About the Area

Our area - known as Assynt - is one of outstanding natural beauty. It is a paradise for walkers, anglers, birdwatchers, and anyone who appreciates unspoilt scenery. We are centrally located in the North West Highlands Geopark, one of the few Geoparks in the Great Britain with uniquely interesting geology. You can read Mike Fossey's 2009 travel blog featuring Veyatie and other Northern Highland SBB&B establishments.

There are walks to suit all levels of fitness and expertise from gentle woodland walks to scaling the mountains of Suilven, Canisp, and Quinag. The coastline has some outstanding sandy beaches - often deserted. These include Achnahaird, Clachtoll, Culkein, Clashnessie and Sandwood Bay. The nearest to us is Achmelvich, just 4 miles away, which has blue flag status for water purity.

Loch Glendhu and Ard da Loch viewed from Unapool Photo © Gordon C. Harrison

The coastal road from Achiltibuie up to Lochinver and then onward to Drumbeg and Kylesku, provides an ever changing vista of spectacular scenery at every turn. Boat trips will take you up Loch Glendhu and to see the highest waterfall in Europe.

The numerous lochs teem with brown trout and fishing permits are easily and cheaply obtained in the village. There is a wealth of bird life here in spring and summer; nearby are a number of reserves such as Handa Island and Inver Polleidh nature reserve. This is an area where Sea Eagles and Golden Eagles can still be seen. Offshore, there are often whales, dolphins and porpoises to be seen. In the coastal inlets there are seals and otters. You may come across Red and Roe Deer almost anywhere, even in our garden in the quieter months.

The lonely ruins of Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt are just over 11 miles from Veyatie. We hosted a couple who got married there in 2003. This ancient monument, built around 1590, has historical connections with the Mackenzies and the Macleods.

Photo © Gordon C. Harrison

LOCHINVER The village of Lochinver has one of the best Visitor Centres in Scotland. Entry is free to the displays depicting the history of Lochinver and the unique geology of the area. There are restaurants to suit all pockets in Lochinver from the award-winning, and now Michelin 1 star, Albannach Hotel to a value for money pub. In all there are 3 hotels with restaurants, a pub with restaurant and the highly recommended Lochinver Larder with Riverside Bistro. There are also some very good eating places in the surrounding area; as an instance to the north there is the Kylescu Hotel and to the south The Altnacealgach Bar & Restaurant both are about a 25 minute scenic drive.

Why not visit on an off-season break? We are open from January to November. This photo of Lochinver and Suilven was taken from our window in wintertime.