Stoer Lighthouse. Photograph by François Bertin.

Things to do in Assynt

Sightseeing and activities in Assynt and Lochinver

Assynt is famous for iconic hills such as Suilven and Stac Pollaidh, as well as stunning beaches with white sands and azure waters. You’ll also find inspiring arts and crafts, quirky cafes, favourite fishing spots, the Wee Mad Road and other wonderful gems. If you’re looking for things to do in Assynt, see our favourites below.

See also:

Arts & Crafts

Contemporary arts and crafts from artisans in northwest Scotland.

Glencanisp Lodge Pottery

Fergus the potter makes beautiful ceramics inspired by the Sutherland landscape.
  • Distance: 19 miles.

Highland Stoneware

Famous for beautiful pottery, and you can watch the potters in action. Great for gifts and Scottish souvenirs.

Achmelvich Beach.

Beaches

Assynt has exceptional beaches with clean white sand and blue water. Perfect for walks and families.

Achmelvich Bay

Beautiful white sandy beach with turquoise water.

    Clachtoll Beach

    White sands, stunning mountain views. Amazing Iron Age broch which has just been excavated.

    Clashnessie Bay

    Clean pink sands in an idyllic Highland setting. Visit as part of your trip around the Drumbeg road.

      Culkein Bay

      A sheltered stony beach in a breath-taking bay. Dramatic views from the headlands. Fantastic for birdwatching.

      • Distance: 26 miles.
      • Take a pair of binoculars.
      • Read more about Culkein Bay

      The Wee Mad Road, Achiltibuie to Lochinver.

      Coast Road: Achiltibuie to Lochinver

      The Wee Mad Road isn’t for the faint-hearted! Incredible scenery, from moonscapes to rivers, lochs and beaches. Make sure you take in Achnahaird beach and the loop around Reiff for great views of the Summer Isles. Our favourite spot on the North Coast 500.

      Distance to start point: 18 miles.
      Distance of coast road: 18 miles
      More about NC500 Achiltibuie

      Lochinver

      Busy small fishing port with great views of Suilven. A good spot to stop for lunch. Our favourite is the local pie shop for its sweet and savoury pies.

      • Distance: 18 miles.
      • Read more about Lochinver

      Old Man Of Stoer

      Head along the Drumbeg Road and walk along the cliff from Stoer Lighthouse to the Old Man. The land here can be wet underfoot. Beautiful wildflowers in the summer.

      • Distance to start: 28 miles.
      • Wear decent boots.
      • Read more about the Old Man of Stoer

      Ardvreck Castle, one of the landmarks on the NC500.

      History & Heritage

      The Assynt area is rich in cultural and historical heritage, with some fascinating sites for visitors interested in Scottish history.

      Clachtoll Broch Project

      Amazing Iron Age roundhouse which has recently been excavated.

      Ardvreck Castle

      Atmospheric Scottish castle ruin on the edge of Loch Assynt.

      Cafés & Shops

      Assynt is home to some lovely local cafés and shops with handmade Highland goodies and gifts.

      The Jammery, Culkein

      This is where we get our jams! Lovely cafe with fabulous home baking and local crafts on sale.

      • Distance: 26 miles.
      • Great for gifts and souvenirs.

      Lochinver Larder

      Pie shop heaven. You haven’t lived till you’ve tried their venison and cranberry. Pies by Post, too!

      Fishing with James Curley FlyFishing.

      Fishing

      Assynt is a goldmine for anglers, whether beginner, experienced, and trout, salmon or sea fishing. Still hungry for more? Have a look at other outdoor activities also available.

      Trout Fishing, Assynt

      We sell fishing permits on behalf of the Assynt Angling society. There are hundreds of larger and smaller lochans – some easily accessible, others a good trek. You’re almost guaranteed to have them to yourself.

      Salmon Fishing, Lochinver

      Stunning river where you can watch the fish jumping.

      • Distance: 22 miles
      Suilven. François Bertin is one of the photographers and walkers that flock to the north west Highlands of Scotland.

      Assynt Walks

      Assynt also has plenty of beautiful flat coastal and river walks along with those challenging hills. For some of our favourites adventures, see below and Hills & Hillwalking.

      Lochinver Loop

      A nice loop walk taking you through three environments: the river, the weirs where people fish for salmon, and across the moorland to Glencanisp Lodge.

      • Distance to start: 18 miles.
      • Distance: 5 miles.
      • Visit Walk Highlands

      Stoer Lighthouse To Old Man Of Stoer

      The best walk in Assynt for whale and dolphin spotting.

      • Distance to start: 30 miles.
      • Distance: 5 miles.
      • Visit Walk Highlands
      Bridled guillemot

      Wildlife

      Visit Assynt in summer, spring, autumn or winter – there’s always plenty of glorious Scottish wildlife to see.

      Birdwatching, Culkein Bay

      Culkein Bay is a sheltered stony beach, great for all sorts of birdlife, especially migrant bird spotting.

      • Distance: 26 miles.

      See the best birding locations in Assynt

      Birdwatching, Loch Glendhu

      The loch right in front of Kylesku Hotel is great for birdwatching. We get all sorts, including all three types of diver.

      Whale & Dolphin Watching, Stoer Lighthouse

      The best place in Assynt to see whales, dolphins and porpoise. Fantastic views in clear weather.

      Wildflowers, Stoer Lighthouse

      Amazing array of colourful orchids, lichens and mosses all over the local Scottish moorlands.