Holiday Activities

	Sea Cliffs at Reiff

With its stunning and varied scenery, this area is a walker's paradise. There is a collection of interesting and varied walks around lochs and hills, ranging in length from 3 to 30 miles. This area is unrivalled in the variety and scale it offers including delightful coastal routes as well as the famous ancient sandstone hills of Stac Pollaidh, Suilven and Ben More Coigach.

Three miles away on the cliffs at Reiff is some of the best rock climbing in Scotland. The cliffs are well known in climbing circles and many people come to this area for the challenge. The area offers an amazing array of steep sandstone sea cliffs, many of which are non-tidal. There are several different areas, with walk-ins ranging from 5 minutes to one hour.

Two useful mountaineering sites which cover this area..

www.scottishclimbs.com	News. Discussion forum. Competition results. Guides to trad, sport, and bouldering areas across Scotland. Photos. Articles. (Scotland)

www.ukclimbing.com	Forums, News, photos UK Climbing is the definitive source for all Climbing and Mountain-related activity. We are the central source of information for UK Climbing.(UK)

Coigach Sunrise   The Fiddler

	Stac Pollaidh

The Hectoria, sailing from Badentarbert pier, is a local cruise boat takes people round the islands to see the seals and rare birds. Sailings are twice daily at 10.30 am and 2.15 pm . No need to book (not Sundays) Evening sea fishing trips available on request.

The Summer Queen, sails from Ullapool to the Summer Isles daily stopping on Tanera Mor, the largest of the Summer Isles.

Sailing

The Summer Isles Sailing School is a RYA accredited sailing school based on Tanera Mhor, the largest of the Summer Isles.

Fishing

Guests are welcome to use our small rowing boat on a trout loch ½ mile from the Croft House/Turf House.

Permits are available for salmon and trout fishing on local lochs and rivers.

	Fly Fishing available to let from the Summer Isles Hotel:- Boat on Loch Oscaig for Sea trout from end June to September. Brown Trout fishing on the Hill Lochs.
	Fishing from Badentarbet Estate - River Garvie - seatrout and salmon river from June - September; Lochs Beiste, Vatachan, Dornie and Totaig - brown trout
	Fishing from Inverpolly Estate - Loch Scionascaig and Badagyle; Polly River and River Garvie
There are many small lochs in the area where you can catch brown trout. On the larger lochs, such as Oscaig, you can also try for sea trout. When you are here you can ask at Coigach Craft Shop in Polbain for further details.
View from Achnahaird : Photograph by John McCarthy Achnahaird Beach lies adjacent the Croft and only ½ mile walk away. (photo) It provides some of the best conditions for canoeing and kayaking around the beautiful Summer Isles. Also plenty of breezes to test your skills with kites or wind surfing. Other stunning sandy beaches within easy reach are found at Achmelvich and Clashnessie.    Achnahaird Beach     Ideal Surfing conditions Bird Watching Over 100 species of birds including eagles, red and black throated divers, curlew and snipe. Handa Island bird reserve is just 1 ¾ hours drive north, where you can see breeding seabirds including puffins and arctic skua. Boat trips leave every 15 minutes in season.     Leckmelm Gardens Other wildlife includes dolphins, seals, otters, stags, wild cats, pine martens and golden eagles. Ocassionally anglers come to fish for sea bass from Achnahaird beach.   Gardens There are easy drives to Leckmelm Gardens outside Ullapool, Inverewe Gardens and boat trips from Kylesku which go inland up the sea loch to visit Europe 's longest waterfall or to Kerracher Gardens.
Culture
Ancient remains on Achnahaird Beach   Summer Isles from Conival The Coigach peninsula has a thriving community with a rich and fascinating history. Regular music and arts events are held throughout the year. All visitors are made very welcome at the Ceilidhs and dances in the local village hall, which boasts a magnificent performing space. Local musicians playing traditional music and many well known bands appear regularly in the Coigach Village Hall. The hall also offers recreational facilities (badminton, pool, a well stocked library) to both locals and visitors. Visit the remains of the old Viking houses or stone circles around the peninsula. Visit the award winning Ullapool Museum to check on your genealogy and see if your forebears emigrated, possibly to Nova Scotia on the ship The Hector during the 18th century? Beautiful sea and mountain views complete with wide open landscapes, combine to provide a dream location for artists and photographers as well as for that special wedding! On a clear day you can see the Islands of Skye, Harris, Lewis and the Shiants from the Coigach peninsula. Local Art, Craft & Creative Writing courses can be booked in advance through - www.wildtiles.co.uk ; www.bridgehouseart.co.uk ; www.antallasolais.org     Winter Sunset over Achnahaird The area is of great geological interest and has recently been awarded Geo Park Status. Knockan Crag Visitor centre, at the southern end of the Northwest Geopark, tells the history of the rocks and is only a 30 minute drive away. Visit the Hydroponicum, a unique water based garden, in Achiltibuie. Tours, coffee and snacks available. Local shops - Achiltibuie Stores (sells petrol/diesel); Polbain Stores; Polbain Craft Shop; The Summer Isles Smokehouse continues to produce award winning smoked and cured salmon, kippers, eel etc. Eating Out Excellent seafood served at the Furan Bar or the Summer Isles Hotel Bar. If you want a special treat you can book a meal in the Summer Isles Hotel Michelin star restaurant. The village of Ullapool is 23 miles from Achnahaird (45 mins drive). Shops (including a Somerfield Supermarket), numerous restaurants, pubs and bar meals, museum, art gallery, health centre, leisure centre, swimming pool, tennis courts etc OR just sit back and enjoy the views !