Walks

If you have a four-legged friend with you, and wish to explore the area by foot, there are countless fabulous walks within a few minutes’ drive of Am Bothan. Here is a list of just a few of our (and Fergus’) favourites:

Laide Wood - Just off the A832 between Aultbae and Laide lies Laide Wood, a charity owned community woodland area which presents an opportunity to walk on established paths and explore the landscape - there are small lochs and distant views to enjoy, and the going is relatively easy - more info is available at www.laidewood.org.uk

Inverewe Estate - in Poolewe Village, there is the famous Inverewe Garden, a Scottish National Trust owned Botanical garden, which astonishes keen gardeners and casual observers alike with the wide variety of exotic plants that can grow here, courtesy of the Gulf Stream that flows past the northern end of Loch Ewe. On the opposite side of the A832 from the car park, there is the Pinewood trail, another beautiful woodland walk that also takes in wonderful views of the Loch. Although a little steeper in parts, it is not too strenuous, but accessibility is limited due to the nature of the paths.

Also in Poolewe, there is the beautiful Kernsary Path, a 3 hour, 5 mile walk of moderate difficulty that takes in the shores of Loch Kernsary, views of Loch Maree and part of the Letterewe Estate. The last section (depending on which way round you do the walk, follows the banks of River Ewe back into the village.

Firemore Beach - our nearest beach is Firemore, about 3 miles further up our road going towards Cove at the entrance to the Loch. A sandy beach with long stretches even when the tide is high. At low tide, the water can be quite a distance. Take a ball-chucker for the dog. Other equally beautiful beaches are Gairloch, Big Sand, Gruinard Bay and the fabulously named Mellon Udrigle.

Flowerdale House, Gairloch - At the far end of Gairloch, with a car park opposite the harbour, is Flowerdale House, the seat of Clan Mackenzie since 1738. The house itself lies in a glen with several paths following the river up to a beautiful waterfall, or through the arboretum where there are amazing stands of redwood and pine trees. Well worth a visit.

Beinn Eighe - If you’re feeling fit, Being Eighe, an imposing Munro (over 3,000 ft in height) lies beyond Gairloch. Again, there are several well-marked paths, but this is a serious mountain walk, and equipment should be chosen accordingly, especially at times of unreliable weather.

Gairloch Museum - has a fascinating archeology trail behind the new building, that heads up into the hills, taking in the remains of several iron age round-houses and other interesting features. An informative guide can be bought at the museum for 50p (today’s prices). There’s also an amazing view up Loch Gairloch and, on a clear day, to Skye.

There are many other more challenging walks and hikes in the area. For more info, check out the Walk Highlands website - https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/