fishing, climbing, walking, swimMing, sightseeing
Things to Do, Visit and see when you visit Westhaven
Photography/Art
If you have an interest in Photography or Art then Clachtoll and the surrounding area is made for you, it’s a place that you will find inspirational, with endless possibilities’ the scenery is just amazing, with the wild Atlantic Ocean, the incredible natural light and colours, it will make your heart sing.
North Coast 500
If you like to drive and explore, Clachtoll is on the the NC500 is Scotland's biggest road trip measuring over 500 miles. The route begins in Inverness and following along the stunning coastal edges of the North Highlands. Bringing together the best of the Highlands from beautiful beaches, haunting castles, monumental munros and hundreds more scenic stop-offs
Stargazing
With very little light pollution, when the skys are clear Westhaven is super for Stargazing and if you are luck at the right time of year you might see the Aurora/Northern Lights or another amazing phenomena - Noctilucent Clouds. Noctilucent clouds, or “Night Shining Clouds” are tenuous cloud-like phenomena that are the ragged edge of a much brighter and pervasive polar cloud layer called polar mesospheric clouds in the upper atmosphere, visible in a deep twilight. They are made of crystals of water ice. Noctilucent roughly means night shining in Latin.
Geology
For the Geologists amongst you, the geology underlying this landscape is what makes it unique. Assynt sits on a bedrock known as Lewisian gneiss which at almost 3,000 million years old, is amongst the oldest rock on Earth. About 900 million years ago a range of mountains running about where the Western Isles lie today, was eroded and thousands of meters of the resulting sandstone sediment was deposited onto these rocks. Millions of years of glacial and other erosion have left the remnants of the original sandstone deposited onto the Lewisian gneiss as widely separated individual peaks. The result is some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. http://www.nwhgeopark.com
Hillwalking
For Hillwalkers A series of characterful peaks rear up from a rolling landscape of heather moorland, birch forest and windswept lochs. The mountains include the whale-back Suilven, the twin hills Cul Mor and Cul Beag and Stac Pollaidh, a miniature mountain masterpiece of rock spires and turrets, one of the best mountain panoramas in all of Scotland.
Game Fishing
Assynt is a truly world-class fishing destination, with some of the finest native Wild Brown Trout fishing in Europe, if not the world. To the Game fisher the mention of Assynt in any conversation instantly translates into 'fisherman's paradise', conjuring up a mental picture of truly majestic scenery, dozens of sparkling hill lochs, dancing streams and rivers, all teeming with wild, golden, speckled brown trout there are literally hundreds of idyllic, unspoiled hill lochs where you can feel like the first person to ever wet a line as well as a surprising amount of wonderful roadside and easily accessible water to explore. Some of these waters also have migratory Sea Trout and Salmon passing through them.
Sea Fishing
Clachtoll bay is great for shore fishing either from the rocks or beach, with other great spots close by Stoer Lighthouse, Achmelvich and Lochinver Pier to name just a few, there is also boat fishing out of Lochinver, use spinners/feathers for Cod, Coalies, Pollack and Mackerel, and bait for the larger species including Conger and Halibut, just make sure your using heavy tackle, some record Halibut have been taken in this area www.assyntanglinginfo.org.uk
Kayaking & Boats
If you have your own Boat or Kayak, the Assynt coastline provides a superb playground for exploring, Clachtoll beach is amongst the cleanest in Britain and the water is crystal clear all year round. There is a slip way at Clachtoll which is great for small boats but if you have a larger boat we would advise using using the slipways at Lochinver, Kayaks can launch from Clachtoll and many other places.
Be aware that the sea water can be a degree or two colder than anticipated even during the summer months. Wet-suits are recommended for any activities involving prolonged immersion!
Boat/Fishing Trips
North Coast Sea Tours Wildlife Cruises, Sea Angling, Private Charter, Sunset Cruises
Tel: 07949 960500 / 07939 386330 Lochinver Marina, Lochinver Harbour,IV27 4JP
https://www.northcoastseatours.co.uk
Suilven Sea Charters Two hour coastal boat tours sailing daily from Lochinver Marina
Tel 07377969118 / 07498973094
Book Online www.suilvenseacharters.co.uk
Archaeology
Clachtoll broch, located a short walk from Westhaven is one of northern Scotland’s most iconic archaeological monuments. Surviving in places to first floor level- over 3m above the bedrock- the remains of this spectacular drystone tower are thought to be around 2000 years old. http://clachtoll.aocarchaeology.com
Snorkelling and Diving
This area is renowned for its crystal clear turquoise waters, and an abundance of marine life and an excellent area for diving and snorkelling, The Bay of Clachtoll is on the snorkelling trail being classed suitable for beginners in good conditions, Achmelvich close by is another highly recommended bay for anyone wanting to explore the waters.
https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/snorkel-trails/
Places to Visit
Flossies Beach Store
Just a short walk from Westhaven is Flossies, a little shop but the very centre of Clachtoll, loved by visitors and local alike, Flossies serve hot and cold snacks and drinks to take away or sit outside and enjoy at their picnic tables. With freshly ground coffee, homemade soups and baking Flossies is a must. Flossies also stock a wide range of basic groceries and essentials and off license sales, including wine and beer, so treat yourself.
Scotland’s highest waterfall
Eas a’ Chual Aluinn. This can be visited on a boat trip aboard Rachael Clare at Kylesku.
Assynt Aromas
Candle Shop & The Secret Tearoom Drumbeg open from April- Oct http://www.assyntaromas.co.uk
Stoer Lighthouse
The Stoer Head Lighthouse stands on a rocky promontory surrounded on two sides by cliffs near the westernmost point of the Stoer Peninsula. Some twelve miles by single track road North of Lochinver this is a remote spot. The lighthouse was built in 1870.
The Old Man of Stoer
A great walk for spotting whales and dolphins, the Old Man of Stoer is a pinnacle of rock or sea-stack, The walk starts from the Stoer Lighthouse, it is fairly level, but walking boots are recommended, it gives some splendid views of the rugged coastal scenery.
The Old Man of Stoer is popular with climbers due to it's height and approachability. The stack is composed of Torridonian sandstone and is 60 meters (200 ft) high. It has become something of a legend among climbers and its not unusual to find a team climbing there.
Bone Caves
A very beautiful and popular walk in a limestone glen to the dramatic bone caves at Inchnadamph . The Bone Caves opening is part way up a steep side of the glen, where the remains have been found of species such as lynx, reindeer and even Scotland’s only evidence off polar bears, animals we have forgotten once roamed here. http://www.discoverassynt.co.uk/viewdetails.php?id=54
Knockan Crag
An unmanned visitor centre open throughout the year with information and interactive displays on the landscape and geology of the area. Two circular trails for different abilities, car park and toilets. Situated on the A835 near Elphin
Handa Island
Handa Island is internationally famous for its sea-bird colonies, including the largest breeding colony of Guillemots in Britain and there are estimated to be around 120,000 pairs of breeding on Handa! There is also Puffin, Fulmar, Shag, Razorbill, Skuas (both arctic and great), Kittiwake, Gulls and Terns.
Achins Book Shop and Coffee Shop
Achins stocks a range of quality books of Scottish interest, natural history, hillwalking, crafts, children’s and has an extensive range of Scottish music, woollens, knitwear, pottery and cards.
The coffee shop serves light lunches and snacks, homemade soups and baking and has always has an exhibition of artwork by local artists on too. The shop and cafe are at Inverkirkaig by Lochinver.
Highland Stoneware
As you drive in to Lochinver turn right over the old bridge and follow the signs to Highland Stoneware, view watch the potters at work http://www.highlandstoneware.com
Assynt Ceramics Workshop and Gallery,
Located in the Old Stables at Glencanisp, the Gallery features the distinctive hand thrown tableware and decorative ceramics made by Fergus Stewart from stoneware and porcelain clays. His work is wood fired using local timber and is salt glazed, giving a robust surface suitable for dishwasher and oven. The choice of colours is influenced by the vibrant greens, blues and natural tones within the Sutherland landscape and the rich and variegated surfaces decorated by the passage of the flame through the kiln. The Gallery is open 2pm-6pm, Sunday- Friday from April through until October.
Eating Out
Delilah’s Restaurant & Bar
Delilah’s is a great restaurant with a lovely atmosphere, the food is a little price but worth every penny, everything is fresh and made to order.
Main Street, Lochinver IV27 4LX, Tel: 01571 844333
Book online https://delilahs.co.uk/
Peet’s Restaurant
Peet’s Restaurant, serves a variety of local produced food at reasonable prices, friendly staff and the restaurant has a nice atmosphere.
Harbour side, Lochinver, IV27 4LE, Tel: 01571 844085
The An Cala Cafe
Friendly staff, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Well worth a visit if in the area. Meals are available to take away.
Culag Park, Lochinver IV27 4JB Tel: 01571 844598
http://ancalacafeandbunkhouse.co.uk
Inver lodge Hotel
The view from the hotel and restaurant is beautiful and the food is very good
Inver Lodge Hotel, Lochinver, IV27 4LU
https://www.inverlodge.com/restaurant.html
Kylesku Hotel Restaurant
Beautiful setting, but you pay for the view, the food is good but very pricey.
Kylesku IV27 4HW Tel: 01971 502231
