ACHILTIBUIE

Heading south from Lochinver the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve makes a spectacular diversion, with mountain walks and trails through the reserve's diverse habitats. Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve also has a Visitor Centre. The road leading down towards Ullapool is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the country, and was a favourite of Wainwright, who dubbed it the "wee mad road of Sutherland". The village of Achiltibuie overlooks the uninhabited Summer Isles, and boat trips around the islands can be arranged, with the opportunity to view wildlife including grey seals and gannets. There is a range of accommodation in the village from the Summer Isles Hotel with its fine dining down to the Youth Hostel for those watching their wallets. Achiltibuie's most unusual visitor attraction must be its Hydroponicum, where plants are grown using the "hydroponics" technique, that is to say they are grown without the use of soil, instead using nutrient solutions. Visitors who want to try the technique for themselves can buy a variety of kits and accessories. On the shore of the nearby Badentarbat Bay there is a water-powered corn mill dating from the 19th century, and nearby is the Coigach Free Church.

Map of the area.

Achiltibuie - geograph.org.uk - 7287. Photo by Anne Burgess, via Wikimedia Commons.