Things to do and local links

The North West of Scotland offers some of the most stunning and unspoilt landscapes in the UK. Whether you are an artist, walker, climber, sailor or just enjoy being in the great outdoors, the area has lots to offer.

The North West has a thriving arts scene centred around Ullapool but with many excellent events happening locally throughout the year at The Coigach Community Hall.

For general information on the area;

Achiltibuie Tourist Association: www.coigach.com
Ullapool Tourism and Business Association: www.ullapool.com

For getting hold of provisions locally;

Achiltibuie Garden: www.thehydroponicum.com
Locally grown vegetables, salads, herbs and fruit and online sales of hydroponic equipment.
Tel: 01854 622 202

Achiltibuie Stores: www.achiltibuiestores.com
Licensed Grocer. Petrol. Calor Gas. Holiday orders and delivery.
Tel: 01854 622 496

Polbain Stores: www.polbainstores.com
Licensed Grocer and General Store. Holiday orders and delivery.
Tel:01854 622 330

The Smokehouse, Altandhu: www.summerislesfoods.com
Smoked Produce. Mail Order service.
Tel: 01854 622 353

For local places to eat and drink;

Am Fuaran Bar, Altandhu
Open all day every day.
Childrens' license, snacks, lunches, evening meals, local seafood a speciality.
Takeaway food counter, freshly prepared food available.
Tel: 01854 622 339

The Summer Isles Hotel, Restaurant and Bar: www.summerisleshotel.co.uk
Fine dining in a Michelin Starred Restuarant; good bar meals are also available.
Open Easter to October - 10.30am to 8.30pm.
Tel: 01854 622 205

The Piping School Café in Achiltibuie serves drinks and food all day in the summer.

Coigach Craft and Gift Shop in Polbain is also a tea shop.

In Ullapool our favourite spot is the Ceilidh Place (www.theceilidhplace.com; they also have a lovely bookshop and free wireless), and the Frigate (www.ullapoolcatering.co.uk) has a nice position down on the waterfront.

If you're exploring further north along the 'wee mad road' to Lochinver, Achin's bookshop and coffee shop at Inverkirkaig (01571 844262) is a great spot, and a good place to treat yourself after a walk up to the Inverkirkaig Falls.

If you’re seeking some art and culture;

Studio 106 in Achiltibuie is a locally-run cooperative that exhibits and sells some of the wonderful local arts and crafts.

An Talla Solais: www.antallasolais.org
Ullapool's community-run visual arts centre, which always has interesting exhibitions and runs some classes too.

The Macphail Centre: www.macphailcentre.co.uk
Ullapool's performing arts centre, which often has exhibitions too.

Ullapool Museum is a great source of information about the rich history of the area (www.ullapoolmuseum.co.uk/museum)

Knockan Crag is just five minutes further along the main road north from Ullapool, beyond the turning to the Summer Isles, and it's well worth the effort! A great introduction to the astonishing ancient geology of the area. www.knockan-crag.co.uk