Campsites in Gairloch, Highlands and Islands

4 listings within 15 miles of Gairloch with 0 bookable Sorted by distance

 

Why visit Gairloch?

Wonderful Wester Ross

Sitting high in the north-west Highlands on the shores of Loch Gairloch, the village is in an excellent location to explore some of the finest parts of Wester Ross, one one the least densely populated regions in all of Europe. 

Pretty much all of Wester Ross is a walker’s paradise, full of lochs, rivers, rare Caledonian forest and spectacular mountain peaks. It’s not uncommon to go walking for the entire day without seeing anyone at all around here, and there will be plenty of spots for wild camping if you fancy going off-piste for a night or two during your stay (if this is the plan, make sure to tell the staff at your campsite). 

Gairloch’s best beaches

Gairloch has its own sandy beach on a bay overlooking the Minch, the sea that separates the north-western mainland from the Hebrides. With views over nearby islands and great sunsets (the beach is west-facing), this is an exceptionally scenic place to visit – but don’t neglect other local beaches like Mellon Udrigle and Big Sand, which are also top bathing spots.

Inverewe Gardens

It might not be the warmest place in the world, but the western Highlands would be a lot chillier without the Gulf Stream. Head to Inverewe Gardens, a National Trust-managed property, and you’ll see just how many native and exotic plants thrive in this climate, including towering California redwoods. Scotland's ‘big five’ – red squirrels, red deer, seals, otters and golden eagles – are all spotted around here on a regular basis, while a short walk away Inverewe House hosts an interactive museum with gorgeous views out over the coast. 

The North Coast 500

Starting out on the North Coast 500? Located roughly an hour and 45 minutes’ drive away from Inverness, Gairloch makes a great first stop-over on the route. On the way over, you’ll see waterfalls, glens and sweeping mountain views. There’s a hotel bar, bookshop and café to keep you entertained once you arrive too, and the village as a whole has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to get chatting to locals and fellow travellers. 

The best things to do in Gairloch

  • If you only have time for one walk while you’re in the Gairloch area, make it Flowerdale Glen, an easy circular route a couple of miles to the south of the village. Taking in a waterfall, forests and a historic 18th-century house, as well as far-reaching views of the sea, this is easily one of the most scenic walks around  

  • In the summer months, get active under the supervision of the expert instructors at Gairloch's canoe centre, who will help you paddle around sheltered beaches, keep an eye out for sea eagles and learn how to handle yourself on the water

  • Gairloch is close to lots of snorkelling trails bring a wetsuit and snorkel and download a leaflet from the Scottish Wildlife Trust to learn more 

  • Fancy finding out about the ancient sport of falconry? Meet and greet owls, hawks, buzzards and eagles on the spectacular Shieldaig Estate throughout the year

  • Head out from Gairloch harbour in search of whales, seals and dolphins on a wildlife-spotting local cruise around the northern Minch and the spectacular Shiant Islands

Unexplored Gairloch

A museum in a nuclear bunker

Of all the village museums along the North Coast 500, Gairloch’s has to be one of the most unusual. Housed in a converted nuclear bunker, this Ross-shire heritage centre is home to exhibits about local life, nature and history, with the original lens of nearby Rubh Reidh lighthouse as its central point. 

Longa Island

Once a Norse stronghold, Longa – an island just off the Gairloch coast is uninhabited. This very inviting island has excellent views over the village, the loch and the mountains of Skye, all of which look even better from its summit cairn. In summer, you can paddle around Longa with a local activity centre if you haven’t brought your own craft. 

Badachro 

Badachro, an even smaller village about 20 minutes’ drive from Gairloch, is also well worth a visit if you’re spending a little longer in the area. With a spectacular natural harbour, a well-reviewed distillery and a hotel offering lunches with sea views, this small-scale spot is a surprising hub of activity. 

Here’s how

Ready to head to Gairloch? Whether you’re after a week-long family holiday or a pitstop near the North Coast 500, the village and its surrounding area have plenty of options when it comes to outdoor accommodation – and that includes Gairloch glamping and motorhome pitches as well as traditional campsites. Popular options include:

You can use our tick-box filters on this page to explore more options, or check out more destinations on the North Coast 500 like Inverness, Ullapool or Wick



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