Loch Gairloch
Pony Trekking, Pool & Leisure Centre |
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland. |
Loch Gairloch
Pony Trekking, Pool & Leisure Centre |
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland. |
 Gairloch |
From Kinlochewe to Gairloch, the drive of 21 miles/34 km will take you about 40 minutes. The road from Loch Maree to Loch Gairloch (A832) follows the River Kerry down through a gorge and wooded area. Gairloch is a collection of settlements arranged around Loch Gairloch and consists of Lonemore, Smithstown, Mial, Strath, Auchtercairn and Charlestown. |
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The main harbour at Gairloch is usually a tranquil spot, but can be a bustling scene of activity with fishing boats and pleasure craft using the pier. You can take a boat cruise from the Gairloch Marine Life Centre to see seals and perhaps even whales.
Continuing into the main part of Gairloch village you pass the golf course and beach, with the old burial ground adjacent to these.
Gairloch is a popular tourist destination with many activities available locally for families of all ages. |
 Gairloch Pier |
The Heritage Museum is housed in converted farm buildings and is operated by a group of local people. The aim of the museum is to explain and interpret the local culture and Gaelic language. The museum has won several awards over the last few years. A railway from Achnasheen to Aultbea, via Loch Maree and Poolewe was proposed in the late 1880s, but came to nothing. A copy of the bill in parliament supporting the railway can be seen in the Museum.
Gairloch beach is a safe, sheltered, sandy beach with good parking and toilets. Big Sand Beach is another safe, sheltered, sandy beach with watersports available.
Many events take place in and around Gairloch throughout the year including the Gairloch Highland Gathering (28th June 2008) and the annual Iain Dall Piping Festival takes place in Gairloch (27th - 28th September).
The area was featured in the BBC TV series 'When Love Comes to Town' in spring 2007.
| A canonball found near Flowerdale House (Gairloch), is thought to have been fired from a man-of-war in 1746 in its pursuit of Prince Charles Edward, who was on the run after the Battle of Culloden. |
 Flowerdale Bridge, Gairloch |
Rubha Reidh (lighthouse) 13 miles/21 km (20 minutes) from Gairloch
When you head out west along the lochside from Gairloch the road passes Big Sand beach before turning inland for a few miles then back again to the breathtaking scenery of the open sea. From the cliffs, Skye and the Western Isles fill the complete horizon. The road continues through the scattered settlement of Melvaig, then up a short steep hill to further incredible views along the rugged coastline, all the way to the end of the peninsula at the lighthouse.
| Rubha Reidh lighthouse was built by David A. Stevenson, a cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson and opened in 1912. Until the road was completed in 1962, access to the lighthouse was by sea. |
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Badachro |
Redpoint 9 miles/14.5 km (15 minutes) from Gairloch
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| The road reaches the open sea again, with a sandy beach at Opinan, and continues to the road end at the Redpoint car park. Paths take you either to the old fishing station or to a secluded sandy beach. |
Redpoint |
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Donald Crerar
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The "Shieling" restaurant is centrally situated in Gairloch, with superb views looking directly over Loch Gairloch towards Skye. Open all year round: A luxurious cafe by day serving food and refreshments becomes a comfortable restaurant by night offering fresh local produce and home cooking. Popular with locals and visitors alike.
Email: donaldcrerar@hotmail.com |
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Badachro Bread
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Delicious home-made bread, rolls and muffins baked specially to order in my cottage kitchen in the village of Badachro. Recipes vary according to the season and make full use of local and home-grown fruit and vegetables. Please contact me for details and prices. Email: lennoxcole@googlemail.com |
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Gairloch
Shops and Post Office Petrol station & garage Hotels/bars Restaurants & cafes Caravan & camping parks with facilities Carn Dearg Hostel (SYHA), 2 miles outside Gairloch Telephones & toilets Bank of Scotland Police station Sport & leisure centre (phone 01445 712345) Library Heritage Museum (phone 01445 71 22 87) 9 hole golf course with clubhouse & good parking Watersports centre at Big Sand Beach (access through campsite) Saily sea angling trips from Gairloch Slipways at the pier and near Strath Square Boat trips from the pier at Charlestown Tourist Information Centre (phone 01445 71 21 30) |
Shieldaig
(on the way to Redpoint) Hotel Badachro
Melvaig
The Wester Ross Countryside Ranger - |
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Gairloch Walks
- route descriptions, photos and online maps |
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Toybox Children's Centre
The Toybox offers care and fun activities for children aged 6 months - 12 years, and is registered with the Care Commission. Staff are qualified and Disclosure Scotland checked. Visitors to the area as well as local families are welcome to use the facilities - contact us if you would like more information. We are open Monday - Friday 8.30am until 5pm all year except Christmas holidays. |
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Kenny Murray
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Conducted tours of Wester Ross & Skye with local guide, in a comfortable modern vehicle. Numerous itineraries, personal attention, maximum of six people. Also available for private hire, airport and train transfers, and weddings. No smoking. Open all year. |
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Poolewe Swimming Pool
Cliffton Poolewe Ross-shire IV22 2JU Tel: 01445 781345 Web site |
Come along and enjoy and invigorating swim in a relaxing atmosphere, supervised at all times by fully qualified, friendly pool staff. Sessions include :- Family Friendly, Jungle Fun, Parent & Toddlers, Adult and Over 50's swims, Healthy Hearts, Public Swimming. Our pool is 16m x 6m and is 1m deep at shallow end and 1.8m deep at deep end. Poolewe Swimming pool is a High Life facility. |
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Gairloch Leisure Centre
Achtercairn Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2BP Tel: 01445 712345 Email: gairloch.leisure.centre@highland.gov.uk |
The Leisure Centre is located in the left wing of the Gairloch High School, we offer activities to suit all the family - visitors welcome, ideal for families, groups, clubs & people with disabilities. Our facilities include fitness suite, four court games hall and climbing wall. We offer a varied programme of activities suitable for all ages which includes:- bouncy castle & soft play, table tennis & badminton courts, archery, basketball, trampolining and much more. Gairloch Leisure Centre is a High Life facility. |
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Gairloch Heritage Museum
Web site Email: info@gairlochheritagemuseum.org.uk |
The museum contains displays covering many aspects of the history of the area. Included are archaeological finds, a croft house room, schoolroom, shop, and the interior of the local lighthouse. Children will delight in the working models, quizzes and hands-on activities. Researchers will find the archives and library invaluable. |
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Fran Cree and Chris Barrett
Rua Reidh Lighthouse Melvaig, Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2EA Tel/Fax: 01445 771 263 Email: ruareidh@netcomuk.co.uk |
Rua Reidh Lighthouse caters for all lovers of wild Scotland!
Full details on web site about our outdoor activity centre and hiking trips. Open all year. |
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Gairloch Marine Life Centre & Cruises
Pier Road Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2BQ Tel: 01445 712636 Email: mail@porpoise-gairloch.co.uk Web site |
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Visit the Gairloch Marine Life Centre and discover what is in the ocean around us. We have photographic displays, video clips, whale and dolphin sound as well as charts and records from our surveys since 1988.We can show places to sit on a local shoreline to watch porpoises at almost anytime, with occasional visiting whales and dolphins. We also have cruises in sheltered waters with an expert guide. On these we visit seal and seabird colonies as well as giving you a new view point to this designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
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Hebridean Whale Cruises
Contact: Nick Davies The Gairloch Chandlery & Wildlife Centre Pier Road Gairloch Tel: 01445 712458 / 0800 008 6833 Email: hebridean_pelagic_cruises@yahoo.co.uk Web site |
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Hebridean Whale Cruises sail from Gairloch Harbour on a daily basis. We offer cruises to suit families and the enthusiast alike. Our vessels are fully insured and coded by the M.C.A. Orca 1 is our 11 metre custom built offshore R.H.I.B. (pictured here). We also have the M.V. Kerry our 10 metre traditional Mitchell class cruiser. We are Gairloch's No1 for Whale, Dolphin and rare bird sightings. The only mainland provider of cruises to the magical Shiant Islands and specialist pelagic bird chumming cruises. Please click through to our website for full details. |
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Kerry Sea Angling
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Kerry Sea Angling offer sea fishing trips from Gairloch Harbour on a daily basis. Trips to suit all ages and experience from 2hr family, 4-8hr offshore and full day Giant Skate fishing. No experience is necessary as the crew will advise and assist. We are the longest established sea angling operator in Wester Ross established in 1987. It's the most reliable way to get FRESH fish in the area. For full details please click through to our website. |
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Gairloch Trekking Centre
Come and enjoy pony trekking in the beautiful Gairloch Estate, in our fully licensed centre with knowledgeable staff and qualified instructors. Ride our well-mannered horses and ponies along pathways, through forestry and across streams. Private and group lessons are available by arrangement, in our all-weather arena. We also offer Kids Riding Breaks, which are ideal for children who want to spend a longer time with the ponies, caring for a pony for 1–3 days, riding different pathways and generally having a fun time with us. Wet weather clothing and equipment available for hire. |
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Food & Drink
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Badachro Inn
Come and enjoy a snack, a meal or just a drink in one of the most picturesque settings on the west coast of Scotland. Daily changing menu. Local produce and seafood a speciality. Excellent choice of malt whiskies, wines and real ales. Recommended in the Good Pub Guide, Michelin ‘Eating out in Pubs’, BMW 1 Series Good Food Ride. Visitor moorings free of charge. Showers and internet facilities. |
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Julie and Neil Brady
GAD
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Morrison Butchers
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Vanessa & Gordon invite you to stay at Aird Hill in Badachro, one of the most beautiful natural bays in Scotland. Our well equipped, comfortable double and double / twin en-suite rooms combined with a very warm welcome and a gorgeous breakfast in our sunroom, overlooking the bay and mountains, make Aird Hill the perfect place to stay whilst in the Gairloch area. |
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Richard and Yvonne Spence
Gairloch View Guest House Auchtercairn Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2BN Tel: 01445 712666 Email: enquiries@gairlochview.com Web site |
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Set amidst the stunning scenery of the north west coast of Scotland is Gairloch View, a Guest House offering 3 en-suite rooms: 2 double rooms and 1 twin room. The Guest Lounge and Dining Room enjoy magnificent views overlooking the loch to the Isle of Skye, a superb way to start and end each day.
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Peter and Diane Dacker
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19th century Highland home, tastefully refurbished and extended. Full of character, with accommodation to hotel standards, but affordable B&B prices. We offer comfortable ensuite accommodation, with cosy stove fire in the breakfast area and central heating throughout. Newton House is centrally located within Gairloch, and only a few minutes walk from shops, hotels, and restaurants. Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars. B&B from £30 per person.
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Strathlene
45 Strath Gairloch IV21 2DB Tel: 01445 712170 & 712488 E-mail: info@strathlene.com Web site |
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You are assured of a warm welcome at this family run Bed and Breakfast. Strathlene is situated to the west of the village, with unobstructed views of the Torridon Mountains and the Isle of Skye. We are around 10 minutes walk from the centre of the village and all amenities. |
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Scottish Tourist Board 3 Stars.
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Sylvia Mackay
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Scottish Tourist Board 3 star B&B. Slioch is a bungalow standing in its own grounds with spectacular views of the Torridon mountains and the Isle of Skye. Situated in the quiet crofting township of Lonemore, 1 mile from Gairloch village. Ample parking. Open May - September. Two double rooms with wash basin and tea making facilities. Prices from £21 per night.
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Fran Cree and Chris Barrett
Rua Reidh Lighthouse Melvaig Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2EA Tel: 01445 771 263 Fax: 01445 771 263 Email: ruareidh@netcomuk.co.uk |
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An away from it all location, Rua Reidh Lighthouse caters for all lovers of wild Scotland! Comfortable accommodation, good food, stunning views, all with a friendly welcome in a relaxed atmosphere.
B&B accommodation in twin/double/family rooms. Hostel rooms for 4 - 6 people.
Open all year. Credit cards accepted. Scottish Tourist Board 4 Star Hostel. Green Tourism gold award.
Full details on web site.
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I.M. Mackenzie
Duisary 24 Strath Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2DA Tel/Fax: 01445 712 252 Web site |
Enjoy Highland hospitality in this modernised croft house on the outskirts of the village. Superb views of the sea and Torridon hills. Colour TV. Full central heating. Close to famous Inverewe Gardens. Idyllic setting with beaches, water sports, golf course, swimming pool and leisure centre all nearby. Rooms: 1 double, 1 twin, 1 family (1 room with ensuite bathroom and 1 room with private facilities). Cost £20 - £25 per person. Open April - October. |
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Millcroft Hotel
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A two star hotel overlooking Gairloch with views to Skye and the Torridon mountains. Ideally situated for walking, fishing, boating and relaxing. Our Italian Restaurant is renowned for its cuisine. We also provide 2 star self-catering accommodation in self-contained apartments. Children welcome. Full details on own web site.
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Contact: G. & W. Bernardi
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Shieldaig Lodge, formerly the shooting lodge for Shieldaig Forest, sits just 3 miles from Gairloch. With 13 bedrooms overlooking the loch and encircling mountains, this privately-owned hotel offers the comfort and hospitality reminiscent of Victorian times. Full details on own web site.
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Myrtle Bank Hotel
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Myrtle Bank Hotel is a family run hotel which is renowned for its friendly Highland welcome, relaxing atmosphere and excellent cuisine. The hotel's elegent facade enjoy's panoramic views to the Isle of Skye.
We pride ourselves on producing traditional Scottish meals using the best of local produce, our seafood menu is fresh and varied making excellent use of the local catch.
Situated on the waterfront in this quiet coastal village, the Myrtle Bank Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the outstanding natural beauty of Wester Ross. Ideally situated for many activities including sailing, hillwalking, mountaineering, cycling, treking and fishing
We have 12 en-suite bedrooms, each with telephone, 10-channel digital TV and breathtaking views. B&B prices from £40 per person per night. Open all year.
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Gairloch Highland Lodge
Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2AH Tel: 01445 712 068 Fax: 01445 721 044 Email: info@gairlochhighlandlodge.net Web site |
Situated amidst the spectacular scenery of Wester Ross in its own landscaped grounds overlooking Gairloch harbour and beyond to the Outer Hebrides. Opened in 2005, Gairloch Highland Lodge is a welcome alternative for visitors seeking a more relaxed style of accommodation Bar with log fire and regular live music sessions. Café Bistro. 17 bedrooms (all ensuite) from 4-posters to family rooms. 360 degree virtual tour on web site. Prices from £49 per room. |
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The Old Inn
Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2BD Freephone: 0800 542 5444 Tel: 01445 712 006 Fax: 01445 712 445 Email: info@theoldinn.net Web site |
Traditional Highland Coaching Inn. 3 stars. 14 ensuite bedrooms from 4-posters to family rooms. Serves good food, specialises in local seafood and real ales. 360 degree virtual tour on web site. Open all year. Prices start at £45 per room for B&B. |
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Aird Cottage
Contact: Kate Ross
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A traditional highland cottage of great charm set in the delightful coastal village of Badachro. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, and an acre of secluded gardens with shore access. The cottage sleeps eight, and has an open fire. Well behaved dogs welcome. Non-smoking.
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Heather Croft
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Heather Croft is the idyllic setting of 2 self catering apartments. The accommodation has been recently refurbished to a high standard and offers breathtaking views of the Torridon mountains and Skye. Sandy beach and slipway within half a mile. Guests comments include "the best self catering we have found - spotless" (Jennifer from NE Scotland, Feb 2007).
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Rose Cottage
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Set in stunning Highland scenery Rose Cottage is a traditionally furnished, stone-built, two storey cottage standing in its own large garden on the shores of Badachro Bay. It is situated in one of the most picturesque villages on the West Coast of Ross-shire. The cottage sleeps 6 and is non-smoking.
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Ceomara Highland Cottages
Contact: Sue Hulley Ceomara Aird Road Badachro Gairloch Tel: 01445 741295 Mobile: 07919 377371 Email: enquiries@ceomaracottages.co.uk Web site |
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These two cosy self catering cottages have an enviable position on Badachro Bay with truly exceptional views. Newly refurbished, each stylish cottage is ideal for a couple, but can sleep up to 4 adults (in 1 double & 1 small twin bedroom). One small dog welcome by arrangement, in cottage 2. No smoking. 2008 Tariff from £240 per week. Out of season short breaks may be available.
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Charleston House
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Occupying an enviable waterside location, Charleston House offers comfortable and extensive self catering accommodation for 10 in 5 spacious en suite bedrooms. Fabulous chef's kitchen, dining room for 12, cosy beamed bar with wood burning stove and 2 further reception rooms. Within a few minutes' walk of pub, shops, cafes, galleries, beautiful safe sandy beach, pony trekking and harbour. |
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Frank Buckley
An Caorann Melvaig Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2EA Tel: 01445 771 225 Email: highlandholiday@aol.com Web site |
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In Designated National Scenic Area. Raasay & Rona are 2 detached modern bungalows at Melvaig, near Gairloch. Situated 80 yards from the seashore. Both sleep up to 4. Large lounge/dining room, fitted kitchen including dishwasher, washer, tumble dryer etc. Central heating. 1 double, 1 twin bedroom with fitted wardrobes. Bathroom, separate shower. Garden. Parking.
The Lodge at the Loch Inn
Gairloch
Contact: Jimmy Smith
Tel: 01445 712529
Email: jimmy@smiff.fsbusiness.co.uk
Self catering accommodation for 5 people. Lounge with TV, fully fitted kitchen with oven, hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, etc. Utility room with washing machine. 3 bedrooms with en suite facilities (double, twin and single). Full electric central heating. Prices: £300 per week (£400 at Xmas & New Year). This includes all heating, hot water, linen & towels. Short breaks available from £15 per individual night. No smoking. No pets. Open all year.
Glendale House
South Erradale
Gairloch
Wester Ross IV21 2AU
Tel: 01445 741755 or 741741 for the bar
Email: lynne@glendalehouse.com
Web site
Glendale House contains 4 comfortable self catering apartments with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms, and magnificent views over to the Isle of Skye and the Torridon Mountains. There is a lounge bar on site where you can relax after your days' activities, enjoy a bar meal, a glass of wine or two, and watch the sun go down.
Whinbrae
Ann and Trevor Nash
5 Melvaig
Gairloch
Ross-shire IV21 2EA
Tel: 01445 771227
Email: ann@melvaig.co.uk
Web site
Whinbrae is a cosy well-equipped first floor apartment in Melvaig with superb views of Skye, Lewis and Harris. Sleeps two, non-smoking, access to garden but sorry no pets. Contact us on 01445 771227 for further details or visit our web site.
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Eric and Isobyl La Croix
9 Port Henderson Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2AS Tel: 01445 741228 Email: i.la_croix@virgin.net Web site |
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7 Port Henderson is an old stone croft cottage, fully renovated, with private drive and easy parking. Sleeps six, with shower room upstairs and bathroom downstairs. Living room with open fire. Total Control electric heating throughout. Write, phone, or e-mail for a brochure or visit our web site at: www.curlewcottagegairloch.co.uk
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Sarah Davidson
Tel: 01350 727352 Email: sarah.davidson@virgin.net |
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Seaview in Badachro has an idyllic setting with good views. It is ideal for a couple but does sleep 4. Downstairs there is a double bedroom, plus sitting room, compact kitchen and bathroom with shower. There are 2 single bedrooms upstairs. The cottage is well equipped including a dishwasher and washer/dryer. A large enclosed garden surrounds the house. Open all year. £310 - £390 per week. Please contact me for a brochure and availability. |
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Family Holiday Houses - Gairloch
Mrs. B. Reese Gillymere Horseshoe Lane Ash Vale Aldershot GU12 5LJ England Tel: 01252 325 119 Email: barbara.reese@ntlworld.com |
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We have been providing holiday accommodation in this beautiful area for over 20 years and now offer 6 houses on individual sites around Gairloch. All the houses have ratings from the Scottish Tourist Board ranging from 2 to 4 stars. They are all furnished to a high standard with open fires a welcome feature.
Three are situated in Strath with close access to the village of Gairloch and have wonderful views across the bay to the Torridon mountains.
Two are in the delightful village of Badachro with its Inn and jetty.
The sixth house is at South Erradale along the rugged route to Red Point with its expansive beach and dunes. This house offers a wonderful view out to sea and Skye where the sunsets can be quite remarkable.
Our prices range from £180-£490 per week. Contact us for further details.
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Jo Thompson
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Stay at Druimdarroch! Comfortable and fully equipped house set in two acres between Gairloch and Badachro. Its own coastline, with direct access to the sea. Stunning views of the mountains and sea. Ideal base for touring, walking, climbing, golfing, fishing, and watching wildlife. Fabulous beaches nearby. Sleeps 6. Price from £330 per week. |
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William & Moira Cameron
Sands Holiday Centre Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2DL Tel: 01445 712 152 Fax: 01445 712518 Email: litsands@aol.com |
55 acre site beside the sea 4 miles from Gairloch on the Melvaig road facing Skye. 150 pitches for touring caravans, 25 pitches for motorhomes, 75 pitches for tents. Some with electric points. Three toilet/shower blocks, shop, laundry and dishwashing facilities. Children's play area. Boat slipway. Holiday homes for hire also available. |
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Mrs L. MacKenzie
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2 fully equipped (including bed linen) self catering properties. One house sleeping up to 7, and one bungalow sleeping 2. Scottish Tourist Board 3 Stars. Ample parking and play area. Properties are situated on a hill overlooking the Isle of Skye and the Torridon Mountains, 3 minute walk from the village. Golf course and beach only 1.5 miles. Hotels and restaurants nearby. |
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Mick and Jean Kibble
Gairloch Caravan and Camping Park Strath Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2BX Tel: 01445 712 373 E-mail: info@gairlochcaravanpark.com Web site |
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Awarded a quality standard of 4 ticks by British Graded Holidays Parks. Six acres, 80 pitches mixed. Superb views over the sea and Torridon hills. From the A832, take the B8021, after half a mile turn right (just past Millcroft Hotel). Site in centre of the village, close to local amenities. Open April - October.
More info on our web site.
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Mrs. Joan Forbes
Tel: 01505 614 343 |
Two static caravans for hire and holiday house to let (sleeps 10). Open April - October. |
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Continue the online tour and
follow the sheep to Loch Ewe........ |
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