Scenic viewpoints and coastal drives around Kylesku

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What to expect

A short, uneven path leads from a small layby to the main viewpoint and the base of the falls. Expect clear views across the glen and a close-up of multiple cascades. Surfaces can be muddy and slippery after rain, and there is no visitor infrastructure. The spot suits brief stops, short walks and family outings where children are supervised.

Plan your visit

Arrive with sturdy shoes, waterproofs and a small pack for water and snacks. Take your rubbish with you and leave the area as you found it. Stick to the path and take care near the water, especially when surfaces are wet. Check for ticks after walking in long grass. If you want a slower pace, combine the stop with other nearby stretches of the NC500.

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What to expect

You will park in a compact lay-by and walk a short grassy path to the water's edge. The view is wide: loch, rising hills and scattered moorland. Expect changeable weather and wind, limited facilities and only room for a few cars. Wildlife sightings and calm water reflections are possible when conditions are still.

Plan your visit

Treat this as a brief stop on a longer NC500 day. Wear a windproof layer and sturdy shoes for the short walk to the shore. Bring a small bag for litter to follow local requests to take nothing away but photos. Combine this stop with nearby sights on the same route for an easy, scenic circuit.

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What to expect

You will find riverside paths, grassy banks and simple viewpoints over the water. Trails are mostly short and mostly easy underfoot, with a few uneven sections near the shore. Bring layers: weather can change quickly and the light makes the landscape feel different every hour. Facilities are minimal, so plan accordingly. The area is shaped by local crofting and coastal life, so you may see grazing sheep and a steady turnover of seabirds.

Plan your visit

Wear stout shoes and a windproof layer. Pack water and a picnic, and take a small bag for any litter so you can leave the place as you found it. If you’re on the NC500, treat Kirkaig as a short stop to stretch your legs between longer drives. Expect limited facilities nearby, so pick up supplies in the nearest village before you arrive. Keep dogs under control around livestock and nesting birds.

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What to expect

Start on a clear, well-formed path that leads to the craggy crest. The route becomes steeper and involves scrambling around rock towers, with some sections where a slip would have serious consequences. Expect raw rock underfoot, strong coastal winds at times and panoramic views that open out across Loch Lurgainn and the surrounding peaks.

Plan your visit

Wear stout boots and bring windproof layers, water and a camera. If you plan to attempt the westerly summit keep in mind the final moves need climbing skill and protective gear. Stick to marked paths, move carefully on exposed sections and leave no trace. Combine the walk with a stop in Ullapool for supplies or a coffee afterwards.

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What to expect

Expect an exposed, coastal walk with earned views. The route follows a worn path along the cliff edge, then climbs to a grassy summit where the trigpoint stands. Terrain is uneven in places and there are short sections of stone steps. You will feel sea breezes and wide sky. Midges can be a nuisance in calm, warm weather, so plan for that.

Plan your visit

Start from the Stoer lighthouse parking and follow the cliff-top path for about two miles to the main viewpoint. From there head right for roughly 15 minutes to reach the trigpoint; follow the path signs to form a roughly four-mile loop back to the lighthouse. Wear stout walking boots, bring windproof layers, water and midge repellent in summer. Keep to the path and give cliffs plenty of room. If you’re on the NC500, this fits neatly as a short walking detour.

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What to expect

You’ll find a simple stone bridge, clean river currents and broad views of moorland and wooded banks. Expect the sound of water and the sight of anglers during the season. There’s no large visitor infrastructure here, so bring what you need for a short outdoor stop. The nearby hotel provides food and facilities if you want to extend your visit.

Plan your visit

Plan for a brief visit to stretch your legs, take photos and enjoy the river. Wear sturdy footwear if you plan to walk the banks. If you need a meal, loos or a drying room after wild weather, the nearby Oykel Bridge Hotel is a convenient option. Respect anglers and any private land signs, and keep dogs under control near the water.

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What to expect

Expect a brief but uneven walk over loose stones, boggy ground and short climbs. You will feel spray when you get close, so waterproofs help. The path is not ideal for people with mobility issues. Dogs should be kept out of the water because of the public supply warning. Bring sturdy footwear and take care on wet rock and riverbanks.

Plan your visit

Wear walking boots or shoes with good grip and a waterproof layer. Pack a small towel or spare top for the spray if you want to get near the fall. Travel light on the path, and keep children close on the steeper sections. If you have a dog, keep it on a lead and away from the stream. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid the few roadside visitors, and leave no trace of your visit.

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What to expect

You will find a roadside layby with easy access to shoreline views and short walks to the castle ruins. Expect rocky shorelines, small islands, and steep hills rising from the water. Wildlife is common: deer and birds of prey are often seen. There are no staffed facilities, so this is a simple, nature-first stop.

Plan your visit

Pull into the layby on the NC500 and take the short path to the shore and ruins. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and layers for changing weather. Wear sturdy shoes for rocky ground and uneven paths. Plan a picnic if you want a longer stop. Motorhomes and campervans can use the roadside area for an overnight stay if you follow local signage and respect private land.

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What to expect

A working harbour framed by mountains, small independent shops and relaxed cafes serving local seafood. You’ll see fishing boats, occasional ferries and friendly locals who know the area well. There are also hands-on experiences nearby, from gin tastings to farm visits where you can meet Highland cattle.

Plan your visit

Time your visit around ferry crossings if you plan to travel on to the islands. Allow extra time in summer for parking and busy restaurant queues. Try an ice cream by the pier, sample a gin tasting at the local distillery and pop into the shops for locally made goods. If you need a flatter route, follow the seafront promenade which is suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

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What to expect

A coastal walk across uneven, often boggy ground with short rises and drops. The path is clear in places but can be muddy after rain, so waterproof boots help. You will pass seabird colonies and grazing sheep, and several exposed viewpoints where wind is a factor. The best parts are the coastal views and the changing light along the cliffs.

Plan your visit

Start from the Stoer lighthouse car parking and choose a route along the coastline rather than cutting inland. Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and a windproof layer, and carry binoculars for seabirds and marine life. Follow marked paths, keep a safe distance from cliff edges and supervise children and dogs. Download a GPX or use AllTrails if you want turn-by-turn guidance, and respect farmland by closing gates and avoiding livestock.

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What to expect

Expect a rough, informal path that crosses burns and boggy ground. The walk is short but uneven, with stepping stones that can be submerged after rain. There are no barriers or official viewpoints, so you pick your own line for photos and views. On calm days you can get closer, and after rain the falls run full and loud, sending spray into the glen.

Plan your visit

Wear sturdy footwear and waterproofs, and accept you might get muddy. Park in the beach car park, face the sea and head left towards the phone box, then follow the sign up the small hill. Take care on wet rocks and burns, avoid crossing fast-flowing water, and give yourself time to pick a safe, stable spot for photos. There are no facilities here, so bring water and a small first-aid kit if you plan to explore more of the glen.

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What to expect

You’ll find small car parks on both sides and short, grassy paths that lead to different vantage points. Expect sweeping loch views, a memorial display about the X-Craft submariners, basic visitor facilities nearby and local operators offering wildlife boat trips. The spot is dog-friendly and suits quick stops or a short wander.

Plan your visit

Park on the north side for the broadest lookout, then cross the road and take the small path inside the guard rail to climb a few steps for a higher perspective. Wear layers and sturdy shoes for the short climb, and bring water and snacks as facilities are limited. If you’re interested in wildlife, check boat-trip schedules before you arrive and keep a respectful distance from seals and birds.