The Local Guide to Coigach and Assynt
Coigach and Assynt’s Local Guide uses your phone’s GPS to automatically trigger rich audio content and deliver turn -by-turn audio content and interesting information relative to your surroundings and upcoming destinations.
Discover hidden gems, learn about the world-renowned geology, absorb the area’s fascinating history, and take advantage of the in-depth knowledge to enhance your travel experience. By the end of the tour, you will have a greater understanding of the land, environment and past and present people who have helped shape the region.
The Local Guide is available for Apple and Android devices and you can download it for free by visiting your App Store or clicking on the buttons below.
This audio guide was commissioned by Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape and funded by the Garfield Weston fund with further support provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Here are a few suggestions of places to explore….
Coigach
Stac Pollaidh – Reach the 612m heights of Stac Pollaidh by mountain path. Start from the car park on the banks of Loch Lurgainn and arrive among weathered sandstone pinnacles and gullies. Breathtaking views across the Minch. A circular path around the base of the cliffs offers an easier alternative route.
Inverpolly Forest – Native woodland featuring birch, hazel and rowan species. Ideal area for bird and wildlife watching. From the path near Linnerainach, discover a diversity of habitats against the backdrop of Torridonian sandstone mountains.
The Summer Isles – A popular area for sea kayaking, diving and island cruises.
Achnahaird Sands – Views to the north, this long sandy beach lies close to the scenic village of Achiltibuie. Sand dunes hide an important archaeological site while the coastline offers low level walks with interesting geological features.
Coigach Community Hall – Find a wealth of information on local heritage and community events. Home to a café and the local library, Coigach Community Hall provides opportunities for indoor sports and hosts exhibitions and events.
Falls of Kirkaig – A twisting single track road leads you through a complicated landscape formed of ancient Lewisian Gneiss. The 20m falls are accessed by a path which also acts as an approach for climbing the mountain Suilven. In July or August you may see salmon leaping in the gorge below as you head to the falls.
Ben More Coigach and Cul Mor – Shaped by glaciers and scarred by wind and weather, these peaks dominate the landscape around Achiltibuie.
Knockan Crag Visitor Centre – Rock art, rock trails and the turf-roofed rock room make this a great destination for discovering more about the geology and natural history of the Geopark. Let the rocks around Knockan Crag tell the story of 3000 million years of history.
Assynt
Rock Stop Visitor Centre – Pick up information on geology, archaeology, local history, wildlife and trails around the Geopark. Visit Discover Assynt‘s website for local information.
Inchnadamph National Nature Reserve and the Bone Caves – With caves, tunnels and underground streams, Inchnadamph promises exciting discoveries for explorers. Walk along a dry riverbed at Traligill and visit the Bone Caves where archaeologists found human remains dating back 4500 years along with the bones of animals long extinct in Scotland.
Loch Assynt, Ardvreck Castle and Inchnadamph Church – Ancient stronghold of the MacLeods of Assynt, Ardvreck Castle stands on the shores of Loch Assynt with the mountain Quinag rising 808m to the north. Discover the fascinating history of the area from archive material in old Inchnadamph Church.
Little Assynt – An all-abilities path takes you to the shores of Loch Leitir Easaidh and Loch Innse Fraoich. Enjoy views to Quinag and fresh water angling from boats specially adapted for people with mobility impairments. Facilities at both lochs include an easily accessible compost toilet, a shelter and picnic area.
Canisp and Suilven – These Torridonian sandstone mountains dominate the landscape. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular view or take to the slopes as a walker, rock-climber, scrambler or hill runner.
Ben More Assynt and Conival – As you travel through the Geopark, you can’t fail to be awed by these mountains. Both are classed as Munros (height of 915m or above) with Ben More Assynt connected to Conival by a high ridge. Please make sure that you are well-equipped and have all the information you need on routes and weather conditions before setting out on a mountain climb or walk.
Old Man of Stoer – Follow the path from the lighthouse car park along cliffs populated by seabirds to view this pinnacle of sandstone rock standing just off the coast.
Clashnessie, Clachtoll and Achmelvich beaches – Ideal for a family day out, these sandy beaches are peaceful, unspoilt and surrounded by marvellous rock formations. Visit the Clachtoll salmon bothy as well as the remains of a 1st century broch.
