Aultbea Travel Guide - Scotland

Aultbea is located in the Wester Ross area of the Scottish Highlands. It is about two hours drive from Inverness and is located along the shores of Loch Ewe. It is a small crofting settlement and it is quite common to encounter herds of sheep and wild goats on the roads, so you are advised to drive carefully.

Aultbea is the ideal location if you like bird watching. Watch the buzzards and sea eagles or if you like to enjoy the beauty of nature, a short walk will take you into the tranquility of the Scottish Highlands. There are fine sandy beaches where you can relax and enjoy swimming in the ocean. Explore the rocky coves along the coast and just sit and take in the breathtaking scenery. You can see seals and otters from the beaches at Gruinard Bay, Inverasdale and Gairloch.

Just a ten–minute drive from Aultbea will take you to the exquisite Inverewe Gardens that were founded by Osgood Mackenzie in Poolewe, but are now managed by the National Trust for Scotland. These gardens overlook the waters of Loch Ewe and are the perfect place for you to be alone with your thoughts. Walk through amazing sights such as some of the world's largest growing trees planted into holes carved from the bedrock. Follow the footsteps of the man who used to run naked every morning to bathe in the loch. Children will enjoy trying to find the hairy armpit tree or the bamboo in Bamboo salem. There are also walks that take you out of the garden into the surrounding scenic beauty of the countryside.

Some of the business features of the community of Aultbea include a general store, a doctor's office, a butcher, two churches and a post office as well as an assortment of accommodations, such as hotels, bed and breakfasts and a self–catering caravan area. As you travel to the harbour, you will see moorings below the main road. This is because Aultbea is a NATO refuelling location and from time to time, you will see warships in the harbour. During the Second World War, this was the base for the convoys that carried supplies to Russia.

In nearby Gairloch, you can take in a game of golf or take in one of the many open golf tournaments that are scheduled here every year. Learn about life in this part of the Highlands with a visit to the Gairloch Heritage Museum, where you can delve into history through your research or enjoy the many interactive and hands on activities. Visit the Gairloch Marine Life Centre or the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve in Glen Torridon.

The Aultbea area is the perfect venue for taking sailing, yachting or speedboat lessons. You can also take sightseeing trips around the coast to see the rocky coves and inlets. Take guided walks through the wilderness area or enjoy mountain climbing under the supervision of experienced guides. All this and more awaits you when you choose to visit Aultbea.