Assynt and Coigach lie to the north of Ullapool, on Scotland’s north west coast, straddling the borders of the former counties of Ross & Cromarty and Sutherland. They are sparsely populated, rugged areas with small crofting communities, beautiful beaches and coastlines and stunning mountains; Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and Ben More Coigach do not even make Corbett status but they are amongst the most iconic and best known of the Grahams. Quinag, Canisp, Cul Mor and Cul Beag are prominent Corbetts and Ben More Assynt, and neighbour Conival, are part of a big inland massif east of Loch Assynt – they are both Munros.
The largest settlements of the area are Ullapool and Lochinver, coastal settlements and important for fishing – and the ferry to Stornoway on Lewis sails from Ullapool. Either place makes a great base from which to explore the area or stay if passing through; the popular North Coast 500 (NC500) route passes through Ullapool and on north to Lochinver and then Kylesku. You can search and book accommodation in Ullapool, Lochinver or Kylesku here.
On the coast the headlands of Rubha Coigeach (Rubha na Coigich) and the Point of Stoer (Rubha an Stoir), north of Lochinver, are remote and wild with the opportunity for sea cliff climbing, coastal walks and bird spotting. There are lovely beaches at Achnahaird, Achmelvich, Clachtoll and Clashnessie in particular. The remote coastal area around Achiltibuie is popular – and gives the easiest approach to Ben More Coigach. The Summer Isles are just offshore from Achiltibuie. Search for accommodation around Achiltibuie.
The Moine Thrust Zone – a geological feature marking the collision of continents – passes through Assynt and Coigach. The study of the Moine Thrust in the north west Highlands played a significant role in the formulation of tectonic and continental collision theories. The Knockan Crag is a great place to find out more and soak up the landscape.
In the south east of the area, east of the head of Loch Broom, are a large mass of high hills that include 5 Munros, centred on the highest, Beinn Dearg. They are less immediately spectacular than the Coigach and Assynt hills but nevertheless provide remote walking and some climbing in wild country with solitude pretty much guaranteed beyond the most obvious paths and summits. The hills are most often approached from Inverlael; the Cape Wrath Trail route also passes through here en-route north east to Oykel Bridge.
Discover and explore the Assynt, Coigach and Ullapool areas through the articles and links below.
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Assynt, Coigach and Ullapool
Assynt, Coigach and Ullapool select photo gallery
Christmas Eve on a cold and windy Beinn Enaiglair – A Corbett near Ullapool
Beinn Uidhe and Glas Bheinn, Assynt – A December Afternoon Jaunt
The Summer Isles from Stac Pollaidh
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