Life's a Beach, Then You Travel Scotland's Route 66

After soaking up the stunning scenery all the way from Thurso, take a chance to stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee and peruse the lovely crafts.
Open Hours: Daily: 10:00 – 16:00

Park your car and get ready to descend the path down to the cave entrance.

The large, spectacular sea cave comes as a bit of a surprise, being as it is situated under the coastal road.
Walk through the 50 ft high cave mouth and marvel at the three chambers that make up the cave. The first chamber and part of the second can be accessed on foot, but to go further, you would have to take one of the boat tours (which are only available during the summer months).

Get back to your car and make the short trip to Balnakeil.

Enjoy a light lunch (and off course some of the delicious chocolates!) at Cocoa Mountain.
If you have time, check out the rest of the Balnakeil Craft Village, which is home to a range of local artists & businesses.
Open Hours: Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 17:00 Sunday: Closed

Jump in your car and head to the beach!

Enjoy a short stroll along the wide, picturesque Balnakeil Beach, and soak in the sea views.
If you have time, pay a quick visit to the atmospheric remains of Balnakeil Church, which was built in 1619.

Get ready to head south!

Take the opportunity to appreciate in the sea views, which stretch off into the Atlantic Ocean, from the tiny settlement of Drumbeg.
Note that there is a public toilet at the entrance of the car park.

Stop at the side of the road and take a moment to admire the thunderous Clashnessie Falls, which are about 300 m away. The waterfall is only 15 m tall, but the volume of water that the lochs above is quite impressive.
If you are ahead of schedule and would like to walk the path to the falls, make sure to wear waterproof boots!

Use the car park at the side of Clachtoll Beach and take the path to get down to this glorious white sand beach, with its stunning turquoise waters which lap along its shore.

Leave your car and take the short walk to beach.

Often regarded as Scotland's most beautiful beach, Achmelvich nestles between two headlands and has stunning white sand and piercing blue waters.

Park up and prepare to walk across to the castle.

Despite being in ruins, Ardvreck Castle, and the stunning loch and surrounding mountains, make this castle a most alluring sight.
The castle was built in 1490 by the Macleods of Assynt, but was captured by the Mackenzie clan in 1672, before being abandoned for the more comfortable Calda House in 1726 (whose ruins can be seen slightly further south).

Return to your car and prepare to drive through the beautiful mountainous scenery of Assynt.

After arriving in the quaint harbour town of Ullapool, seek out The Arch Inn, your accommodation for the evening, and enjoy a lovely meal made with some of the finest local produce available.
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