The crofting villages which make up the parish of  Coigach – Achiltibuie, Polbain and others – are very particular places offering visitors a holiday experience beyond expectations. As you approach by road, along miles of mountains and moorlands, you’ll become partly tuned into what it is that makes people return here, year after year and generation after generation.

Once you arrive, the touching romance between sea and land,  the vistas of islands, mountains and sky will insinuate themselves into your very being. If you arrive with expectations of glitzy attractions and man-made entertainments you will be disappointed: though we can provide some we do not pretend to supply others – we find them irrelevant, and so probably will you. Rather, this is a place to explore, to look in on yourself, to find yourself moving to the rhythm of natural things, to get closer to those you have chosen to accompany you, and to learn something from those you meet here.

Some of those things we have on offer: 

Fisk Gallery, Polbain – unique, contemporary, hand-decorated ceramics, and more, from Summer Isles Croft’s owners! The gallery and workshops display ceramics, textiles and jewellery made on the premises together with locally written books, carved and turned wood pieces, locally painted pictures, cards and photography, and a range of vintage items. Open all year, 7 days a week – www.facebook.com/fiskgallery1 and www.summerislesstudio.co.uk

Achiltibuie Artists, Achiltibuie – local collective of artists and craft workers gallery – www.facebook.com/scotlandgallery

Events at the Community Hall, Achiltibuie – the seasonal programme of entertainment for locals and visitors – www.spanglefish.com/coigachcommunityhall/calendar

Summer Isles Hotel, Achiltibuie – fine dining, bar meals and afternoon teas – www.summerisleshotel.com

Am Fuaran Bar and Restaurant, Altandhu – pub with bar meals – www.amfuaran.co.uk

Achiltibuie Stores, Achiltibuie – the main local shop – groceries, off licence, local seafood, fuel and more – www.achiltibuiestores.com

Campsite Shop, Port a Bhaigh Campsite, Altandhu – newly opened, a smaller shop offering a wide range of groceries and off licence sales. Open 7 days a week. www.portabhaigh.co.uk

Hamlet Mountaineering, Achiltibuie – guided and tutored kayaking, canoeing, rock-climbing, classic mountain walks. Check Tim Hamlet’s website for details of the ‘Coigach and Assynt Big 5′ – including overnight canoe expedition to Suilven’, Summer Isles by Canadian Canoe, rock climbing at Reiff, classic mountain walks and canoeing the local lochs of Coigach. – www.hamletmountaineering.com

Nor-West Sea Kayaking, Assynt – kayaking lessons and trips around the Summer Isles – www.norwestseakayaking.com/

Summer Isles Sea Tours, Achiltibuie – local cruises around the Summer Isles with island landings – www.summerisles-seatours.co.uk

Achiltibuie Gardens, Achiltibuie – hydroponic gardens for succulent local fruit and vegetables – www.thehydroponicum.com

Ceilidh Place, Ullapool – restaurant, bar, bookshop and art – www.theceilidhplace.com

North West Highlands Geopark – our special and ancient geology celebrated by UNESCO – www.nwhgeopark.com

Coigach Geotrail – new in 2018, a fantastic series of geology walks around Coigach, expertly explained on a detailed guide available as a free download at www.coigach.com/see-and-do/the-coigach-geotrail and in hard copy at local outlets.

Forthcoming events – details of a variety of community activities can be found at www.coigach.com/events

“7 Walks in Coigach” – a booklet showing seven recommended walks around Coigach – but remember that in Scotland, with very few exceptions, you can walk anywhere you like! Print it off at   www.coigach.com/see-and-do/walking-climbing/7-walks-in-coigach/ or buy the booklet locally.

…and some other activities:

(Thanks to Julia Campbell for the photo of the Achiltibuie football pitch … which is not an all-seater stadium)