Get ready for some serious beach eye candy in the village of Gairloch, most notably the fantastically named Big Sands.
Boat tours, including a vessel with windows below the waterline, run from April until October.
Along with Shieldaig, Gairloch is a popular base for visitors exploring Wester Ross; accommodation includes hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, a hostel and a campsite.
Location & Getting There
Gairloch sits on a wide sea loch on the A832, a natural resting point on the western NC500 with more services than most villages out here. Its scattering of townships wraps around sandy bays looking out to the Torridon hills and, on a clear day, the Outer Hebrides.
What to See & Do
The big draw is the coast — Big Sands and the smaller beaches are gorgeous, and glass-bottomed and wildlife cruises head out in search of porpoises, dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks in season. Inland, the Inverewe Garden nearby shows what the Gulf Stream can coax from Highland soil, while Gairloch’s small heritage museum tells the local story.
Best Time & Tips
- Book a wildlife cruise between April and October for the best sightings
- Time your visit for a west-coast sunset over the bay
- Use Gairloch as a well-served overnight base for this stretch
- Nearby Inverewe Garden is worth an hour or two
Where It Fits on the Route
Gairloch is the west coast’s beach-and-wildlife stop, a comfortable base between the Torridon hills and the run north toward Ullapool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gairloch known for?
Its sandy beaches, especially Big Sands, and its wildlife cruises, which head out in summer to spot dolphins, porpoises, minke whales and basking sharks.
Is Gairloch a good base on the NC500?
Yes. It has a wider range of hotels, B&Bs, a hostel and a campsite than most western stops, making it a practical overnight between Torridon and Ullapool.
