ullapool – Swimming pool, multi sports hall and fitness suite
Martin Moran Mountaineering, Lochcarron – Guided mountaineering courses
Activity Point - Activities, attractions and places to visit in Scotland
Walking in Scotland - useful site for more information
Museums & Visitor Centres
Applecross Historical Society Heritage Centre
Gairloch Heritage Museum – Award winning museum
Torridon Countryside Centre & Deer Museum – Visit Torridon with its breathtaking scenery
Ullapool Museum – A rare insight into a Highland community
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve – Boasting some of Scotland's finest mountain, pinewood and lochside scenery
Gardens
Attadale Gardens – Spectacular West Coast garden
Inerewe Garden - Premier Scottish garden with exotic plants from around the world
Bird Watching
Wester Ross is a fantastic area to see all kind of bird life. Ross House advertises in the Birds magazine. Some examples of what is available to see in this oasis for bird watching:
Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver (Loch Lurgainn), Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Shelduck, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, Buzzard, Red Grouse, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Greenshank, Curlew, Snipe, Great Skua, Artic Skua, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Lerrer, Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Common Tern, Artic Tern, Sandwich Tern, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, Rock Dove Cuckoo, Swallow, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Dunnock, Robin, Wheater, Stonechat, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Hooded Crow, Raven, Jackdaw, Linnet, Redpoll, Twite, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Heron, Osprey, Sea Eagle
For further information please visit www.visitwester-ross.com
Restaurants in the Badachro & Gairloch Area
Badachro Inn
The menu changes daily with many dishes featuring locally caught sea food. All the produce is fresh and simply prepared. The new "Specials Board" has been an instant hit. A fantastic ambiance. Eat on the terrace or the conservatory both of which enjoy the magnificent views across Loch Gairloch and beyond. The owners local!
The Old Inn Gairloch - 5 miles
The Old Inn is a Traditional Highland Coaching Inn, overlooking Gairloch harbour. Great location but not one of our favourites!
The Shieling Restaurant Gairloch - 5 miles
Good food in bright and spacious surroundings with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere make the Shieling one of Gairloch's most popular restaurants. There is a very comfortable lounge and a small, well-stocked bar. And all with panoramic views across Loch Gairloch out to the Isle of Skye. An owners choice.
The Coast Coffee Company - 5 miles
You’ll find the Coast Coffee Company just before the pier. Great little place for snacks and lunch, great service and delicious hot chocolate!
Myrtle Bank Hotel Gairloch - 5 miles
Two separate dining areas both with panoramic sea views across the loch to the Isle of Skye and the Hebrides. Both offering locally sourced produce. The extensive menu changes daily to reflect the local catch and highland bred beef and venison. There is also a comprehensive well stocked wine cellar to compliment your meal.
The Aultbea Hotel – 18 miles
Under new management the hotel has been given a makeover. The food is excellent both in the bar and the restaurant. Cakes are fantastic. David Coulethard visited recently. Really worth the drive out but book first!!
The Barn Café, Big Sands – 7 miles
Lovely fresh food with friendly staff. One of our regular lunchtime haunts!
Gairloch Golf Club – 5 Miles
During summer months there are tables and benches outside so you can make the most of the sunny days and enjoy their refreshments al fresco style. Snacks and meals are served daily throughout the season with homemade soup a speciality.
Golf Courses
Gairloch Golf Club – A challenging and scenic 9-hole links course set on the shore of Loch Gairloch. Fantastic, a real gem
Lochcarron Golf Course – 9-hole course in magnificent location by the shore of Loch Carron
Ullapool Golf Course – A professionally designed 9-hole course
Strathpeffer Golf Course - Strathpeffer spa Golf Club was founded in 1888, one of the original course designers was "the grand old man of golf" Tom Morris of St Andrews, in more recent times Peter Allis has described the course as a jewel in the Highlands of Scotland.
