Gairloch
From Free net encyclopedia
Gairloch ( Geàrrloch in Gaelic ) is a small village on the shores of Loch Gairloch on the northwest coast of Scotland. A popular tourist destination in the summer months, Gairloch boasts a golf course, a small museum, several hotels, a community centre, a leisure centre with sports facilities, a local radio station, beaches and nearby mountains.
Gairloch itself comprises two villages separated by the main beach - which is a beautiful crescent of white sand. If approaching from the south (Kinlochewe) Charlestown is the first of Gairloch's villages and is notable for the Old Inn (good food), Flowerdale and the harbour. Strath is the main village centre on the northern approach to the village where the tourist information, the school and a number of shops can be found. Beyond Gairloch to the west a number of small settlements can be found; Big Sand, Erradale, and Melvaig. Beyond Melvaig the road narrows to a hair raising track (which is passable with a car) and ends at the Rubha Reidh lighthouse.
The golf course is short and it involves a lot of crossing and shared fairways; it has a dramatic setting and a very welcoming club house. The eighth hole is particularly dramatic and challenging.
Boat fishing and marine wildlife trips can be arranged at the harbour, and there are many hill lochs in the area with trout fishing available.
Internet café facilities are available at several locations in the area. There is a tourist information office, and a filling station (not open Sundays or public holidays). An online photographic tour is available.
The parish of Gairloch extends over a much wider area, including the villages of Poolewe and Kinlochewe