Fresh Food & Provisions...
Directions
From the A9 at Tore roundabout north of Inverness, take the A835 to Braemore Junction, 12 miles south of Ullapool. Turn left on the A832 signposted Gairloch/Aultbea/Dundonnell. Laide is 30 miles from Braemore.
Activities in the area and places of interest
Inverewe Garden
The world famous National Trust sub-tropical garden at Inverewe near Poolewe is just 10 minutes away by car. The gardens are open all year round, while the visitor centre with restaurant and shop are open from April to October. Guided walks with the gardener are available on certain afternoons during the summer.
Walking
Opportunities for hillwalking on Munros (mountains over 3000 feet) and Corbetts (peaks between 2500 feet and 2999 feet), together with gentle strolls and river walks are all plentiful in the area. We have an abundance of information to put you on the right track whatever your ability and interests.
Bird Watching
In the past Sand House has worked closely with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, obtaining information on the white-tailed sea eagle (nesting on Gruinard Island), black throat divers, red kites and the golden eagle. This is a bird watcher's paradise with frequent sightings of some of these rare species.
Boating
Trips are available from Gairloch (12 miles) and Ullapool (38 miles) to the Summer Isles and beyond. Dolphin and porpoise are all out there. Seals and otters too in this unspoilt marine paradise.
Fishing
Deep sea, loch and river fishing are all here to be enjoyed by permit. However, you should always make arrangements for access to all waters and give prior notice.
Golf in the Scottish Highlands
Gairloch Golf Club is a highly recommended 9-hole course with spectacular views to the Isle of Skye.
Beaches
Too numerous to mention! The golden sands and aqua-marine water, blessed by the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, ensure the beaches in the area are very special. Children are safe, and families return year after year to Wester Ross as much for its unspoilt sand and sea as anything else.
Indoor Activities
If the sea is not your idea of a good swim, the nearby Poolewe Swimming Pool and the Leisure Centre & Pool in Ullapool are excellent alternatives. There is also a sports centre in Gairloch.
History & Heritage
The Gairloch Heritage Museum gives an insight into the history and lifestyle of the region. At Ullapool, the award-winning museum in the old church illustrates all aspects of Highland life and the emigration of those who set off for Canada and New Zealand.
Local Events
A wide variety of musical, cultural and sporting events take place throughout the year.
- Look out for the local market & craft fairs in Poolewe Village Hall during the summer.
- Late June / early July - Gairloch Highland Gathering
- Late July Lochcarron Highland Games - held at Strathcarron
- Late August - the Great Wilderness Challenge (run or walk across country from Dundonnell to Poolewe)
- Last weekend in October - Torridon Mountains Heritage Weekend
- Films (movies) are shown in the 'Screen Machine', a mobile cinema which makes regular visits to Gairloch.
- West Coast Arts often hold performances in Poolewe Village Hall.
Shopping
Within the surrounding area there are many craft and gift shops.