Inverness to Poolewe & Gairloch

Dundonnell route (Mon & Fri)

Taking the Ullapool road north, the coach climbs into the hills with Little Wyvis and Ben Wyvis mountains on your right. Continuing to climb into the mountains you have amazing views, eventually travelling alongside the attractive Loch Glascarnoch on the right.

Still climbing, you pass the smaller Loch Droma on the left. From here you continue until Falls of Measach, where the coach leaves the Ullapool road and turns off towards Dundonnell.

The mountain scenery continues as you travel on to the small village of Dundonnell, after which Little Loch Broom comes into sight on your right. Travel alongside the loch, climbing again before dropping down to Mungasdale with the North Atlantic Ocean.

Look out for the sandy Mungasdale Beach and Gruinard Island on your right, followed by the large sandy Guinard Beach. The coach now winds its way along the west coast before cutting inland at Laide to emerge at Altbea. 

Now you continue to wind along the west coast by Loch Ewe. Look out for the Isle of Ewe. Next you arrive into Poolewe before continuing inland to Gairloch, passing Loch Tollaidh.

Achnasheen route (Tues, Wed & Sat)

Taking the road west, the coach follows the route of the Kyle Line as far as Achnasheen, which is visible in sections. The scenery begins with forests and later opens up to valley and mountains.

You will be treated to views of Loch a' Chuilinn and then briefly Loch Achanalt both on the left. Also on the left are the five peaks of Sgurr a Mhuillin which are often snow covered until late spring. 

The road travels through the narrow Strath Bran sharing the space with the River Bran. To the west you briefly see the Torridon Peaks, which provide walks for hikers and nature enthusiasts. 

Next you arrive at the village of Achnasheen. Look out for the line of the old drovers' road about 100 feet above the main road on the north side of Loch a'Croisg (Loch Rosque). This was used to drive cattle from Glen Carron (to the south west), Torridon, Gairloch and Poolewe areas to markets at Dingwall. 

Leaving Achnasheen, the coach leaves the route of the train and takes the road to Kinlochewe. Look out for the historic stone Ledgowan Bride on your left, built in 1819 by Thomas Telford.

Shortly afterwards the road travels along the length of the beautiful Loch a' Chroisg on the left. From here you climb into the mountains to reach Kinlochewe.

Leaving Kinlochewe the coach climbs further before following Loch Maree on the right. Look out for a series of islands on the loch. The largest of these is Eilean Sùbhainn which itself contains a loch.

From here the road winds through the mountains, passing the small Am Feur-Loch and larger Loch Bad an Sgalaig on the left before arriving in Gairloch. It then continues inland to Poolewe, passing Loch Tollaidh.

POOL HOUSE

This historic home (still lived in) is open for tours where you can find out about its history as a home for Victorian gentry and its later role in World War II as a Royal Navy Command Headquarters. 

It is full of 19th century interiors and collectables. There is also a Victorian style shop and a Gentleman's Club style cafe.

POOLEWE SWIMMING POOL

Despite the effects of the Gulf Stream, the sea is still cold! If you would like a warmer dip, try this indoor swimming pool.

GAIRLOCH MUSEUM

Located in a converted nuclear bunker, this museum covers 7000 years of history, as well as culture and natural heritage. There are also two art exhibitions, an outdoor museum, shop and cafe. A weekly guided walk and behind the scenes tour are also on offer.

SANDY BEACHES

There are two sandy beaches: Wiltsea Beach and, around 20 minutes' walk away, the larger Gairloch Beach which is popular for swimming. Reachable by a path from the Golf Club car park is An Dun Headland, which is a location on the North West Highlands Snorkel Trail.

GAIRLOCH GOLF CLUB

This club is located next to Gairloch Beach with views over Loch Gairloch. Visitors are welcome and there is club and trolley hire.

BOAT TRIPS

A further 10 minutes' walk from Gairloch Beach is Gairloch Harbour. From here there are various boat trips available.

Gairloch Marine Life Centre & Cruises

The Wildlife Information Centre has displays on the local marine wildlife including whale bones. There are two or four hour wildlife watching cruises available.

Hebridean Whale Cruises offers wildlife and whale watching cruises of two and a half or four hours.

Glass Bottomed Boat offers 90 minute wildlife watching trips.

FLOWERDALE GLEN AND GAIRLOCH WATERFALL

Starting near the Harbour, is an attractive walk through Flowerdale Glen to Gairloch Waterfall. This is around a mile and half each way.

INCHGOWAN FINE ART

Formerly Solas Gallery. Displaying and selling watercolours, prints, ceramics and jewellery by local artists.