• Get in
• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Sleep
• Contact
• Get out

Achiltibuie is a small village on the west coast of Coigach in Highland region of Scotland.

However the name is often used loosely to cover all the coast between Achduart and Reiff, which also includes the hamlets of Polglass, Polbain and Altandhu.

[edit] Get in

There is no road around the coast from Ullapool, although there's a very pleasant walk along the old postal route, reached by turning left off the road northward immediately after Ardmair. There is a scanty bus service from Ullapool but it's closely tied to schools and to the Ullapool - Stornoway ferry. This runs along what might be described as the 'main road,' actually a single unclassified road with passing places, that is signed for Achiltibuie further uo the road north from Ullapool. The other possible route is south from Lochinver on a completely unclassifiable, twisty, hilly, narrow but immensely beautiful road, on which there is more (in reverse) under 'Get out' below.

[edit] Get around

You are really dependent on car, cycle or foot in this area.

[edit] See

The Hydroponicum on the road south towards Polglass where you can find semi-tropical plants, among others, growing without soil - and the fruit tastes delicious!

[edit] Do

Summer Isles from Polbain

• If you are fit, go up Stac Pollaidh and along its delightful ridge - or if only moderately fit, go around Stac Pollaidh into the Inverpolly Nature Reserve.

• Nearer and very striking is Ben Hor Coigach. These Torridonian sandstone mountains are not high, even by UK standards, but the rock is extremely picturesque and forms delightful shapes.

• This is the nearest point to access the Summer Islands, which lie opposite to Polbain. The boat goes from Bardentarbet pier just in Polbain and is reached by going north from Achiltibuie and not taking the Ullapool turning.

• There is a splendid beach at Achinhaird, between the village and Stac Pollaidh.

[edit] Buy

There is the Summer Isles Smokehouse at Altandhu, where you can buy smoked venison, lamb, beef, eel, haddock, sea trout or about five varieties of smoked salmon. There is a craft shop at Polbain.

[edit] Eat

The Summer Isles Hotel is actually in Achiltibuie itself and provides what is said to be an excellent five-course meal in summer. If you prefer, you can get bar meals but the area for this is small.

What is more like a pub is Am Fuaran in Altandhu [beyond Polbain] and its meals are very good. Snacks are available at the Hydroponicum.

[edit] Drink

The first two places above are the only ones for alcoholic drinks. Tea and coffee are available at the Craft Shop at Polbain or the Post Office on Tanera Mor.

[edit] Sleep

There is a Youth Hostel a little south of Achiltibuie. B&B is very limited but there are a number of places providing self-catering accommodation.

[edit] Contact

The Post Office at Achiltibuie is the contact point for information and booking for the Summer Isles boat. +44 [0]1854 622200

[edit] Get out

If you are staying in the area, you should make every effort to go at least once on the road north to Lochinver, mentioned above. It is one of the most spectacularly picturesque roads anywhere in the UK.

Be certain to go into the small car park at Inverkirkaig on your way and visit Achins, the UK's most remote bookshop - surprisingly good, especially on the local areas.

Template:Cityguide