Things to do in Assynt
Sightseeing and activities in Assynt and Lochinver
Assynt is famous for iconic hills such as Suilven and Stac Pollaidh, as well as stunning beaches with white sands and azure waters. You’ll also find inspiring arts and crafts, quirky cafes, favourite fishing spots, the Wee Mad Road and other wonderful gems. If you’re looking for things to do in Assynt, see our favourites below.
See also:
Arts & Crafts
Contemporary arts and crafts from artisans in northwest Scotland.
Glencanisp Lodge Pottery
Fergus the potter makes beautiful ceramics inspired by the Sutherland landscape.
- Distance: 19 miles.
Highland Stoneware
Famous for beautiful pottery, and you can watch the potters in action. Great for gifts and Scottish souvenirs.
- Distance: 18 miles.
- Visit Highland Stoneware
Beaches
Assynt has exceptional beaches with clean white sand and blue water. Perfect for walks and families.
Achmelvich Bay
Beautiful white sandy beach with turquoise water.
- Distance: 20 miles.
- Read more about Achmelvich Bay
Clachtoll Beach
White sands, stunning mountain views. Amazing Iron Age broch which has just been excavated.
- Distance: 22 miles.
- Read more about Clachtoll Bay
Clashnessie Bay
Clean pink sands in an idyllic Highland setting. Visit as part of your trip around the Drumbeg road.
- Distance: 16 miles.
- Read more about Clashnessie Bay
Culkein Bay
A sheltered stony beach in a breath-taking bay. Dramatic views from the headlands. Fantastic for birdwatching.
- Distance: 26 miles.
- Take a pair of binoculars.
- Read more about Culkein Bay
Coast Road: Achiltibuie to Lochinver
The Wee Mad Road isn’t for the faint-hearted! Incredible scenery, from moonscapes to rivers, lochs and beaches. Make sure you take in Achnahaird beach and the loop around Reiff for great views of the Summer Isles. Our favourite spot on the North Coast 500.
Distance to start point: 18 miles.
Distance of coast road: 18 miles
More about NC500 Achiltibuie
Lochinver
Busy small fishing port with great views of Suilven. A good spot to stop for lunch. Our favourite is the local pie shop for its sweet and savoury pies.
- Distance: 18 miles.
- Read more about Lochinver
Old Man Of Stoer
Head along the Drumbeg Road and walk along the cliff from Stoer Lighthouse to the Old Man. The land here can be wet underfoot. Beautiful wildflowers in the summer.
- Distance to start: 28 miles.
- Wear decent boots.
- Read more about the Old Man of Stoer
History & Heritage
The Assynt area is rich in cultural and historical heritage, with some fascinating sites for visitors interested in Scottish history.
Clachtoll Broch Project
Amazing Iron Age roundhouse which has recently been excavated.
- Distance: 22 miles.
- Read more about Clachtoll Broch Project
Ardvreck Castle
Atmospheric Scottish castle ruin on the edge of Loch Assynt.
- Distance: 7 miles.
- Read more about Ardvreck Castle
Cafés & Shops
Assynt is home to some lovely local cafés and shops with handmade Highland goodies and gifts.
The Jammery, Culkein
This is where we get our jams! Lovely cafe with fabulous home baking and local crafts on sale.
- Distance: 26 miles.
- Great for gifts and souvenirs.
Lochinver Larder
Pie shop heaven. You haven’t lived till you’ve tried their venison and cranberry. Pies by Post, too!
- Distance: 18 miles.
- Buy a pie and go for a walk on Almelvich Beach.
Fishing
Assynt is a goldmine for anglers, whether beginner, experienced, and trout, salmon or sea fishing. Still hungry for more? Have a look at other outdoor activities also available.
Trout Fishing, Assynt
We sell fishing permits on behalf of the Assynt Angling society. There are hundreds of larger and smaller lochans – some easily accessible, others a good trek. You’re almost guaranteed to have them to yourself.
- Get lessons from James Curley
- See Assynt Fly Fishing
- See Assynt Angling Information
Salmon Fishing, Lochinver
Stunning river where you can watch the fish jumping.
- Distance: 22 miles
Assynt Walks
Assynt also has plenty of beautiful flat coastal and river walks along with those challenging hills.
Lochinver Loop
A nice loop walk taking you through three environments: the river, the weirs where people fish for salmon, and across the moorland to Glencanisp Lodge.
- Distance to start: 18 miles.
- Distance: 5 miles.
- Visit Walk Highlands
Stoer Lighthouse To Old Man Of Stoer
The best walk in Assynt for whale and dolphin spotting.
- Distance to start: 30 miles.
- Distance: 5 miles.
- Visit Walk Highlands
Wildlife
Visit Assynt in summer, spring, autumn or winter – there’s always plenty of glorious Scottish wildlife to see.
Birdwatching, Culkein Bay
Culkein Bay is a sheltered stony beach, great for all sorts of birdlife, especially migrant bird spotting.
- Distance: 26 miles.
See the best birding locations in Assynt
Birdwatching, Loch Glendhu
The loch right in front of Kylesku Hotel is great for birdwatching. We get all sorts, including all three types of diver.
- Distance: Right on the doorstep.
- See Assynt Wildlife Sightings
Whale & Dolphin Watching, Stoer Lighthouse
The best place in Assynt to see whales, dolphins and porpoise. Fantastic views in clear weather.
- Distance: 23 miles.
- Take binoculars.
- Visit Discover Assynt
Wildflowers, Stoer Lighthouse
Amazing array of colourful orchids, lichens and mosses all over the local Scottish moorlands.
- Distance: 23 miles.
- Visit Walk Highlands
Child Friendly Activities
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Planning a family break in the northwest of Scotland? We've compiled the best child-friendly activities for you, including animals, bikes and boats.
Things to do in Sutherland
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