(Gaelic name meaning… Short Loch)

GEÀRRLOCH

Nestled in amongst glorious hills and sheltered by the surrounding coastline, Gairloch looks out towards the wild seas of the Minch. The town is spread along the edge of the bay, with the bustling harbour and requisite boat trips and fisherman in the south and the sleepy hubbub of shops, cafes and museum to the north.

You don’t have to step far off the road here to be enveloped by the tremendous wilderness of the surrounding area. It is an area of stark beauty, the rocky coastline fractures out into the sea broken by little pockets of calm – gorgeous beaches, stretches of flower-studded machair and crystal clear seas.

Look out for feeding gannets - these birds make a quick splash as they dive into the sea for food… the very same food that might tempt a hungry whale or dolphin!

A bit about the site

Gairloch has good public transport links and we recommend a visit both to the harbour and the visitor information in the Gale Centre. Take a wander down the harbour, there is lots of information about the local wildlife, as well as cafe and shops.