Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ACTIVITIES
BOAT TRIPS
Gairloch prides itself on wildlife cruises from its harbour.
Orcas and minke whales migrate past from late spring
to late summer; porpoise, dolphins and seals are
common year-round. All operators are located on the
harbour at Charlestown.
Gairloch Marine Life Centre & Cruises
Charlestown
T
01445 712636,
W
porpoise-gairloch.co.uk.
Up to
three trips (Easter-Oct; £20) a day run by the largest
operator, which deploys a mini-sub for underwater pictures
and a hydrophone to pick up audio. Its visitor centre
(Easter-Oct Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat & Sun 11am-3pm)
has displays of local sea life.
Hebridean Whale Cruises
Charlestown
T
01445
712458,
W
hebridean-whale-cruises.co.uk.
As well as
in-shore cruises, the longest established operator runs trips
(Easter-Oct; call for winter cruises; from £45) in a high-
speed RIB that allows it to reach further off-shore into the
North Minch out to the Shiant Isles off Lewis.
PONY TREKKING
Gairloch Trekking Centre
1 Flowerdale Mains,
Charlestown
T
01445 712652,
W
gairlochtrekking
centre.co.uk.
Lead-rein rides for young or inexperienced
riders, plus longer hacks through pretty Highland scenery,
between March and Oct.
ACCOMMODATION
GAIRLOCH
Kerrysdale House
Charlestown
T
01445 712292,
W
kerrysdalehouse.co.uk.
Marie Macrae's atmospheric
and tastefully furnished B&B is set back from the road in its
own gardens before the turn-off to Badachro. One room in
particular quickens the pulse wit
h co
ol contemporary
decor. Most are relaxed and homely.
£72
Old Inn
Charlestown
T
01445 712006
W
theoldinn.net.
Country character abounds in the rooms of this former
coaching inn set off the main road beside the Flowerdale
river. Expect pretty patchwork-style quilts or tartan
headboards in cosy en-suite rooms, along with
hotel-
standard facilities like wi-fi and tea and coffee facilities.
£104
rather s
how
s its age. Closed Oct-March. Dorms
£18
;
doubles
£40
Sands Caravan and Camping
T
01445 712152,
W
sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk.
The best of the area's
campsites, with pitches behind the dunes for sea views.
Also rents “wigwams” - actually Scandi-style cabins for up
to five with a barbecue and fire pit. Offers laundry facilities,
plus ka
yak and bike rental. Cl
osed
Nov to late March.
£14.50
/pitch; wigwams for two
£32
12
RUBHA REIDH
Rua Reidh Lighthouse
T
01445 771263,
W
stayatalighthouse.co.uk.
Epic seascapes to the
Hebrides in the only lighthouse hostel on Britain's west
coast, recently redecorated and with private bathrooms
throughout - check website for possibility of a dorm from
spring 2014 and to confirm winter openings (undecided on
our last visit). Breakfast
s, pa
cked lunches and dinner
available at bargain prices.
£40
BIG SAND
Gairloch Carn Dearg SYHA
T
01445 712219,
W
syha.
org.uk.
This former hunting lodge is spectacularly sited
above the foreshore, with vast views to Skye from its
lounge. It's also one of the oldest hotels in the network and
EATING AND DRINKING
GAIRLOCH
Mountain Coffee Company
Achtercairn
T
01445
712316.
Here's an unusual find for a small Highlands town -
a relaxed café with a global backpacker vibe. Coffees, home
baking and bagels with fresh fillings, plus a good bookshop
on site.
Easter-Nov daily 9am-5pm, Dec-Easter Mon-
Sat 10am-3pm.
Old Inn
Charlestown
T
01445 712006.
Flagstone floors
and stone walls provide character in a sympathetically
modernized coaching inn. Posh-pub specials such as
pheasant in pastry, pork roasts and venison steaks, plus
beers from the on-site microbrewery, provide the
sustenance. Mains average £13.
Daily 11am-11pm; food
served noon-2.30pm & 6-9pm.
this is more quirky youth club than Highlands pub - the
owner's past was with Seventies and Eighties rock bands. In
the restaurant, spectacular sea views, local seafood and
venison casseroles (£13) are specialities.
Feb-Oct Tues-
Sun noon-11pm, Nov-Dec Sat & Sun same hours;
food
served noon-3pm & 6-8pm.
BADACHRO
Ì
Badachro Inn
T
01445 771212.
Settle onto the
terrace with a plate of pork belly or creel-caught
langoustine (£10-13) and this pub by the old harbour is
as fine a place as you'll find for a sunny afternoon. Inside
are real ales, excellent malts and a fire for chill evenings.
April-Oct daily noon-midnight, Sun noon-11pm;
Nov-March Wed-Sun same hours; food served
weekdays noon-3pm & 6-9pm, Sat & Sun
noon-3pm.
MELVAIG
Melvaig Inn
T
01445 771212.
Beyond the pebbledash
