Wester Ross family days out and outdoor activities
If you are planning things to do in Wester Ross, this guide brings together easy, varied days out for all ages. It is a straightforward way to find family days out in Wester Ross, with options that suit quiet weather-proof stops, fresh air walks and more active outings. You will find local museums, wildlife trips, garden visits, pony treks and short coastal walks, all chosen to help you make the most of your time without rushing. From Ullapool to Gairloch and the surrounding shorelines, the guide gives you a clear view of what is worth your time, whether you want an active afternoon or a relaxed day close to nature.
Craig Highland Farm
Image / Tripadvisor
Farm stays, sea views and early-morning calm.
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What to expect
Hands-on animal encounters and wide coastal views. Expect simple, well-equipped lodges with heaters and kitchenware, plenty of bird activity at the feeders, and friendly hosts who help with local tips. You can buy eggs on site, feed birds by hand and walk along a mostly empty beach. Little extras include balconies for watching the loch and opportunities to spot wildlife around dusk.
Plan your visit
Bring warm, waterproof layers and sturdy footwear for beach and hillside walks. Buy a small bag of bird food at the farm entrance if you want close bird interactions. Check tide times before attempting the low-tide walk to the nearby island. The farm is dog friendly, so bring a lead and any pet supplies. Be prepared to pay by bank transfer or cash for some on-site purchases, and book lodges in advance during school holidays.
Reraig Forest
Image / MapQuest
Woodland walks with coastal outlooks
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What to expect
Expect informal trails winding through mixed native woodland and stretches that open out to sea lochs. Paths vary from flat shore-side routes to steeper, rooty sections under tall trees. Wayfinding is simple, but surfaces can be muddy after rain and some routes are narrow.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes and waterproof layers. Take binoculars for birdlife and a camera for shoreline views. Bring food and water, as facilities are limited. Observe local signage and keep dogs under control around livestock. Combine the visit with a short drive or walk along nearby loch-side roads to extend your day.
Seascape Expeditions
Image / Mindtrip
Wildlife RIB trips from Ullapool to the Summer Isles
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What to expect
You will travel on a fast rigid-inflatable boat that gets you close to seabirds, seals and playful dolphin pods. Expect a lively, sometimes wet ride and changing weather; staff provide warm waterproof overalls and life jackets. Guides point out species and local fishing activity, and safety briefings are given before departure. The outing suits families, couples and small groups, but could be uncomfortable for anyone prone to seasickness.
Plan your visit
Book ahead in summer and pick a longer trip if you want to cover more area. Wear layers beneath the overalls and bring a waterproof case for phones and cameras. Charge batteries and carry a small power bank. Tell the operator if you plan to bring a dog. If you are prone to sea sickness, take preventative measures before boarding or ask about a gentler alternative.
Ullapool Museum
Image / visitwesthighlands.co.uk
Local stories in an old church.
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What to expect
Expect a small, carefully arranged museum run by volunteers. The interior keeps original church features such as the pulpit and gallery, with display cases, photographs and hands-on activities for children. There is an archive reading area for family history research and a modest shop selling local postcards and souvenirs. Staff and volunteers are typically on hand to answer questions.
Plan your visit
Check the museum’s current opening status before you travel. Allow time to browse the archive if you are researching family history and bring any details that will help volunteers locate records. Wear comfortable shoes , the building is compact and best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Combine the visit with a short walk around the harbour and town centre to place the displays in their local setting. Consider making contact in advance for group visits or research requests.
Gairloch Museum
Image / Highland Pictish Trail
Stories of sea, croft and community.
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What to expect
Expect a compact, well-curated set of galleries that focus on everyday life in the Highlands. Exhibits mix objects and photographs with recorded memories and map-based displays. There are reconstructed domestic spaces and maritime artefacts, plus seasonal temporary displays that reflect local research and donations.
Plan your visit
Allow time for slow reading of labels and listening to oral-history recordings, they add context that photos alone do not. Ask volunteers about family names, local place stories and suggested walks. Wear sensible footwear if you plan to combine the visit with a walk along the shore. Check transport and access details before you travel if you need step-free routes.
Lochbroom Leisure Centre
Image / High Life Highland
A practical community pool and gym for visitors and families.
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What to expect
Tidy pool area with warm showers and accessible changing facilities. A small but well-equipped gym and a rota of classes from low-impact yoga to higher-intensity training. Family sessions include soft-play inflatables and occasional climbing wall times. Reception staff can help with local tips and session bookings.
Plan your visit
Bring swim kit, towel and any basic toiletries. Check the centre timetable before you travel and book classes where possible, as some sessions are limited. If you need local advice on food or accommodation, ask reception. Allow time to change and warm up if you plan a workout after a long drive.
Gairloch Marine Life Centre & Cruises
Image / Visit Wester Ross
Close views of north-west Scotland’s sea life
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What to expect
Tanks and displays show common local species alongside clear, accessible interpretation. Staff and guides explain what to look for on the water. Cruises run from the pier and aim for close sightings of seals, porpoises and seabirds, weather permitting. The layout is simple and family-friendly, with indoor space useful when the weather turns.
Plan your visit
Book cruises in advance at busier times, and allow extra time to move between the centre and the pier. Bring layered, waterproof clothing and non-slip shoes. Pack binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens if you have one. If you get seasick easily, consider medication or a seat mid‑ship. Combine the visit with a short coastal walk if the weather allows.
Gairloch Trekking Centre
Image / North Coast 500
Coast and moor on horseback
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What to expect
You meet at the stables for a short safety briefing and to get fitted to a pony. Groups are kept small and routes vary with the tide and ground conditions. Expect grassy tracks, patches of heather and stretches of sand, plus frequent stops to adjust tack and for photo opportunities. Guides share practical local knowledge about terrain and wildlife.
Plan your visit
Book in advance, especially in summer. Wear layered clothing and waterproofs, and bring sturdy, closed-toe footwear. A small rucksack for camera, water and a warm layer works best. Tell the centre about any riding experience or mobility concerns when you book so they can advise on suitability.
Inverewe Garden (National Trust for Scotland)
Image / Inverewe Garden & Estate NTS
A subtropical garden on the edge of the Highlands, where planted borders meet wild coastline.
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What to expect
A mix of cultivated displays and natural woodland. You will find extensive rhododendron and magnolia groups, tree ferns and shelter belts designed to protect tender species. Paths range from level routes beside lawns to steeper, leaf-carpeted trails through woods. Expect clear signposting, a visitor centre with practical facilities and stretches of open lawn for picnics.
Plan your visit
Start at the visitor centre to pick up a map and route suggestions. Allow time to move slowly through the walled garden, then follow a woodland trail down to viewpoints over the loch. Wear sturdy footwear for uneven ground and bring a waterproof layer. Binoculars are useful for watching seabirds and woodland species. Expect limited facilities on paths, so carry water and a light snack if you plan a longer walk.