Explore
Coigach is the ideal base to enjoy the wide range of activities available in North West Scotland.
With the seemingly countless fresh water lochs and miles of varied coastline there is no shortage of places to fish; in the sea, rivers and lochs. Permits are required for fresh water fishing for trout and salmon and are available locally.
If kayaking and sailing is more your scene, consider sailing the crystal clear waters around the archipelago of the Summer Isles or cruise around the rugged coastline of the Coigach peninsula. Kayak Summer Isles has some wonderful bespoke excursions to choose from.
Climbers and walkers have some of the finest routes in the country to explore with a variety of levels to suit all abilities. Cyclists too can experience the wonderful coastal scenery and for the more adventurous, tackle some of the off-road routes. If you are a runner then The Coigach Half Marathon which takes place in October must be one of the most scenic for marathon runners.
The North West Highlands is a year-round destination for photographers and artists who flock to the area making the most of the fantastic light and dramatic scenery. If however all you want to do is relax and get away from it all then this is the perfect location to reconnect with nature, absorb the beautiful surroundings, be in the moment and be Mindful.
Walking
The North West Highlands offer a stunning location for all types of walking and all walking abilities.
Dramatic mountain ranges deliver spectacular views over moorland and lochs. Coastal walks meander along rugged coastline where you can look out to the Summer Isles and Outer Hebrides. Beautiful sandy beaches featuring rock pools and secret coves are a delight to explore. An area rich in biodiversity, steeped in history and a geologists dream. There really is something for everyone.
With many routes for every ability check out these websites to assist with planning.
- Coigach Geotrail
- Walk Highlands
- Walk Wester Ross
- Hamlet Mountaineering
- McKenzie Mountaineering
- John Muir Trust
- Mountaineering Scotland
Climbing
Some of the finest rock climbing routes can be found in Wester Ross and the Northern Highlands. There is something for everyone; from the iconic crags of the ever popular Stac Pollaidh to the stunning Reiff sea cliffs, just a stones throw from the front door of Reiff Steading. Numerous high quality routes of all climbing grades can be found on Reiff sea cliffs, making the area ideal for climbers of all abilities. For those looking to experience climbing for the first time or who just need some coaching or guidance, local company; Hamlet Mountaineering can assist with your climbing needs.
Kayaking
The waters around Coigach and Assynt, and in particular around the thirty or so islands that make up the Summer Isles archipelago, offer some fantastic opportunities to get close to nature on the water with a backdrop of magnificent mountain scenery of Wester Ross and Sutherland.
One of the best ways to experience this outstanding environment is to take to the water in a sea kayak. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can still arrange to get on the water for anything from a half day taster paddle to full-day, as well as multi-day expeditions. Both Kayak Summer Isles and Summer Isles Sea Kayaking are local operators who can provide instructor led trips to suit your needs. If you like the idea of being closer to the mountains whilst exploring one of the numerous inland lochs around Inverpolly and Assynt with a stop to pull up on a remote beach for a brew, Kayak Summer Isles also offer one day Canadian Canoe expeditions. Kayak Summer Isles also offer two day canoe expeditions to climb Suilven; a truly memorable way to scale one of the most iconic mountains in Scotland!
Fly Fishing
Countless fresh water lochs and rivers in Wester Ross and Sutherland provide excellent fly fishing for salmon, sea trout and brown trout. Fishing, in season, is by permit only. A selection of fly fishing options, and where to obtain permits are listed below;
Am Fuaran Bar offer boat fishing for Salmon, Sea Trout and brown trout on Loch Oscaig.
Badentarbat Lodge and Achiltibuie Stores sell permits for brown trout fishing on a number of the local lochs, including Loch Raa, Loch Vatachan, Loch na Creige Duibhe, Loch na Beiste, Loch Camas an Fheidh and Loch Totaig. Badentarbat Lodge also sell permits to fish Loch and River Garvie for salmon and sea trout.
Inverpolly Estate offer boat fishing for brown trout on a number of lochs, including Loch Badagyle, Loch Lurgainn, Loch Sionascaig, Black Loch and the Polly Lochs. Also available is bank fishing for brown trout on the estate hill lochs including Loch Doire na, and river fishing for salmon and sea trout on the rivers Garvie and Oscaig. The estate can also arrange deer stalking when in season.
Ledmore Estate offer salmon and sea trout fishing on River Kanaird, boat fishing for brown trout on Loch Cam, Loch Veyatie, Loch Uragil and Loch Lurgainn.
Assynt Angling Group offer fly fishing for brown trout fishing on the numerous lochs around Lochinver.
Salmon Fishing can be arranged on the Rivers Inver and Kirkaig
Sea Fishing
The rocky Coigach coastline offer some good areas for sea fishing from the shore, with pollock, coley and mackerel regularly caught. The “flat rock” on the Island across the Loch of Reiff is a convenient spot to try your luck; a little further afield, the pier at Badentarbat can be an excellent spot to catch mackerel in the mid to late summer and a walk to Fox Point between Dornie and Old Dornie can prove to be an enjoyable walk with the opportunity to cast a line.
The Assynt Angling Information website provides a “one stop shop” for both fresh water and sea fishing around Lochinver and Assynt.