Gairloch Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Gairloch Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Gairloch packs a punch for sightseeing despite its small size. The Gairloch Heritage Museum (IV21 2BP, open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat) houses fascinating exhibits on crofting life and local maritime history, earning its 4.5/5 TripAdvisor score honestly.

Don't miss Inverewe Garden (IV22 2LG), a 20-minute drive north. These subtropical gardens seem impossible at this latitude but thrive thanks to the Gulf Stream. TripAdvisor users rate it 4.5/5, with many visitors shocked to find palm trees in the Highlands!

Redpoint Beach offers spectacular views across to Skye and the Outer Hebrides. I've heard locals say it's often completely empty even in summer. The red sand contrasts beautifully with the blue sea - perfect for photos without crowds.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Gairloch Marine Life Centre and Cruises (IV21 2BH) runs boat trips where you'll spot seals, dolphins and occasionally whales. Their 4.5/5 TripAdvisor rating comes from consistent wildlife sightings and knowledgeable guides.

Pet Friendly

We've found Gairloch extremely welcoming for dogs. Most beaches allow dogs year-round, unlike many UK coastal spots with summer restrictions. Big Sand Beach gives dogs plenty of space to run and the coastal paths offer miles of sniffing opportunities.

The Old Inn (IV21 2BP) welcomes dogs in its bar area and even provides water bowls. Their beer garden has spectacular views - perfect for sunset drinks with your dog at your feet.

Mountain Coffee Company (IV21 2BP) is dog-friendly inside and out, so you can grab breakfast without leaving your four-legged friend tied up outside. They do excellent bacon rolls too!

Many local walks are ideal for dogs, but watch out for livestock on unfenced areas. The path around Loch Gairloch itself is relatively flat and manageable for older dogs. Remember to bring towels for your cottage - sandy, wet dogs and hot tubs don't mix well!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Gairloch

Gairloch Beach sits right in the village and offers stunning views across to the Isle of Skye. The beach changes character completely depending on the tide - at low tide, you'll find a vast expanse of sand perfect for games, while high tide brings the water right up to the dunes. One visitor called it "the perfect beach for sunset walks" in their 5-star TripAdvisor review.

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve (IV22 2PA) is Britain's oldest National Nature Reserve and just a 30-minute drive from Gairloch. The mountain trail takes about 3-4 hours and rewards hikers with views across Loch Maree. A recent visitor wrote: "Challenging but absolutely worth it - saw golden eagles circling overhead!" The visitor centre provides excellent information about local wildlife.

Rua Reidh Lighthouse stands at the northern entrance to The Minch, the strait between the mainland and the Hebrides. The 4-mile walk from the car park is part of the experience - you'll pass abandoned crofts and might spot seals, otters and sea eagles. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "The remoteness is part of the magic - we had the entire place to ourselves." The lighthouse keeper's cottage sometimes offers accommodation if you want to stay overnight.

Is Gairloch suitable for winter breaks?

Yes! Winter brings a different beauty to Gairloch. The Gulf Stream keeps temperatures milder than you might expect for Highland Scotland. Snow is possible but not guaranteed. The hot tub experience is arguably better in winter - there's nothing like sitting in warm bubbling water while looking at snow-capped mountains. Many restaurants stay open year-round, though some attractions have reduced hours.

How far is Gairloch from Inverness?

Gairloch is approximately 68 miles from Inverness, which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to drive. The route via the A832 is scenic but includes single-track sections with passing places. Inverness has the nearest airport and major train station. Public transport options are limited - there's a bus service (Westerbus) but having your own car is recommended.

Are there good places to eat in Gairloch?

Despite its small size, Gairloch has excellent eating options. The Old Inn serves good pub food with local seafood. Hillbillies café does great breakfasts and lunches. For something special, try Shieldaig Lodge Hotel (15 minutes drive) for fine dining. The Mountain Coffee Company is perfect for coffee and cake. Most places get busy in summer, so booking ahead is wise.

Can you see the Northern Lights from Gairloch?

Yes, Gairloch's northern location and low light pollution make it a good spot for Aurora watching. The best time is between October and March when nights are longest. You'll need clear skies and solar activity. The hot tub provides the perfect viewing platform - just switch off outside lights to preserve night vision. Download an Aurora alert app to improve your chances.

Is there mobile phone reception in Gairloch?

Mobile coverage is patchy. The village center generally has 4G with most networks, but signal disappears quickly as you move into surrounding areas. Many cottages offer WiFi, but speeds may be slower than you're used to. Some people see this as a benefit for a proper digital detox holiday!

What should I pack for a Gairloch holiday?

Highland weather is famously changeable. Pack layers rather than one heavy coat. Waterproofs are essential year-round. Walking boots are useful even if you're not planning serious hikes. Swimming costumes for the hot tub, obviously! Binoculars for wildlife spotting, midge repellent (May-September) and a good camera for those spectacular views. Cash is useful as not all small businesses accept cards.

Some helpful links:

1. VisitScotland's Gairloch Guide
2. Walkhighlands Gairloch Routes
3. Gairloch Heritage Museum
4. Inverewe Garden Information