Things to do

Summer Isles: The Summer Isles can be seen from Ardmair Bay Cottages and also visited from boat trips running from Ullapool and Achiltibuie.

Hebrides: A twice-daily ferry link to Lewis runs from Ullapool to Stornoway.

Isle Martin: Ardmair Bay is sheltered by Isle Martin. The island itself is now owned by a community trust and it is possible to visit and tour the island.

Hill Climbing/Walking/Running/Cycling: Ben Mhor Coigach is literally on our doorstep, as is the postman’s track to Achiltibuie and Dun Canna – a pictish fort dating back 3,000 years. Within short driving distance are spectacular walks and climbs such as Staic Pollaidh, Coul Mhor, Coul Beag, Suilven and Quinnag. There’s also lots of forestry tracks and hiking routes around the coast, glens and hills around us. Off road biking and running is also popular in the area.

Food and Drink: Ullapool and the area on the whole has a lot of great restaurants and bars, many offering the beautiful shellfish and produce from the Highlands.

Music: Many of the bars have regular music nights and Ullapool also plays host to the Ullapool Guitar and Beer Festivals.

Art and Literature: Ullapool Book Festival is a great wee literary affair and Ullapool also has a few resident artists who have their own studios as well as An Talla Solais that puts on regular shows and exhibitions.

Fishing/Hunting: There are a number of well stocked lochs around us and also some good salmon rivers. Ardmair beach is a great place for sea trout and Rhue point (a couple of miles from the cottages) is popular with sea anglers. There are estates nearby offering deer stalking.

Geological Features: The geology around Ardmair is some of the finest in the world – we are on the border of the National Geo Park and some of the features you see round about us are famous and breathtaking. As well as numerous glacier valleys and features linked to the Moine Thrust, we are also a short drive from Corrieshalloch Falls and The Bone Caves.

Nature: We are situated in some of the last great wilderness of western Europe and it is impossible not to see the continually changing and impressive natural features around us, be it waterfalls, forests, mountains, islands, glens and rivers. We are also close to Leckmelm Gardens and Lochewe Gardens – both popular destinations for plant lovers.

Wildlife: We have resident and visiting wildlife throughout the area and waters around the coast. There are Sea Eagles and Golden Eagles breeding around the coast and Isle Martin is a favourite nesting ground for Gulls, Fulmars, Geese and Peregrine Falcon. When the fish move through the loch, it is not uncommon to see porpoise, dolphin and even whales coming in to hunt and feed. There are also deer in the area, and of course being a working croft, there are often sheep, cows and hens around the houses!

Boating/Diving: There are plenty opportunities for boat owners, kayakers and divers in the area. We have spectacular beaches, coastline and islands right on our doorstep. It is possible to arrange for boats to be launched at the jetty in Ullapool and the beach at Ardmair. Air fills and dive site information can also be provided, please ask and we will try to help.

Take a look at our links for finding the sites of some of the local activities and attractions. If you have any queries regarding any of the activities available in the area, please ask and we will try to answer or find advice from others who may know.

Out to Sea

Daily trips to the Summer Isles from Ullapool – Shearwater Summer Isle Cruises

RIB boat trips to the Summer Isles – Seascape

Ferry to Lewis and the Hebrides from Ullapool. – Caledonian MacBraynes

Sports and Activities

9 hole course on the shores of Lochbroom – Ullapool Golf Club

Some guides to walks around the area – all within easy driving distance of Ardmair Bay Cottages. Ullapool and Assynt Walks

Scottish Mountaineering Club – Good guide to climbs and walks – SMC

Places to Visit

Community Trust that administers Isle Martin and can arrange visits – Isle Martin Trust

Amazing gorge and falls – Corrieshalloch Falls

The Geo Park starts just north of Ardmair and takes in some spectacular geology – North West Highlands Geo Park

Local artist James Hawkins, also shows other local artists work – Rhue Studios

Local museum with lots of information about the area – Ullapool Museum

Festivals

Great wee guitar festival with some great players – Ullapool

Ullapool Music Festival – Loopallu

Great wee book festival that attracts a lot of great writers – Ullapool Book Festival

Food

Local seafood supplers who can provide you with fresh seafood direct to whichever property you are staying – SRCFoods

Scotland

Good online guide for people visiting Scotland – Undiscovered Scotland