Things to See
This area is a nature lover's paradise, offering spectacular rugged
mountain and coastal scenery, beautiful and secluded sandy beaches,
fascinating geology and a wide range of bird and animal wildlife.
Golden Eagles, Greenshanks, Black-throated Divers, Otters, Pine Martens,
Seals and Dolphins are a few of the species that may be seen by the
visitor.
There are National Nature Reserves at Inchnadamph and
Inverpolly, in addition to the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) reserve
at Handa Island. Highland Regional Council employs Rangers during
the summer months, who offer guided walks, allowing you to explore
the area's wildlife and flora.
Sutherland community websites are an excellent source
of information on all of the above, and other places to visit, such
as artists' galleries, Highland Sonteware Pottery, gardens, tea rooms,
etc. The websites can be found at http://assynt.info/index.html
also
www.sutherlandcommunity.co.uk and www.assynt.co.uk
Things to Do
Walking and Climbing
There are over 150 miles of footpaths, including plenty of low-level
walks winding between the mountains or along the coast. Walks such
as the cliff top walk to the Old Man of Stoer, or the river walk to
the Falls of Kirkaig, or the shorter walk to the Bone Caves at Inchnadamph.
Other good websites with detailed descriptions of walks and maps can
be found at http://www.b-mercer.demon.co.uk/suth.htm and http://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walks/scotland/index.shtml
Assynt and Coigach also have some of the most dramatic peaks in Scotland
- Conival and Ben More Assynt, the highest peaks in the area, are
popular with the Munro climbers, while Suilven is probably the best
known of the Assynt hills. The views of the Summer Isles from the
summit of Stac Polly are superb.
Adventure Activites
Cape Adventure International offers a range of outdoor activities
for adults, children aged 8 or over and families. These include sea
kayaking, climbing, abseiling, sea level traverse and walking. Activities
are supervised by trained staff and all specialist and safety equipment
is provided. www.capeventure.co.uk
Boating
Boat trips up Glencoul to see Eas a'Chual Aluinn, the highest waterfall
in Britain, depart from Kylesku, and visitors will hopefully see seal
colonies, a heronry and nesting terns en route. Or why not try a cruise
on Loch Laxford, departing from Fanagmore, to visit seal colonies
and view seabirds. These run in the summer months from mid-May to
September.
Other options include a cruise around Handa Island to view the myriads
of nesting seabirds in spring, which departs from Scourie Harbour;
one from Lochinver Harbour to explore the beautiful Assynt coast and
view seals and birds and, if you are lucky, whale and dolphin; or
even a cruise to the Summer Isles from Achiltibuie.
Fishing
The fisherman is spoilt for choice, with sea angling as well as countless
lochs, streams and rivers offering wonderful sport. The following
website offers useful information on where to fish, obtain permits,
find ghillies, and so on. http://fishing-highland.co.uk
Golf
Situated on the northern outskirts of Ullapool, the golf course offers
outstanding views of Lochbroom and the Summer Isles beyond. www.ullapool-golf.co.uk The most north-westerly course in Britain can be found at Durness
www.durnessgolfclub.org Officially recognised as a nine hole course,
but with a second set of very different tees Durness plays like a
traditional 18 holes.
