North West Highlands Walking Tour Multi-day tour

Day 1 – Arrival and optional short walk

We pick you up from Inverness Airport/Inverness train station and drive approx 1hour 15 mins to Ullapool where we check you into the accommodation where we are based for the next 7 nights.

There is an option to do a short hike to stretch the legs of up to 7 km up onto Ullapool hill late in the afternoon if time allows, which commands lovely views over the village, Loch Broom and the summer isles.

Back at the accommodation, there will be a short introduction by your guide going over the itinerary/weather for the week followed by a relaxing 2-course dinner in a local bar/restaurant (dinner included) where everyone can get to know each other.

Walk Details: 7.5 km/ 4.5 miles | approx. 2 hours | Ascent 260 m/850 ft | Descent 260 m/850 ft

Day 2 – Cul Mor/Knockan Crags

Today we have an exciting mountain ascent of Cul Mor. This twin summited hill is the highest in the area known as Wester Ross at 849 metres high.

We use a good stalkers path for the initial walk in that leads us eventually to a boulder field which involves a bit of ‘hands-on’ easy scrambling but in a short time, we reach the summit. The view out to sea and of the surrounding landscape is stunning.

We then ascend the small pointed Southern peak of Creag nan Calman where views once again are fantastic. After slowly descending back to our van, we take the short hop along the road to Knockan Crags National Nature Reserve which is a site of special scientific interest and has a small interpretation centre.

Walk Details: 14 -16 km/ 9 – 10 miles | approx. 5 hours | Ascent 810 m/2660 ft | Descent 810 m/2660 ft

Day 3 – Scoraig Penisula

This is a delightful coastal walk which visits the fascinating Scoraig Peninsula. Scoraig village is home to a thriving off-grid community where around 70 people live including children. The villagers are largely self-sufficient with no road link and no service, with power being provided via wind turbines and solar panels.

An old lighthouse which was moved into the village has been converted into a small museum depicting life in Scoraig over the years. After exploring this unique and inspiring corner of the West Coast, we take a short and scenic boat trip around the coastline back to Ullapool.

Walk details: 8.5 km/ 5 miles | approx. 3 hours | Ascent 100 m/330 ft |

Day 4 – Ben Mor Coigach and Sgur an Fhidhler

Our ascent today takes us onto two fantastic mountain tops, Ben Mor Coigach and Sgur an Fhidhler (known locally as the fiddler) with a fantastic airy horseshoe ridge joining both. Although only 11km in distance there is a fair amount of up and down and the ridge to negotiate hence allowing up to 7 hours for this excellent day.

Our route follows a faint path up through the steep heathery ground and over some broken crags and rocky sandstone terraces until we reach the summit ridge of Garbh – Choirechan.

We make our way along the fairly airy ridgeline, either keeping to the crest with some mild scrambling or using a by-pass path to the left. The path eases on the final stretch to the summit of Ben Mor Coigach. The views from the summit are breathtaking.

Walk details: 11 km/ 7 miles | approx. 5 hours | Ascent 870 m/2660 ft | Descent 870 m/2660 ft

Day 5 – Stac Pollaidh & Achmelvich and Clachtoll beaches and ancient broch walk

Our itinerary today is one of contrasts, with a classic mountain traverse in the morning and two beautiful beaches and an ancient Archaeological site in the afternoon!

We begin our day with an ascent and circuit of spectacular Stac Pollaidh, a fine hill with its iconic sandstone pinnacles standing out prominently against the surrounding Assynt landscape. It’s a short but steep pull up onto its ridge but worth it for the views!

We then drive north-west to beautiful Achmalvich beach which has stunning white sands… an ideal spot to dip the feet in the calm turquoise waters or even the option to go for a swim. We then head a little further north to another fine Beach at Clachtoll and enjoy a short walk to the remains of an ancient Broch, a 2000-year-old iron age tower.

Walk details: 4.5 km/ 2.75 miles | approx. 2.5 hours | Ascent 510 m/1670 ft | Descent 510 m/1670 ft

Optional Walk: 4 km/ 2.5 miles | approx. 2 hours |

Day 6 – Free Day or optional ascent of Suilven

This day is optional and could be a free day for you, enjoying the village flair, relaxing with a coffee and let the soul be.

Although not in the highest group of Scottish mountains at 731 metres high, the long walk in, steep ascent and descent, impressive outline and superb summit views make Suilven one of the finest peaks in the west of Scotland.

From here we have superb views of Stac Pollaidh to the South. We continue along the ridge with some easy scrambling and a rocky slope to reach the summit. The 360-degree view is outstanding.

Walk details: 21 km/ 13 miles | approx. 7 hours | Ascent 950 m/3120 ft | Descent 950 m/3120 ft

Day 7 – Sandwood Bay

Our walk today takes us to the remote and spectacular Sandwood Bay, a 1 mile (1.6 km) stretch of stunning beach which can only be reached on foot or via the sea.

The bay is bordered by large sand dunes and the freshwater Sandwood Loch. It is also known for its prominent sea stack, Am Buachaille which is renowned as being an extremely challenging rock climb and stands at 65 meters high out to sea.

Sandwood Bay beach is considered to be one of the most unspoilt beaches in mainland Britain and there is a wonderful feeling of remoteness here, even though the area is quite popular with surfing when the winds are favourable. This is also a good place to spot various marine mammals.

Walk details: 13 km/ 8.5 miles | approx. 4.5 hours | Ascent 150 m/500 ft |

Day 8 – Departure day

After breakfast, we depart Ullapool in the morning to fit in with the train/flight journeys for the group.

Anyone who has flights later on in the day or is spending an extra night in Inverness will have an opportunity to enjoy some time in Inverness including strolling along the River Ness, Inverness Castle and Inverness museum and gallery.

Finally, the North West Highlands Walking Tour end with a farewell until next time.

Walk details: short stroll if weather/time allows en route to Inverness