WALKING HOLIDAYS IN NW SCOTLAND

North of Ullapool lie the remote landscapes of Assynt and Coigach, in Sutherland and Wester Ross, and it's here that our Scottish walking holidays take place. Though the mountains are not particularly high, the geology of the area has created stunning individual peaks of Torridonian Sandstone and Lewisian Gneiss which rise dramatically from the desolate moorlands. It's an awe-inspiring landscape, enhanced by the coast and by the hundreds of lochs and lochans lacing the open moors. Explore this fantastic area in the company of our expert walking guides.

It's also an area famous for it's wildlife. In the mountains you will often see Red Deer, Eagles and other birds of prey, Snow Buntings and Ptarmigan. On the fabulous coast there is a huge variety of sea birds, including Sea Eagles, Divers, Terns, Skuas, Gannets and virtually every type of gull imaginable. In the water, we have seen Basking Sharks, Minke Whale, Dolphins and Porpoise and occasionally an elusive Otter.

The people here are friendly and open, and you can be assured of a real Highland welcome at the hotels we use, such as Inchnadamph, Scourie and Kinlochbervie.

The different seasons in this remote area bring their own character and rewards, so we have devised four different breaks to take advantage of this.

KINLOCHBERVIE HOTEL:

9-13 December 2009; Early Winter in the Highlands – short days with some walks finishing by torchlight before returning to the hotel and a roaring fire. Great atmosphere and unpredictable weather - but that’s part of the adventure! A mix of coast and mountain walks chosen to suit the group and the conditions. Walk Grades Moderate to Moderate+ with rough terrain.
March 10-14  2010; Though there will be snow on the higher summits, the days are now getting longer, making the walking easier. We'll be tackling Arkle and some of the other excellent peaks hereabouts, and using crampons and ice axes where appropriate - we will supply these if you don't have your own, and train you to use them. Walk grades Moderate to Tough, with some rough ground and some snow likely underfoot. £375pp Includes B&B accommodation with packed lunch, local trnsport, lift from Inverness if required and guide.

 

INCHNADAMPH HOTEL:

APRIL 21-25  2010: Springtime in the Highlands and the days are stretching out. This is a great time of year for walking – no midges, and the remnants of the winter snows whitening the tops. We’ll be tackling The Fiddler and the Ben Mor Coigach ridge, and some of the other famous peaks of Assynt and Coigach. Walk Grades Moderate-with rough terrain and very easy scrambling in places.

 JUNE 30 – JULY 4  2010; At this time of year it’s barely dark at night in the Highlands and the weather is often very good. Suilven is just one of the more remote mountains we’ll be visiting this time. Walk Grades Moderate-Tough with some rough terrain.

SEPTEMBER 21-26  2010; Early autumn in the north west can be a great time for walking. The days are still long enough to comfortably complete the walks, and the weather is often pretty good. A real variety of walks on this event - including Stac Pollaidh, Ben Mor Coigach and the Fiddler, plus a coastal walk. Walk grades Moderate to Moderate + with some rough ground and very easy scrambling.

All Inchnadamph dates include B&B Accommodation with packed lunch, local transport, transfer from Iverness if required along with the services of a mountain guide. £345

Here are some of the classic itineraries:-

Sgurr an Fhiddlair and Ben Mor Coigach. The views from the summit of the 'Fiddler' down it's famous 1500' high nose are simply stunning. The walk then takes the narrow ridge of Ben Mor Coigach, from where there are fantastic views down to the coast. You'll see Red Deer and possibly Eagles in this wild landscape. After the walk, we'll visit Achnahaird Bay, where you can wade in the shallow sea and watch the flatfish and sand eels swimming in front of you. If you've enough energy, a visit to the local pub - the Fuaran bar- is well worth it!

 Quinag. A magnificent mountain with several summits, which overlooks the hotel. A classic walk with great viewpoints.

Stac Pollaidh: A relatively short ascent is capped by some easy scrambling along the pinncaled summit ridge to reach the true summit at it's western end. Superb views. Often combined with a walk along the cliffs at Reiff, which is excellent for spotting sea birds and seals.

Handa Island: This well known Bird Reserve is accessible via a short ferry crossing. The island has a delightful path which crosses it, then traverses the west and south coast, with tremendous views of the nesting colonies There is also the likelihood of dramatic encounters with Skuas, and many excellent photo opportunities including ther Great Stack of Handa.

Suilven: An iconic mountain, considered by many to be the finest in Scotland. A long walk in, but the dramatic summit ridge and views make it all worthwhile. Unforgettable.

Other mountain days with our walking guides take in peaks such as Arkle and Foinavon (not on the same day!), Ben Stack, Cul Mor, Cul Beag and Canisp. there are also lower level walks in the Inverpolly Nature Reserve and along the coast to remote beaches such as Sandwood Bay.