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 (3 July 2010) and the annual Iain Dall Piping Festival takes place in Gairloch (last weekend in 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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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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Gairloch Business Association
Harbour Centre Pier Road Gairloch Wester Ross IV21 2BQ Web site The Gairloch Business Association is an organisation formed to promote the interests of its members in the Gairloch area of Wester Ross. Whether you are looking for a boat trip, a delicatessen, or a memento of your stay in this beautiful part of the world - one of our members will be able to help you plan for your trip here. Click on the map for more info about the Gairloch area. |
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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 Heritage Museum
Web site Email: info@gairlochheritagemuseum.org |
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: 01445 771 263 Email: ruareidh@tiscali.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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Ian McWhinney
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| Shellfish Safaris as seen on BBC 1 and recommended by The Observer A warm welcome awaits you aboard MFV Zephyr. Let local skipper Ian, whose family have fished these waters for 200 years help you experience a working, traditional fishing boat. You will see lobster and prawn creels hauled from the deep and filled with interest. Hopefully we will see seals, porpoises and dolphins. No cramming, Ian only takes 5 passengers at a time. All trips leave from historic Dry Island Pier, Badachro and must be prebooked by phone. Trips are approx 1 and three quarter hours and the first trip of the day leaves at 10am and every 2 hours after that. Adults £17.50, Children £12.50. Evening mackerel trips also available. |
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Gairloch Marine Wildlife Centre & Cruises
Visit the Gairloch Marine Wildlife information, education and
research centre dedicated to raising awareness of the marine
environment through interpretive and interactive wildlife displays
within the centre and our associated boat trips. The centre is the
perfect place to learn about wildlife found around our shores.
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Glass Bottom Boat
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| Be amazed at the magical world beneath the sea, as you travel gently over the seabed. Special lighting illuminates the undersea world as you watch through your own personal viewing station. The only wildlife boat to combine looking beneath the waves whilst enjoying the scenery and wildlife of Gairloch Bay. Total deck roof for comfort in all weathers, and with all essential safety and navigation equipment. Your Skipper, Richard, is a Wildlife Safe Operator and Royal Yacht Association Coach/Trainer. | |
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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: info@hebridean-whale-cruises.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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Andrew and Alison Rudge
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Andrew and Alison Rudge
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The Treasure Chest
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Julie and Neil Brady
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Morrison Butchers
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Landscapes For Every Mood
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Landscapes For Every Mood is a collection of landscape photographs of the North-west Scottish Highlands taken by Gordon C Harrison. The images are available as fine art prints, photographs, mounted and framed, on greetings cards and appear in Gordon’s Wester Ross Calendar. All these products are available to purchase from my website as well as in outlets throughout Wester Ross from Plockton in the south to Ullapool in the North. |
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Mrs Marie Macrae
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Kerrysdale House is situated one mile south of Gairloch village close to the pretty River Kerry. You are assured a warm welcome to Gairloch and with our local knowledge we can help you make the most of this fantastic area - be it walking, touring or cruising!
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 Email: ruareidh@tiscali.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 |
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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. Full details on web site.
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Millcroft Hotel
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Family-run, 2 star hotel overlooking Gairloch with views to Skye and the Torridon mountains. Ideally situated for walking, fishing, boating and relaxing. Choice of single, double and twin ensuite bedrooms, most of them overlooking Gairloch Bay. All with TV and telephone. Free WiFi access. Candle-lit restaurant and 2 bars. Children welcome. 2 star self-catering apartments also available. 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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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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Cairns Cottage
Contact: David & Patricia Sturrock
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`Cairns` is a traditional stone-built highland cottage, centrally heated and fully modernised to the highest standards with 3 star rating from Visit Scotland. Situated within the crofting community of Port Henderson on the southern side of Loch Gairloch with spectacular views to the Outer Hebrides and Skye. The cottage comfortably sleeps four and has a fully enclosed large garden with ample off-road parking for two cars.
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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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Torran Cottage
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Torran Cottage offers beautifully refurbished ground floor accommodation for two, with separate entrance, adjoining the croft house of Torran. Expansive loch views to the Torridon Mountains from windows and patio area are exceptional. The cottage is within easy walking distance of Gairloch, has convenient parking facilities, and provides an ideal centre for exploring the wider area. Rates from £250 to £325 per week.
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Contact: Melanie Hayward
Tir Aluinn North Erradale Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2DS Tel: 01445 771393 Email: relax@tiraluinnholidays.co.uk Web site |
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Tir Aluinn apartment provides contemporary, detached accommodation situated in the tranquil crofting township of North Erradale, near Gairloch, with views over the Minch to the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, as well as panoramic views of the surrounding area, and only a short stroll to the local shingle beach. Price from £140 to £260 per week.
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Contact Mrs Marie Macrae
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An Dunan and Dalriada are two 4 star cottages in Poolewe village on the water's edge. The facilities and large garden are ideal for relaxing in or if you like to get out and about you will find the playground that Nature has provided taking you back here for years to come!
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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 in 3 twin rooms, one with ensuite shower room. Prices from £395 per week.
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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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Ian McWhinney and Jess Dodd
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Dry Island has quite a unique situation amid the superb scenery of Badachro Bay. This is a private island, where the only other inhabitants are the owners who have fished these waters for generations. It is accessible at all times by a unique floating foot bridge over the Atlantic. Recommended in Rough Guide 2006, Guardian 2008 and featured on BBC1.
We have two self catering properties which each sleep two. The Old Curing Station is situated in the 'B' listed house built in 1785. Creel Cabin is on its own at the back of the island. Prices from £200-£395 per week.
For photos and more info, see our web site.
'Best hospitality and location-will definitely be back'
'Truly relaxing, very welcoming.'
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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. Each stylish, cosy and clean cottage is ideal for a couple, but can sleep up to 4 adults (in 1 double & 1 small twin bedroom). No smoking. 2009 tariff from £280 per week. Out of season short breaks are 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.
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Glendale House
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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.
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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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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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William & Moira Cameron
Sands Holiday Centre Gairloch Ross-shire IV21 2DL Tel: 01445 712 152 Fax: 01445 712518 Email: info@sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk Web site |
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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| 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. For further details, contact Colin & Marion.
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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