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Taigh a' Bhraoin is ideally situated for a number of beautiful trips ranging from less than an hour to the whole day. One of the most popular trips is the 107 mile trip north of Ullapool to Kylesku, returning via the coast road and Lochinver. From Ullapool follow the A835 north to skirt Loch Broom. The route immediately gives splendid views of the mountains including the impressive 2 438 foot ridge of Ben Mor Coigach, the 2 009 foot pinnacled peak of Stac Pollaidh, and the 2 786 foot Cul Mor. Drive through Strathcanaird to the viewpoint at Knockan Cliff which is also the starting point for the nature trail - well worth a short visit as it only takes an hour or so and is an ideal spot for a break.
Click on thumbnail for full image As the A835 runs through the hamlet of Elphin, the 2 399 foot double peak of Suliven stands out on the left. Continue through Ledmore Fork; after the drive turns left onto the A837, the 2 779 foot peak of Canisp is prominent to the left. The mountains to the right include 3 273 foot Ben More Assynt.
Click on thumbnail for full image Beyond Inchnadamph, the road skirts the shore of Loch Assynt passing the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the way to Skaig Bridge. Turn right onto the A894 and start a long climb to skirt the many-peaked ridge of 2 653 foot Quinag on the left. After the summit, the road leads down to Kylesku, which until recently was linked to Kylestrome by a small ferry. With the new bridge, the visitor can now travel north from Kylesku without the normal hour or two wait - the ferry would normally only travel when sufficient cars were waiting to cross. The Kylesku waters are famous for the training of mini-submarine seamen during world war two. There are several monuments to those who lost their lives during the war and one can see why the clear, cold and dangerous waters were chosen as the training grounds for these sailors.
Click on thumbnail for full image At Kylesku, the visitor can choose to travel further north to Durness which is also one of the most beautiful drives along the west coast of Scotland and well within reach for a days return trip. Alternatively the visitor can continue with the original 107 mile round trip via Lochinver. For this trip, they must drive back along the same road from Kylesku for 2 miles to the junction with the B869 and turn right onto this narrow winding road towards Drumbeg. As the route switchbacks along this narrow, winding road it allows spectacular coastal and mountain views. The road continues through Drumbeg, Clashnessie, and Stoer before turning right onto the A837 for Lochinver. Go forward through the town and cross the bridge, then turn left with the unclassified road to Inverkirkaig at the end of Loch Kirkaig. The route enters the Inverpolly Nature Reserve then follows an extremely winding and narrow road which gives marvellous views of the wild rugged coast.
Click on thumbnail for full image Meet a T-junction and turn left to skirt Loch Baddagyle. The road to the right leads to the remote village of Achiltibuie, set beside Badentarbat Bay in a position overlooking the Summer Isles. On the main route the 2009 foot peak of Stac Pollaidh is now very prominent to the left of the road and at the far end of Loch Lurgainn, the 2 533 peak of Cul Beag stands out. Continue to the main road, turn right at the A835 and pass through Strathcanaird on the return to Ullapool.
Click on thumbnail for full image
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This web site was developed by A & M McKenzie (taighabhraoin@btopenworld.com) This page was last updated on 28 August 2002 |
