The local area

From Inverkirkaig, a very good route to walk into Lochinver is through the Culag woods where there are lots of things for kids to find. There is a Heronry in the woods and the noise is impressive when the birds are nesting and feeding young. There are numerous well-maintained trails marked out in the woods and the bird and butterfly life is abundant during summer. You can get down to the seas edge on some of the walks and during summer, sit and watch such birds as Red-throated Divers, which can often be seen fishing in the small bays and performing courtship displays. Other sea birds and waders such as Terns, various ducks, and along the waters edge, Curlew, Snipe, Dunlin etc. can be seen in abundance.

The Culag Hotel, set on the bay as you come into Lochinver, is a fine stopping place at the end of this walk - the hotel boasts a fine range of malt whiskies - the tables and chairs outside mean you can sit in the sun and enjoy a drink at walks end, or alternatively, fortify yourself for the walk back.

On the way into the centre of the village from the Culag Hotel, there is a Chandlers that sells just about everything you could ask for ranging from fishing tackle, to socks, to materials for a complete house re-build.

In the centre of the village, there is a good range of shops to satisfy most requirements: outdoor equipment and lapidary, Butchers, Spar shop, Petrol Station, Restaurants and a Newsagent. Each one carries a range of goods which is fairly typical this far North. Broadband is available in the sports centre.

Lochinver has its own pottery which produces some hand-painted articles which are both unusual and unique. Well worth visiting the factory shop.