Scattered along the shores of Strath Bay, Gairloch is a picturesque coastal village in the North West Highlands. It is surrounded by the rocky coastlines, sandy beaches and volcanic peaks of Wester Ross and boasts stunning views toward Skye and the Western Isles.
Housed within a converted military bunker is the Gairloch Museum, which explores the natural and cultural heritage of the North West Highlands. Step inside a replica croft house to see how people once lived and see an original lens from the nearby Rua Reidh Lighthouse. Changing exhibitions are showcased in the museum’s art gallery.
Panoramic views across the coastline are on offer from the nine holes of the Gairloch Golf Club, which was founded in 1898. Dolphin and whale watching cruises depart from Gairloch and travel to feeding grounds in the open waters of the North Minch. Colonies of seals and otters are also regularly spotted nearby.
Getting there
Gairloch is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Inverness and Inverness Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Gairloch while the village is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.