A wonderful winter in Wester Ross
With the changing of the season comes an exciting transformation on the west coast, and it truly is wonderful.
The region’s rugged and remote landscape becomes even more dramatic in winter as the peaks are dusted with snow, frost falls on the ground and lochs freeze over. During the winter months in Wester Ross, deer come down from the hills to find food which means they can often be spotted around the North Coast 500. The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) are also about this time of year.
One beauty of the North Coast 500 is that it is a different experience whichever season you visit in. For those who have already experienced it, trust us – this will be a completely different but equally amazing time to visit this incredible part of the North Highlands. For those who are yet to experience it, you will not be disappointed – read on to find out why.
Winter Walking with Hamlet Mountaineering (c) Hamlet Mountaineering
Find yourself in NATURE
The natural beauty is a HUGE part of Wester Ross’ charm. The rugged landscape stretching from the lowest lying glens and gorges all the way up to the highest peaks, and all the beaches, lochs and gardens in between, is waiting for you to explore it.
There are a number of stunning gardens in the region. Attadale Gardens, named RHS Partner Garden of the Year Finalist for Scotland 2021 are offering snowdrop walks through the grounds. The snowdrop walks will take place every Thursday at 2pm during February, starting at the Garden Gatehouse.
Continuing with the gardens theme, Inverewe Gardens are equally as impressive. The stunning heritage garden features plants from around the world and it is often possible to spot red squirrels, otters, seals, red deer or even golden eagles during a visit. After a day’s exploring, you will need somewhere to stay and there are plenty of options. Nestled in the foothills of a Munro, Ledgowan Lodge offers the ‘opportunity to experience the Highlands like a local’ in a grand Victorian manor. Guests often spot deer outside the lodge next to the loch.
The west coast is a haven for beach lovers. Pristine white sand, flowing dunes that stretch for miles and with a backdrop of rugged mountains, Scotland’s beaches are like no other. It may not be classic ‘beach weather’ but we think some of the most beautiful times along the coast are during winter, particularly if you catch a sunset and the west coast of course is the perfect location to do so. The North Coast 500 is scattered with beaches, from sprawling beaches like Big Sand and Gairloch Beach to smaller inlets and coves such as Red Point. We encourage you to venture off the beaten track where you’ll find tonnes of secluded beaches and at this time of year you’re likely to have them all to yourself.
Photos: Gairloch Beach | Attadale Gardens | Stag in Wester Ross | Corrieshalloch Gorge
Experience FOOD & DRINK
During winter, hearty food and warming drinks are an absolute must!
If fresh, locally sourced and incredibly delicious sea food is what you think of when planning your west coast adventure, Kishorn Seafood Bar is the place for you. If that isn’t enough to convince you, while enjoying your sustainably caught lunch, you can enjoy views of the magnificent Cuillin hills on Skye.
For something to wet the whistle, or a great present for friends and family, Badachro Distillery is the perfect place to stop and stock up on some hand-crafted Scottish gin. Shieldaig Lodge Hotel offer a ‘Foodie’s Winter Escape’ package which will be right up your street if you want a room in a beautiful Victorian lodge, mesmerising views and a five course tasting menu – and who wouldn’t?!
We love food that’s local, sustainable and represents the best of Highland hospitality. The Torridon does exactly that. The food served here is sourced from The Torridon Farm, Kitchen Garden and surrounding land and lochs. The Torridon offers fine dining at 1887 or a more relaxed vibe at Bo & Muc, as well as a whisky bar stocked with an impressive 365 malts and 120 gins – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Photos: The Shieldaig | Kishorn Seafood Bar | The Torridon | Badachro Distillery
An ADVENTURER’S paradise
Home to ‘The Torridon Giants’, it is no surprise Wester Ross is a hot spot for hikers. The region’s rugged, wild and remote landscape paves the way for some of the most incredible hiking and winter trekking in Scotland. Wester Ross is home to some of the country’s most well-known Munros including Beinn Eighe, Liathach and An Teallach. If you want to experience these for yourself, Hamlet Mountaineering offer guided winter walks across Wester Ross, including the famous Munros. Want to know more? Check out our blog on winter adventure along the NC500.
Of course, you don’t have to be a hardcore adventurer to enjoy winter walks on the North Coast 500. Some of our favourite winter walks are along the coast where it’s much milder during winter months and you’re less likely to encounter snow. There really is something for everyone!
One of the best ways to explore the west coast is by canoe or kayak, and you can do exactly that with Gairloch Canoe and Kayak Centre. Discover Wester Ross from a completely new perspective with a highly experienced guide; spot local wildlife such as seals, otters and eagles as you paddle the west coast. After a winter’s day in the great outdoors, the only thing for it is to settle down for a relaxing evening, Kinlochewe Hotel is a great base from which to explore part of the west coast.
If fishing is your thing or you fancy trying something a little different, get in touch with West Coast Fishing. They know the best spots on the west coast to fish and one of their experienced guides will walk and talk you through the day, whether you’re a complete beginner or seasoned angler.
Remember – it’s important to familiarise yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and don’t attempt any walks that may become unsafe without a guide, unless you are skilled in mountaineering.
Photos: Gairloch Canoe and Kayak Centre | West Coast Fishing | The Torridon | Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
Discover HISTORY, ARTS & CRAFTS
Wester Ross boasts some truly incredible ancient history. Some of the rock found here is 2.5 billion years old (amongst the oldest in the world). It’s not just the land that’s old either – tools made from bone, stone and antler have been found on the Applecross peninsula which date back to the Mesolithic era (as early as 6000 BC!). Visit the region’s museums to immerse yourself in local history and heritage; on the west coast you will find Gairloch Museum situated in a former nuclear bunker and teeming with local history.
On your way in or out of Inverness, the Highland Museum of Childhood is a great pitstop. While there, take a walk round the Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer. If you’re in need of a leg stretch, take a walk back in time by visiting historic sites such as the Neil Gunn Monument which offers views over the Black Isle, Cromarty Firth and even as far as the Cairngorms. If you stay at Coul House Hotel, be sure to take a walk through the gardens which are full of surprises, flowers, ancient trees, fairies and scaries aplenty!
The north-west Highlands is a hub of creativity, with an abundance of local artists working from studios on the west coast. What better to place to find inspiration? Be sure to check out the Harbour Gallery when visiting Ullapool. For luxury knitwear, tartan and tweeds, Lochcarron Weavers is a quintessentially Scottish store who source and make products in Scotland and an absolute must-see.
Photos: Gairloch Museum | Coul House Hotel | Lochcarron Weavers | The Harbour Gallery
A warm Highland welcome, hearty local food and endless sights to explore are waiting for you – plan your perfect winter retreat now.
Explore Wester Ross
It’s important to note that not all businesses in the Highlands are open during the winter months (some are taking a well-deserved rest!) so make sure to check winter opening times with individual businesses ahead of your trip to avoid disappointment.
To get the most from your trip, download the North Coast 500 App (available on Apple App Store and Google Play) for top tips, stories and more.
