Holiday rentals in Gairloch

Gairloch means short loch, so named because the sea loch on whose shores the town sits is only six miles long. But oh, what six miles! Gairloch’s serene views stretch all the way to the Isle of Skye, and it’s still big enough for a number of sandy beaches. Aside from the beach in the village, there’s the appropriately named Big Sand, just three miles away, and on the opposite side of the loch is Red Point, with its red sand dunes and mesmerizing sunsets. Despite the town’s small population, Gairloch’s harbour remains busy with fishing life, and boat tours can take you out to the whale and dolphin feeding grounds in the Minch sea channel. You can wander the coastline keeping an eye out for seals and sea eagles, and visit the Gairloch Heritage Museum, which charts the human history of the region since the Stone Age.

Summer is a glorious time to visit Scotland, and June to August are the warmest and driest months of the year. Long twilit evenings are another benefit, although be warned that midges are a feature of the summer months in this part of Scotland, so come armed with repellent. If you’re in Gairloch in July, you can catch one of the region’s biggest events, its annual Highland Gathering, which as well as the traditional games includes plenty of music, dancing, and children’s events. Boat tours to see the local wildlife operate seasonally from April to September, while spring with its wildflowers and autumn with its heather are both colourful times to visit the Highlands. Whatever time you choose to visit, remember that Scottish weather is unpredictable, and pack layers and waterproofs.

Longa Island

This little island at the mouth of the loch is less than half a square mile in size, yet some 200 years ago it was home to a fishing community all of its own. Named by the Norse people who once lived here (Longa means “ship”), the island is now inhabited by rare birds, which you can visit on a paddling tour.

Flowerdale

Just south of the village lies this 35-acre wooded estate, pleasantly sheltered from the winds and seasonally covered in wildflowers. Publicly accessible walking trails offer stunning views of the hills and lochs all around the glen, including a popular route that will take you above Flowerdale House to a charming waterfall.

Poolewe

A six-mile drive inland brings you to this pretty village on the southern point of neighbouring Loch Ewe. There are markets here every Tuesday in the village hall, as well as a heated indoor swimming pool if the loch water is too chilly to tempt you. The botanical splendour of Inverewe Garden, from its Himalayan poppies to its Tasmanian eucalyptus, thrives thanks to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream.