13 July 2018 Durness to LochinverMoving on from Durness and down the North West coast we noticed the scenery changing quite drastically, every twist and turn in the road gives you a different stunning view and there are so many photo opportunities, so have your camera at the ready! This part of the route probably requires the most consideration and concentration when driving, as it is nearly all single track with many climbs and descents as we travel through the mountains. We could wax lyrical about how beautiful this part of the route is and we promise that when you witness it yourself you will agree! So taking the stretch from Durness to Lochinver
which is roughly 50 miles, could take less than 2 hours to drive straight but we did not want to do that as there was far too much to explore even in this little area. If you have the confidence and the right sort of vehicle you could take in the Drumbeg loop, which has has some steep ascent and descents and not suitable for caravans so do take it easy.
which is roughly 50 miles, could take less than 2 hours to drive straight but we did not want to do that as there was far too much to explore even in this little area. If you have the confidence and the right sort of vehicle you could take in the Drumbeg loop, which has has some steep ascent and descents and not suitable for caravans so do take it easy.
Scourie is some 25 miles south of Durness and is a landscape of lochs and lochans and is a prime fly fishing territory. You will see the fisherman as you pass by many with rods
attached to their vehicles looking for their favourite spots. We soon enter the Assynt Region which has a surreal quality which makes the transition from Sutherland into Wester Ross. The landscape of mountain ranges with extraordinary peaks so we take our time to take in all this magnificent scenery twisting past remote crofts, with headlands and glimpses of the Outer Hebrides. Winding our way downhilll, we see the newly constructed bridge at Kylesku. Good place to stop and have a coffee in the Kylesku Hotel and enjoying the sunshine overlooking the water we spot seals. From here you can get a boat trip to view the highest waterfall in Britain some 650 feet at the head of Loch Glencoul, otherwise it is a 5 mile trek that heads east from a car park 2 miles outside of Kylesku. The boat trip lasting 1.5 hours provides a history of the bridge , old and new, some birdwatching and watching the baby seals then to take in a view of the waterfall. The cost £30 per adult and the boat leaves at 11.00am each day opposite the hotel. (01971 502231)
We head south and decide not to take the road via Drumbeg to Lochinver but stay on the A837 stopping off for fuel at the Highland Fuel Station in the town. Lochinver seems a busy little fishing town
We then head to our campsite for tonight at Shore Caravan Site (01571 844393) at Achmelvich Beach a beautiful crescent shaped beach of white sand amongst the turquoise water. The campsite is situated in a hollow surrounded by rocky outbreaks - quite idyllic and seems popular with families as the beach is just 50 yards walk away. This is a family run site and they have their own chip shop adjacent to their house and once you order your food it will be cooked in front of you so is piping hot and fresh. Like so many places in the Highlands there is virtually no free wifi and at times no mobile service or 3 or 4G. On this site to make a call we were advised to climb the hill behind the shop and stand in a certain spot to get a signal - yes it worked!
Lochinver - Don’t travel this part of the route without a trip to the small fishing port ofLochinver. As well as many independent shops there is a must visit to the Lochinver larder if you are a fan of pies! Random but true, they stock a huge range of fruit and savoury pies to eat in and take away and they are delicious! Your onward journey will take you to Ullapool and if you have room after the pies from Lochinver then it’s a great place for fish and chips! Ullapool is another busy fishing port of the West coast, a small town with plenty of shops and restaurants with great views down the loch, you can while away many hours watching the boats and ferries sale in and out to the Western Isles.
We head south and decide not to take the road via Drumbeg to Lochinver but stay on the A837 stopping off for fuel at the Highland Fuel Station in the town. Lochinver seems a busy little fishing town
We then head to our campsite for tonight at Shore Caravan Site (01571 844393) at Achmelvich Beach a beautiful crescent shaped beach of white sand amongst the turquoise water. The campsite is situated in a hollow surrounded by rocky outbreaks - quite idyllic and seems popular with families as the beach is just 50 yards walk away. This is a family run site and they have their own chip shop adjacent to their house and once you order your food it will be cooked in front of you so is piping hot and fresh. Like so many places in the Highlands there is virtually no free wifi and at times no mobile service or 3 or 4G. On this site to make a call we were advised to climb the hill behind the shop and stand in a certain spot to get a signal - yes it worked!
Lochinver - Don’t travel this part of the route without a trip to the small fishing port ofLochinver. As well as many independent shops there is a must visit to the Lochinver larder if you are a fan of pies! Random but true, they stock a huge range of fruit and savoury pies to eat in and take away and they are delicious! Your onward journey will take you to Ullapool and if you have room after the pies from Lochinver then it’s a great place for fish and chips! Ullapool is another busy fishing port of the West coast, a small town with plenty of shops and restaurants with great views down the loch, you can while away many hours watching the boats and ferries sale in and out to the Western Isles.
