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Things to See and DoThe Highland Region is sparsely populated. Many people come to the region year after year because of this. At Leckmelm you can just relax, enjoy the scenery and breathe the freshest air in the country. However, if you are out to experience the best the Highlands can offer the following day trip itineraries may be of interest. West Coast Arts Head North on the A835 towards Lochinver. Before reaching Ardmair take a detour to Rhue and stop at the studio of James Hawkins. Revered as one of Scotland’s most famous living artists, his pieces capture the elemental landscapes of the Highlands with beautiful, bold colours. Rejoin the road heading North to Ledmore junction, turn left. Take time to visit the studio of Ian and Linda Coombe at Knockan. Specialising in handmade jewellery crafted from sterling silver and precious stones. Follow the road to Lochinver. At Lochinver do take time out to visit the Highland Stoneware Company. The façade of the building is impressively vibrant – a mosaic designed by Kaffe Fassett, made using broken pieces of stoneware. Inside you will find a vast array of pots, cups and plates all with hand-painted designs, as well as a chance to see the manufacture process. Drive through Lochinver and head Southwards to Achiltibuie. A road that is beautifully deserted both by cars and signs of habitation you will join the road to Achiltibuie –watch out for the sheep! Stop at the Woolshed, a small stone built shed that contains a vast array of colourful goods made from wool. The Summer Isles Hotel displays some local artwork in the public bar. A good excuse to finish your day with a drink, or even dinner here – the seafood is divine. History Even at Leckmelm you can experience Scottish History on your doorstep. Leckmelm was the last mainland Scottish Estate to be cleared of indigenous peoples in 1880. The man responsible, Mr A.G. Pirie, employed fierce tactics. The ferocity of the Leckmelm evictions was brought to the attention of the public by a local minister in a speech where he criticised the construction of a "barracks" to house the dispossessed whose only alternative to emigration was to live and work on the estate. The sad ruins of crofts are still extant today at Leckmelm. A brief history of Leckmelm is in each cottage that details points of interest from Pictish times to the present day. A good place to visit in Ullapool is the excellent museum located on West Argyle Street. If you like castles I would recommend a trip to Ardvreck (pictured) which is on the road to Lochinver. On the East Coast near Golspie is the fantastic Dunrobin Castle, which is only about an hour and half away. If you go to Skye be prepared to leave early to get the most out of your day trip. Do go and visit Dunvegan Castle as Johnson and Boswell did in their tour of the Highlands. Exploring the coastline opposite Skye is very rewarding in terms of history and scenery. Head towards Dornie and the magnificent Eilean Donan Castle, you may remember it from "The Life of Brian". Then take a very twisty road to Glenelg where there are some Brochs as well as the site of the old cattle crossing to Skye. This point still has a summer ferry and is sited just below a former inn, now a private house, where Johnson and Boswell stayed. If you haven’t had your fill of castles visit Castle Urquhart on the shores of Loch Ness a few minute’s drive from Inverness. Celtic Bacchus The Highlands isn’t renowned for its fine wine, however; you will be surprised when you visit the Moniack Castle winery near Inverness. One of their wines claims to offer a cure for baldness! Two excellent local distilleries are Glenmorangie at Tain and Glen Ord at Muir of Ord. If you want to experience the delights of Ullapool and want to avoid an encounter with PC MacIver, PC MacRae, PC Slaughter or Sgt Anderson, take a taxi with Ewen MacKenzie it’s good value. There are ten drinking establishments in Ullapool. Not bad for a population of 2000! On a Thursday it has to be the Ferry Boat Inn enjoy a bar meal and then listen to the traditional music of Stormbound. If you’re musical bring an instrument of choice and join in. For good times, good music and excellent seafood go to the Seaforth. Good drinking can also be had at the Arch Inn and the Argyll Hotel. For a quieter drink go to the Four Seasons Hotel which also serves good meals. If you like veggie food and the comfort of a good sofa in the parlour bar go to the Ceilidh Place. If you want to bring the restaurant experience back to your cottage visit the Ullapool Catering Company on the Industrial Estate. They use wonderful ingredients and do not skimp on quality using fresh, local and organic products. The menus are delicious and you can buy ready meals too. If you like fresh eggs try one from the free-range hens which live at Leckmelm Farm (pictured on right). The East Coast Within easy reach by car, a gem on the East Coast is Cromarty. Apart from being a very picturesque setting by the Moray Firth it also has a two-car ferry crossing to Nigg. Visit Ecoventures Dolphin and Boar Trips. Visit Hugh Miller’s cottage - wending your way around the cobbled streets of Cromarty can take you back in history. On your way back to Leckmelm it is worth seeing the Victorian Spa Village of Strathpeffer. Stop in Dingwall at Geo. Cockburn’s to buy a haggis – the most famous haggis producer in the Highlands. |
 Ullapool TIC and Celtic Leather  Ullapool Museum  Ardvreck Castle  |
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