THE ACHILTIBUIE AREA
Altandhu, Achiltibuie and Coigach
The Achiltibuie Area offers a wealth of leisure activities including a popular cruise around the Summer Isles with the opportunity to land and explore, or to enjoy the panoramic views whilst having your picnic lunch. Varieties of fishing are available. Permits are required and are available locally to fish on the banks or by boat for sea trout and salmon on lochs and rivers. Coigach provides much scope for the naturalist, the botanist, the walker, the artist and the photographer.
Best of all is exploring the beaches, shoreline and hills by foot, finding a secluded spot that can be yours for the day. The nearest sandy beaches are at Achnahaird and Reiff. Achnahaird is one of the sites of the North West Snorkel Trail so don’t forget to bring a snorkel! For the more ambitious, a climb up Stac Pollaidh is a possibility – there is a path to the top, which makes it accessible to many. The rocky peaks of Inverpolly, and the sea cliffs of Reiff provide a challenge to the most experienced of climbers.
Great food can be found at Am Fuaran Bar, just along from the chalets, as well as at the Summer Isles Hotel and the Achiltibuie Piping School Café. Our two local shops also stock tasty provisions, including local produce from Achiltibuie Garden and Summer Isles Bakes. Free range eggs and croft produce can be found at honesty boxes in different parts of the village.
Shoppers will be delighted with the Coigach Craft Shop, the Fisk Gallery which features stunning pottery, and the Achiltibuie Artists Gallery which showcases quality local art.
For those keen on some active exploration, there are many stunning beaches and umpteen walks, as well as canoeing, climbing, cycling, snorkelling and kayaking all to be enjoyed. For the ultimate in activity, you might catch a local ceilidh. See Explore for more details.
Ullapool is a scenic 45 minute drive south, where you find a leisure centre with swimming pool, a golf course, an award winning museum, a supermarket and petrol station, as well as a selection of craft shops, pubs and restaurants.
Lochinver is a 45 minute drive north, either by way of a winding coastal single track road, picturesque in spring with primroses, bluebells and water lilies, or via the A835. In Lochinver you will find shops and an award winning delicatessen.
ALTANDHU
Old Dornie... Altandhu is one of the original crofting hamlets of Coigach. Overlooking the sea to Isle Ristol and Old Dornie Bay and Harbour, set above fabulous rock pools and in a sheltered bay with mountains behind, this really is a great wee spot to relax and enjoy the Highlands.
ACHILTIBUIE & COIGACH
A haven of peace and nature... The peninsula of Coigach is made up of a number of crofting townships which lie along the rugged coastline and translates from Gaelic as the 'five achs (fields)'. Achiltibuie and Altandhu are two of these townships. There have been people living here for thousands of years - remnants of the early inhabitants can be found in stone hut circle ruins and brochs along the coast. The area is still largely unspoilt, and we enjoy a vibrant community life, many crofting and fishing as people have since they first settled here.
THE SUMMER ISLES
Historical and cultural beauties in the sea... The Summer Isles that you overlook from Port Beag Chalets can be experienced by boat, with Summer Isles Tours. Cruising through the islands - the bestway to view their amazing geological features, including "Cathedral Cave" and hopefully spot a few friendly seals. Kayak trips also go out to the islands offering schedules to suit all levels of experience.
THE HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS
Unspoilt wildernesses of Europe... The environment surrounding us is both beautiful and awe inspiring. The mountains and glens, the beaches and lochs, the moors and forest all offer sights and experiences according to what you desire. Walking, biking, climbing and trekking are all achievable all around us. We are amongst some of the best geology of the worls and part of the North West GeoPark, home to a vast number of famous of mountains.
NATURE & WILDLIFE
The Highlands is abundant in wildlife, birdlife & plants... As well as stunning landscapes, we are surrounded by amazing animals and wildlife. From the Golden and White Tailed Sea Eagles soaring in our skies, to the red and black throated divers and other sea birds on our shores. We also have large herds of deer on our hills - and at times even in the garden! There are all varity of wildlife and stunning plants all around.