---Nearby Attractions---
Ardvreck Castle - Not far from Inchnadamph stand the remains of Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt. Thought to have been built in 1590/91 by the Macleods who owned Assynt since the 13th century. The loser of the Battle of Carbisdale, the Marquis of Montrose was captured around here in 1650 - the stories vary as to what exactly transpired - and it is believed he was held in the castle before being sent to Edinburgh for execution. Not long after this, the Mackenzies came to the area and built nearby Calda House. In the 18th century Calda and Ardvreck were both destroyed by fire. Legend has it that a wicked old dowager lived in the castle for many years. It was apparently struck by lightning after 5 years of poor harvests and difficult fishing which many believed was proof that the old woman had put a curse on the region.
Ardvreck Castle
Art Galleries - Dick Lally’s Gallery and Studio, Strathcroy on the tourist road from Lochinver to Kylesku is open from 10.00am until 4.30pm (closed Sundays and in winter).
On the Rocks - Open all year but by appointment in the winter. Summer: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Closed Sunday. Craftshop/Workshop with mineral specimens, jewellery, handpainted silk, handmade cards.
Art Galleries
Cape Wrath - Scotland’s most north westerly point can only be reached by a bus journey of about 11 miles through wild unspoiled scenery. Some of Britain’s highest cliffs, seabirds, wildlife, seals and the spectacular Cape Wrath Lighthouse. Slight delays can be expected at peak times and during MOD exercises.
Cape Wrath
Handa Island - The Great Stack or Stack an Seabhaig (the hawk’s stack) is the best place to experience the sight, sound and smell of some of Handa’s 180,000 seabirds. The stack is a pillar of sandstone separated from the island by the sea. Over 9,000 guillemots alone breed on ledges on the Stack’s east-face! Razorbills lay their single egg on crevices near the top of the Stack. Kittiwakes build nests made of grass cemented together by droppings. Puffins nest in burrows on top of the Stack, probably because of introduced brown rats. Following the eradication of rats from Handa in 1997, puffins have started to colonise the main island again. A small ferry boat operates from Tarbet from April to early September, Monday - Saturday from 9:30am. Ferry costs £10.00 (adults), £5.00 (children). Crossings are on demand and weather dependent. Last outbound journey approx. 2:00pm. Last return journey at 4:30pm. Tarbet is sign-posted from the A894, 2 miles North of Scourie. Parking and public toilets available in Tarbet ( no toilets on Handa).
Handa Island
Smoo Cave - Located at the eastern edge of the village of Durness, on Scotland's most northerly coastline. It is a dramatic location and on the only primary road in the area, the A838 Durness to Tongue. A trip to Smoo Cave has to be included in any stay in Durness. Set into limestone cliffs, Smoo Cave is quite large - 200 feet long, 130 feet wide and 50 feet high at the entrance. The cave is a great tourist attraction for people visiting the north-west coast, and is well worth a visit.
Smoo Cave
Statesman Cruises - Cruise past the seal colonies and onto Eas a Chaul Aluinn the tallest(200m) free falling waterfall in the UK
Operates throughout the Summer
Sunday to Thursday 11.00am and 3.00pm
Friday 11.00am and 2.00pm
Statesman Cruises