Things To Do
If you can tear yourself away from the cosy open fire and the super king-size bed, there’s loads to explore and enjoy in the local area!
Cove
Step out the front door and you’ll find plenty of lovely walks to explore. Just a short stroll away, there’s a bay and slipway where you can launch a kayak and head out for some wildlife watching on Loch Ewe. You might even spot otters, seals, harbour porpoises, and with a bit of luck, maybe even some dolphins! The fishing’s brilliant too – you can catch some mackerel right from the slipway if you fancy a fresh supper. And if you’ve got your own boat and trailer, you’re welcome to launch from there too.
Cove beach is a lovely wee beach to visit, the snorkeling is superb at full tide, and the beach is a great place to go on a summers evening for a bbq and tipple!
Just past Cove, you’ll come across the remains of WW2 bunkers, which were built to protect the entrance to the deep sea loch – a safe harbour for Russian convoy submarines. If you’re keen to learn more about the fascinating history of the convoys and of the local area, pop into the Gairloch Museum (it is really worth a visit especially on a rainy day, and there is a great wee cafe there too).
Wildlife
Spot the wildlife on your doorstep - sea eagles, golden eagles, red deer, otters, seals to name a few (we also have a resident toad in the back patio, as well as a couple bats). Dolphins and Porpoises are often spotted at the neck of Loch Ewe, and we have even spotted Basking Sharks (2 in the same day!).
You can go on whale watching trips from the nearby town of Gairloch; contact Hebridean Whale Cruises for further details
There is and trout fishing in the River Ewe, in Poolewe.
Walking
There are many walks you can do straight from the front door. There’s a lovely short loop walk from the house that takes you to Cove Harbour and then on to Cove Beach. It’s only a couple of miles, but you’ll get to enjoy stunning coastline views – perfect for a relaxing morning or evening stroll.
If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, there is a route called 'The Memorial Trail', which you can start from Lewie's Croft. Click here for more information.
And for the thrill seekers, you have the Torridon mountain range to explore!
Inverewe Gardens
Explore the famous Inverewe Gardens, with its truly magnificent tropical gardens. There is also a great cafe there too.
NC500
Drive all or part of the famous North Coast 500, one of the most spectacular driving routes in the world
Be inspired by Visit Scotland's list of things to do in Wester Ross
Places to Eat
There are lots of fantastic places to eat around the area. But we have to name a few that are most certainly worth a visit.
Our absolute favourite cafe is Bridge Cottage Cafe, found in the nearby village of Poolewe. A family run cafe, scrummy homemade food - the cakes and coffee are superb too! An absolute must - it's not un common for us to go there almost every day in some form. The family are also talented artists, and they have a small gallery above the cafe.
Badachro Inn - this pub is very well known in the area. Located in an idellyic sheltered Loch Gairloch bay, the pub is superb in summer and winter. In summer you can enjoy the larger decking area which faces out into the bay, and in the winter you can cosy up with their three open fires. The food is great and it's also not uncommon for us to spend an entire afternoon playing boards games and ordering plates of chips (and the odd drink of course!). If you have your own boat, you can also anchor up off their slipway!
Black Pearl Creole Kitchen - Located in Gairloch, this Caribbean and Creole restaurant is definitely worth a visit. The food is absolutely delicious, and the service is exceptional – you’re in for a real treat.