Whether in a tent or a camper van, theres simply no more authentic way to experience the highlands than to wild camp north coast 500. Guests can also enjoy mountain biking over the rugged landscapes of wester ross or around glen torridon. Glasgow to gairloch 2 ways to travel via train, bus, night. Whale watching in gairloch scotland a world away, at. There are fantastic walks and numerous water sport activities as well as. As a settlement, gairloch has a number of separately named and distinct points of focus. The area is exceptional for porpoise, minke whales, dolphins, basking sharks, otters and seals. The best places to see whales in scotland the scotsman. Oct 23, 2015 scotland s official number one whale watching tour based in gairloch in the north west highlands. Please be aware file is large and may take time to download. Featuring free wifi, gairloch hotel a bespoke hotel offers accommodations in gairloch, 56 mi from ullapool. Whale watching and wildlife cruises from gairloch, on scotlands. So whether you prefer a trip around the island of raasay, or a high speed trip out towards the shiant islands to see puffins or whales on the orca 1, you will have an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Whale watching and wildlife cruises from gairloch, on scotland s spectacular north west coast.
Gairloch visitor guide visitscotland scotlands national. Whale watching and wildlife cruises from gairloch, on scotlands spectacular north west coast. Rome2rio makes travelling from glasgow to gairloch easy. Also sailing from gairloch is the hebridean whale cruise which cruises the waters off the north west coast of scotland, home to a thriving. A popular tourist destination in the summer months, gairloch has a golf course, a museum, several hotels, a variety of shops, chinese and fish and chip. Sealife adventures wildlife and whale watching boat. We are gairlochs premier wildlife operator dedicated to raising awareness of. Sealife adventures wildlife and whale watching boat trips.
How to spot killer whales orcas in scotland wilderness. You can also take a boat trip from there and youre pre. Visit wester ross life in the seas of north west scotland. The north minch is one of scotlands recognized hotspots for whale and dolphin sightings. Best places to see whales and dolphins in scotland revealed in new tourist.
Book your tickets online for the top things to do in gairloch, scottish highlands on tripadvisor. If you want to see a whale in britain then gairloch is the place to go and hebridean whale cruises are the people to go with. Hebridean whale cruises whale watching and sea cruises. The old inn gairloch is a traditional highland coaching inn overlooking gairloch harbour on the west coast of scotland. Minke whale, dolphins, orcas and even humpback whales are regular spotted.
Most of gairlochs shops are found in strath, a short distance along the b8021 from its junction with the main a832. Download our pdf of the top things to do in gairloch, melvaig, wester ross and the. The best time to see minke whales in scotland is from the end of may to september. Activities inverewe gardens wester ross, highlands, scotland. Other whale watching tours ive been on that were smaller like this have been really intense boat rides. Gairloch holiday park enquiries and bookings please contact tel. From here the road makes its way past gairloch golf club, where a car park also gives access to a beautiful beach. The map displays all sightings that have been submitted through whale track but you can change this using the map filter tool panel. On the west coast of scotland, loch gairloch in wester ross looks out towards the atlantic ocean and the distant outer hebrides. The land is hilly and farming isnt very productive, but creel fishing for shellfish is a traditional occupation. Located in gairloch, gairloch hotel is near the beach.
Situated on the shore of loch gairloch amongst the aweinspiring scenery of wester ross, gairloch offers a wealth of spectacular scenery and activities for visitors. Guests can opt for a wee breakfast of cereal, scottish yogurt, fresh fruit, tea and. Glasgow to gairloch 2 ways to travel via train, bus. Birds of prey are seen all around the area buzzards, golden eagles, sea eagles and ravens have all been seen from the garden. Very nice hotel with nice waiter service and very delicious meals. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by gairloch heritage museum, while those wishing to experience the areas natural beauty can explore gairloch beach and big sand beach. If you see a killer whale report your sighting on the killer whale hotline 07500 380 524. Orcas are magnificent creatures and are the largest members of the dolphin family they have to be seen to be believed. Crew were really knowledgeable and the rib went pretty quick through the water, a real thrill. The 10 best things to do in gairloch 2020 with photos. Floating between the incredible mountains of torridon and the isle of skye. We are the most successful whale watching operators in the gairloch area, and have had some fantastic wildlife encounters over the years. Did the 4 hour tour last week, there was not much happening until the minke whale appeared and then the dolphins and the white tale eagle.
Gairloch visitor guide accommodation, things to do. Where to wild camp north coast 500, scotlands world class. Gairloch is a picturesque, secluded beach, set amidst rugged moorland and mountainous scenery, with views out over the minch. The most southerly is at charlestown where you can find gairloch s harbour. This short but varied walk takes in the stunning gaineamh mhor beach of gairloch before climbing across to the pier at charlestown. Marine wildlife and whale watching boats moored in charlestown. Most visitors only follow the minor road as far as the shops. Gairloch holiday park gairloch scotland alan rogers. Gairloch marine life centre, porpoise, dolphin and whale. Gairloch marine life centre, porpoise, dolphin and whale cruises. Campsite with 75 pitches for tents and caravans in strath gairloch scotland. The name gairloch comes from the gaelic ghearr loch, meaning short loch referring to the relatively short sea loch that runs along the coast here.
Set within a 26,000 acre estate, the quiet shieldaig lodge is a popular base for hill walking, deer stalking, and fishing. Marine wildlife and whale watching boats moored in charlestown harbour on loch gairloch on northwest highlands coast scotland. Gairloch is a fantastic place to visit and of course for exploring wester ross and the north west highlands. The shiant islands cruise startofseason only, from gairloch during this 3hr cruise we travel directly to the shiant islands, where well cruise around them, looking at the estimated 250,000 atlantic puffins. There are 6 ways to get from glasgow to gairloch by train, bus, night train, car or towncar. The name gairloch comes from the gaelic ghearr loch, meaning short loch referring to the relatively short sea loch that runs along the coast here the population is approx. Small village, civil parish and community on the shores of loch gairloch on the northwest coast of scotland. Prices and booking our online booking system is open book here 2020 prices cruise adult child 412yrs shiant islands 3 hours start of season only. A photo story whale watching off the west coast of scotland. Gairloch sands youth hostel sits on the northern shore of loch gairloch with. This charming hotel, built in 1872, is just minutes from the beach and boasts stunning views to the western isles from the public areas.
Golden sandy beaches are only a five minute walk away and boat trips to watch whales and dolphins are available from nearby gairloch. The north minch is one of scotland s recognized hotspots for whale and dolphin sightings. We are the first operator in gairloch who will take you offshore out of loch gairloch and into the vast open waters of the north minch, between the mainland and the western isles. A wide variety of garden birds over 25 species visit the whindley garden.
So, strap yourself in and prepare for a road trip of a lifetime. Sealife glass bottom boat day cruises from gairloch harbour with registered safe wildlife operators. Whale watching trip off gairloch, scotland youtube. Scotland s access legislation the land reform act 2003, permits wild camping on most unenclosed land. A whale spotting boat tour here will almost allow you to see minke. The most southerly is at charlestown where you can find gairlochs harbour. Europe 52nd edition 2020 europe 51st edition 2019 naturist sites 7th edition 2019 europe guides bundle offer. For its first few miles the road follows the north shore of loch gairloch as far as the attractive carn dearg. Gairloch gairloch is a straggling community along the west coast of ross and cromarty in the scottish highlands. Gairloch and the minch provide habitat and migratory feeding grounds for a diverse range of marine life, from marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, porpoise and seals to numerous species of seabirds, and not forgetting ocean sunfish, basking sharks, jellyfish. Badachro is one of scotlands hidden gems, on the north coast 500.
Hebridean whale cruises gairloch 2020 all you need to. Wildlife expert jonathan willet shares his experience and research into how to spot an orca in scotland. Hebridean whale cruises gairloch all you need to know. On this cruise, we venture out to the whale and dolphin feeding grounds in either, the north minch, inner sound or the sound of raasay depending on where we know or think the animals may be found. Situated in a stunning bay, opposite the town of gairloch, the village has a fantastic pub the badachro inn which serves lunches and dinners. The beach is situated on the southern outskirts of the village of gairloch, with free parking available beside the golf course. Hebridean whale cruises gairloch 2020 all you need to know. Sealife adventures run whale search and wildlife watching boat trips from our pontoon on the mainland near oban on the west coast of scotland. Gairloch and the minch provide habitat and migratory feeding grounds for a diverse range of marine life, from marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, porpoise and seals to numerous species of seabirds, and not forgetting ocean sunfish, basking sharks, jellyfish and even the occasional leatherback turtle and walrus. Rome2rio is a doortodoor travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Our local area is one of the best areas in scotland for porpoise and we see them on the vast majority of summer trips. There is a population of about thirty bottlenose dolphins which we regularly see.
This cruise targets the areas within 15 to 20 miles radius of gairloch pier. Here is just a sample of the wildlife that can be seen in the waters around wester ross. Northern light charters has 4 small ships which offer a variety of private charter, wildlife cruises, birdwatching and whalewatching cruises, dive charter, island. Scottish seal sanctuary oban shetland wildlife tours. Scotlands official number one whale watching tour based in gairloch in the north west highlands. Find all the transport options for your trip from glasgow to gairloch right here. We also specialise in wildlife walking trips where you can go on an adventure in scotlands landscapes and witness the diverse nature that lives within. Our trips occasionally come across orcas by boat, while sea kayaking or just viewing from the shore. The 10 best things to do in gairloch updated 2020 must. Whether you want to know what has been seen today or look for sightings of your favourite species, this interactive map allows you to change which sightings are displayed. Bird watching highlights include sea eagles, golden eagles, puffins and a great variety of seabirds.
Long open roads, vast scenic landscapes, wide meandering country tracks and some of scotlands finest coastal scenery are just a few of the memorable things that await you on the famous north coast 500. Day trips from gairloch include whalewatching expeditions and boat trips to. Gairloch is a village, civil parish and community on the shores of loch gairloch in wester ross, in the northwest highlands of scotland. Select an option below to see stepbystep directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in rome2rios travel planner. There are fantastic walks and numerous water sport activities as well as tours on the water and whale watching etc. However, as they are wild animals, we cannot guarantee sightings. Most of gairloch s shops are found in strath, a short distance along the b8021 from its junction with the main a832. The old inn is well known in scotland and beyond for its friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere whether guests are enjoying the accommodation, the outstanding seafood or the real ales that have won the old inn pub of the. Click on the links below to see the choices available the glass bottom boat gairloch uk hebridean whale watching cruises gairloch uk gairloch marine wildlife centre and cruises gairloch uk torridon sea tours shieldaig. The 10 best gairloch accommodation of 2020 prices from au. Grand minkes, humpbacks, fins, orcas, and above all the cute and playful bottlenose dolphins will amuse you during the seasonal cruises. Book here covid19 updatefollowing the governmental guidelines we have currently delayed the start of our. A popular tourist destination in the summer months, gairloch has a golf course, a small museum, several hotels, a community centre, a leisure centre with sports facilities, a local radio station, beaches and nearby mountains. Day trips from gairloch include whale watching expeditions and boat trips to the shiant islands.