Finding Your Way to Gairloch Highland Lodge
The journey to Gairloch is the first chapter of your Highland holiday. Whether you are traversing the mountain passes from Inverness or following the coastal curves of the North Coast 500, the scenery is nothing short of world-class.
Our Location
Gairloch Highland Lodge, Gairloch, IV21 2AH
Unlike our sister inn in the glen below, the Lodge is perched on the hillside. This means your arrival comes with an immediate reward: a panoramic sweep of the Gairloch harbour and the Isle of Skye on the horizon.
Driving from Inverness
Most guests arrive via Inverness, which is roughly a 90-minute drive. Head north on the A9, crossing the Kessock Bridge, and follow the A835 towards Ullapool. After passing through Garve, you have two choices:
The Direct & Dramatic – via Kinlochewe (Route A)
Turn left onto the A832 at Gorstan. This path leads you through the rugged heart of Wester Ross, passing the majestic Loch Maree and the towering peaks of Beinn Eighe.
- Driver’s Note: This is the quickest route, though it features some traditional Highland single-track sections with passing places.
The Relaxed Coastal Loop – via Braemore (Route B)
Stay on the A835 until you reach the Braemore Junction, then turn left onto the A832. You’ll wind through the coastal scenery of Dundonnell, Aultbea, and Poolewe.
- Driver’s Note: This route is slightly longer but stays on double-track roads the entire way—ideal if you prefer a wider road or a slower pace.
Rail, Air & Beyond
- By Air: Inverness Airport is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes away. It offers easy car hire and regular flights from major UK hubs.
- By Rail: The Caledonian Sleeper provides a magical overnight journey from London to Inverness. From there, you can hire a car or take a bus to the West Coast.
- By Foot/Bike: If you are staying with us as part of a walking or cycling tour, we are situated just a short, uphill stroll from the Charlestown harbour.
Public Transport: Arriving by Bus
Gairloch is served by local bus routes connecting us to Inverness, Dingwall, and Ullapool. Please note that these services are infrequent and often run only on specific days of the week.
- From Inverness:
- Monday & Friday (700): Departs Inverness at 16:10, arriving at Gairloch Old Inn at 18:50
- Tuesday & Saturday (700A): Departs Inverness at 16:10, arriving at Gairloch Old Inn at 17:58.
- From Ullapool:
- Thursday Only (Direct): The 707 service departs Ullapool at 13:12, arriving in Gairloch at 15:00.
- Mon, Wed, & Sat (The “Braemore Connection”): Take the D&E Coaches Service 61 from Ullapool and transfer to the Westerbus 700 at Braemore Junction. Note: This requires careful timing; check the latest D&E Coaches timetable alongside the Westerbus schedule.
- From Dingwall:
- Wednesday Only: The 711 service departs Dingwall at 13:10, arriving at Gairloch Old Inn at 14:40.
- Local School Day Services: On school days, additional limited services operate between Gairloch and surrounding areas like South Erradale, Melvaig, and Mellon Charles. These generally depart from Gairloch High School in the mid-afternoon (around 15:35 Mon-Thu and 13:15 on Fridays).
Plan Your Journey: For the most up-to-date timetables and service alerts, we recommend visiting the official Westerbus Timetable Page or calling the operator at 01445 712255.
Upon Reaching Gairloch
Follow the main road into the village and look for signs for Charlestown or the Harbour. As you enter this area, look to your right—the Lodge sits prominently on the hill. Turn into our private driveway, where you will find ample free parking for guests.
Tips for the Highland Drive
- 24-Hour Fuel: Don’t worry about running low on the road! Gairloch is equipped with 24-hour fuel pumps located in the centre of the village, so you can top up regardless of your arrival time.
- The “Wave” of the West: On our single-track roads, it is customary to wave or nod to drivers who pull into a passing place to let you through. It’s the local way of saying “thank you.”
- Watch for Sheep: Be mindful of sheep on the road, particularly on the coastal route. They often wander onto the verge or the tarmac, especially during lambing season, and they always have the right of way!
- The Loch Maree Viewpoint: If taking the Kinlochewe route, make sure to stop at the Glen Docherty viewpoint at the top of the glen. It is one of the most photographed vistas in Scotland.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
We know many of our guests are now exploring the NC500 in electric vehicles. While we do not have chargers on-site, you can find rapid and fast charging points conveniently located within the village of Gairloch:
- Gairloch Co-op: Located in the main village car park, ideal for a quick top-up while grabbing supplies.
- Gairloch Community Hall: Situated nearby and perfect for a longer charge while you stretch your legs or explore the local area.
We recommend checking the ChargePlace Scotland app for real-time availability and status updates before your arrival to help you plan the next leg of your journey through Wester Ross.
Gairloch is situated on the north-west coast of Scotland on the shores of Loch Gairloch. It has a commanding view over the Minch to The Isle of Skye and further afield to the Western Isles.
