Ruins, Rocks & Rapids

Enjoy the diverse wildlife, history and geology around Lochinver with our pick of places to go and things to do

- by REBECCA GIBSON

CULAG WOODS

The village of Lochinver lies at the corner of Loch Inver, a sea loch in the sparsely populated Assynt area. Just south of Lochinver is the 99-acre Culag Woods, full of root-crossed paths that wind through wizened birch and hazel trees.

Clean air and regular rainfall have encouraged lichens and mosses to coat the ground like a rug. One of these lichens, the endangered tree lungwort, is an indicator of ancient woodland and has lobes that give it a lung-like appearance. In fact, medieval doctors used it to treat lung disorders, with understandably limited success.

This wood has plenty to explore. Climb to a viewpoint overlooking Lochinver, hunt for chanterelles in autumn and pad across a boardwalk over the bog.

Dragonflies flitter here in summer, but you can hunt for the dragonfly sculptures dotted throughout the wood all year round. At the western edge is a sheltered bay called White Shore, scattered with intriguing rocks and a great place to study tactile pebbles of every colour. Look out to sea, too, as there might be eider ducks, oystercatchers or an elusive otter.

Managed by Culag Community Woodland Trust since 1995, Culag Woods has remained a community-led space ever since. Volunteer presence is evident across the site, with thoughtful additions like a troll bridge and wooden spider sculpture hidden among the trees.

KIRKAIG FALLS

One of Assynt’s most famous features is a domed mountain called Suilven, and there are several access points that all demand a hefty walk before the climbing even begins. Luckily, the route starting from the small village of Inverkirkaig, 4.8km (3 miles) south of Lochinver, is a stunning walk in its own right and passes the impressive Kirkaig Falls.