Wester Ross is one of the most spectacular corners of Scotland — and one of the least discovered. From ancient mountains and white sand beaches to world-famous gardens and freshly landed seafood, there is far more to see and do here than most visitors expect. Whether you're after adventure, culture, wildlife or simply somewhere wonderful to sit with a coffee and a view, Wester Ross will not disappoint. And of course, West Coast Taxis can take you to all of it.
 

Iconic Sights & Landmarks

Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle) One of the most dramatic roads in all of Scotland, the Bealach na Bà climbs steeply from Lochcarron over the Applecross Peninsula with hairpin bends and breathtaking views across to Skye and the Outer Hebrides. The views from the summit on a clear day are simply unforgettable.

Inverewe Garden, Poolewe Sitting on the shore of Loch Ewe and warmed by the Gulf Stream, Inverewe is one of Scotland's most celebrated gardens. Created from bare rock in 1862, it is now home to exotic plants from across the globe — Himalayan blue poppies, New Zealand tree ferns, and rare Wollemi pines — all flourishing in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

Corrieshalloch Gorge A spectacular mile-long box canyon near Braemore Junction, where the River Droma plunges 150 feet over the Falls of Measach. One of the finest gorges in the UK, with a new visitor centre opened in 2023. A must-stop on the North Coast 500.

Eilean Donan Castle On the southern edge of Wester Ross, where three sea lochs meet, sits one of Scotland's most photographed castles. Dating from the 13th century and restored in the early 20th, Eilean Donan is a breathtaking sight and well worth a visit.

Strome Castle, Lochcarron The atmospheric ruins of a 15th century fortress on the shore of Loch Carron, once contested between the MacKenzies and the MacDonalds. A short walk from the road and free to visit.

Plockton Village The village that became famous as the filming location for the TV series Hamish Macbeth. Plockton is an utterly charming cluster of whitewashed cottages around a sheltered harbour, complete with palm trees warmed by the Gulf Stream. Wonderful for a stroll, a boat trip, or a meal at the inn.
 

Outdoor Activities

Walking & Hillwalking Wester Ross is a paradise for walkers of all abilities. The Torridon mountains — including Liathach, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe — offer some of Scotland's finest and most challenging hillwalking. For something less strenuous, the trails around Loch Maree, Flowerdale Glen near Gairloch, and the coastal paths around Redpoint and Melvaig are all spectacular and manageable for most visitors.

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve Britain's oldest nature reserve, established in 1951, covers 18 square miles of ancient Scots pinewood, open moorland and mountain landscape on the shores of Loch Maree. There are waymarked trails for all abilities, from the flat Pinecone Trail through ancient pinewoods to the demanding Mountain Trail with views across to Slioch. Entry is free and the visitor centre near Kinlochewe is open April to October.

Wildlife Watching Wester Ross is one of the best places in the UK to spot wildlife. Seals, otters, red squirrels, red deer and mountain hares are all regularly seen. The area is also home to golden eagles and white-tailed sea eagles, and the coastline around Gairloch is part of the Hebridean Whale Trail — a recognised hotspot for dolphins, porpoises, minke whales and basking sharks.

Marine Wildlife Cruises, Gairloch Boat trips run from Gairloch Harbour between March and October, offering the chance to spot harbour porpoises, common and grey seals, dolphins, and a huge variety of seabirds including white-tailed eagles, black-throated divers and great northern divers. A truly memorable experience for all ages.

Sea Kayaking & Watersports The sheltered sea lochs and coastal waters of Wester Ross are ideal for kayaking. Gairloch Kayak Centre offers guided trips and hire, and Big Sand Beach near Gairloch has watersports available during the summer months.

Cycling The roads around Gairloch and the surrounding area offer rewarding cycling through spectacular scenery. The routes are largely traffic-free and the landscape is extraordinary. Electric bikes can be hired at the Badachro Inn.

Sea Angling Gairloch's waters are rich with fish. Sea angling boat trips are available from the harbour, catering for everyone from families on a short two-hour trip to experienced anglers on full-day expeditions targeting giant skate and other species.

Fishing The area around Gairloch is rich in wild brown trout lochs, and salmon and sea trout fishing are also available locally. Permits and information can be obtained in the village.

Golf at Gairloch Golf Club One of the most scenic 9-hole courses in Scotland, perched above the sea with panoramic views across Loch Gairloch toward the Isle of Skye. Even non-golfers find it hard to resist.

Places to Eat & Drink

The Applecross Inn Famous throughout Scotland and beloved by visitors from across the world, the Applecross Inn is the reward for surviving the Bealach na Bà. Freshly caught local seafood — including the celebrated Applecross prawns, which are really langoustines — served in a warm and welcoming setting on the shores of Applecross Bay. Book ahead, especially in summer.

The Old Inn, Gairloch A traditional Highland coaching inn overlooking Gairloch harbour, with a focus on freshly landed local seafood and Highland venison. Widely regarded as one of the best places to eat in Gairloch. A great selection of real ales and a genuinely warm atmosphere.

The Badachro Inn Sitting on the shore of a sheltered bay at the mouth of the Badachro River, the Badachro Inn is a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Eat on the decking gazing out across Loch Gairloch, or settle into the atmospheric bar or conservatory. The menu changes daily with fresh local produce, and on pizza nights a wood-fired oven comes into action.

The Millcroft Hotel, Gairloch A relaxed restaurant with panoramic views across Loch Gairloch toward Skye. Excellent food with a commitment to locally sourced, home-cooked dishes. Popular with visitors and locals and consistently well reviewed.

The Kishorn Seafood Bar, Strathcarron Fresh seafood in one of the best waterfront settings in Scotland. The Kishorn Seafood Bar is a real find — simple, excellent, and right on the water's edge.

The Links Café, Gairloch Golf Club A relaxed café and restaurant at Gairloch Golf Club with sea views and a great menu. A popular lunchtime stop for walkers, cyclists and golfers alike.

Coast Coffee Company, Gairloch A friendly, well-loved café near the pier serving excellent coffee, home-baked goods and light lunches. The ideal spot for a warming drink after a morning on the water or the hills.

The Ceilidh Place, Ullapool A distinctive and much-loved Ullapool institution — part hotel, part restaurant, part bookshop and arts venue. Serves good food in a wonderfully eclectic setting. A great place to spend an evening in the north of the region.

The Ferry Boat Inn, Ullapool Fine food and drink overlooking Ullapool harbour. A popular spot with a great atmosphere, especially in the evenings.

Bealach Café, Tornapress The perfect place to stop for coffee and lunch at the foot of the Bealach na Bà. Watch the brave souls heading up the pass while you warm up with a bowl of soup.

Rainy Day Options

Gairloch Museum Housed in a former nuclear bunker in the centre of Gairloch, this award-winning museum tells the story of the people and landscape of the area from prehistoric times to the present day. Highlights include the original lens from Rubha Reidh lighthouse, a recreation of a traditional croft house, and the Gairloch Pictish Stone — the first Pictish carved stone ever found on the Scottish west mainland. There is also an in-house café with views down the loch. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

Arctic Convoy Museum, Aultbea A fascinating and moving exhibition dedicated to those who sailed the dangerous Arctic convoys between Loch Ewe and Russia during the Second World War. Located at Birchburn, Aultbea, and open 10am to 4pm. A hidden gem that surprises almost everyone who visits.

Badachro Distillery Just outside Gairloch in the village of Badachro, this small craft distillery produces Highland gin, vodka and whisky. Distillery tours take you through the production process and history, and naturally include a tasting. Well worth a visit whatever the weather.

Gairloch Leisure Centre Open to the public every evening, all weekend and throughout school holidays, the leisure centre at Gairloch High School has a fitness suite, climbing wall, tennis and badminton courts, and outdoor football facilities.

Lochbroom Leisure Centre, Ullapool A full leisure facility with a 25m swimming pool, sauna, sports hall, fitness room and indoor climbing wall. A great option for families on a wet day.

Poolewe Swimming Pool A local indoor pool at Poolewe, ideal for a warm-up after a blustery day on the hills.

Attadale Gardens, Strathcarron On the southern shore of Loch Carron, Attadale is a magnificent private garden with stunning views across to Skye. Features include a water garden, rhododendron walks and a geodesic dome. Plant sales and a restaurant on site.