Visiting Inverpolly National Nature Reserve
A place to visit in Ross and Cromarty The A835 is the main road, the reserve is about ten miles north of Poolewe, to the west Ullapool, the road is reasonably wide and the sight lines are mostly good but there are some tight bends around Elphin.
The reserve has 26,827 acres of wild remote and almost uninhabited land, on the north east coast, near the Sutherland boarder, it includes three summits of over 2,000 feet rising sharply from the Loch scattered moorland and the whole of Loch Sionascaig.
The convoluted Loch Sionascaig, and its neighbours to the north Loch Veyatie and Fionn Loch, provide some of the most spectacular wilderness canoeing in Scotland, through remote and uninhabited country.
Reviewing Inverpolly National Nature Reserve
- Inverpolly National Nature Reserve Geolocation Latitude 58.06875 Longitude -5.265272
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This is challenging terrain, involving portages and long paddling sessions, but the rewards include superb mountain scenery, camping on deserted islands, and unparalleled tranquillity, the Loch is also one of the best trout lochs in the Northwest Highlands, packed with small but feisty brownies and the occasional large ferox, permits and information on hiring boats can be obtained from the Inverpolly Estate Office.
There is a great diversity of habitats from Lochs, burns, bogs, moorlands,woodland, cliffs and summits, home to pine martens, wildcats, buzzards and golden eagles as well as the unique shape of Stac Pollaidh (sometimes written Stack Polly), one of the most photographed hills in the area. Here you can find one of the best low-level walks in the Northwest starts from the minor road along Loch Lurgainn, at a small wood 1.5 miles east of the Stac Pollaidh car park, a path leads over the pass between Stac Pollaidh and Cul Beag, to reach a fork above Loch an Doire Dhuibh, take the right-hand branch to descend through birch woods and around the east end of the loch,cross the stream beyond the loch and follow it north-westwards downstream past a gamekeeper's hut and a smaller loch, then cross back via a footbridge, from here another path leads back to the original fork and back to the road
The Inverpolly National Nature Reserve has some relics of a relatively untouched primitive birch and hazel woodland,to the east is the Knockan Crag Its Gaelic name is Creag a' Chnocain, meaning 'crag of the small hill', it was renowned internationally due to an important geological feature called the ‘Moine Thrust’ that was first identified here, the rocks at and around Knockan Crag record the last 3,000 million years of history for the landmass that we now know as Scotland, it is one of the most important sites for understanding how the landscape of Northern Britain was formed.
Top Attractions In And Around Inverpolly National Nature Reserve
The Inverpolly National Nature Reserve is a wild region that has been preserved in its natural state and is notable for the rocky terrain, lochs, and one-of-a-kind geological formations that it contains. It is located in the Scottish Highlands. A vast variety of natural features can be found inside the reserve, making it a veritable paradise for anybody who enjoy being outside. The following is a list of the most popular tourist destinations in and around the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve:
This remarkable summit, known as Stac Pollaidh, is a well-known destination for hikers due to the extraordinary rock formations that can be seen there. The views of the surrounding terrain are very magnificent from the peak, which may be reached by hiking.
Suilven is a mountain that is instantly recognisable due to its distinctive profile, and trekking to the peak of this mountain is a strenuous but ultimately rewarding experience. It offers breathtaking vistas that encompass the entirety of the area.
Assynt Geopark: Inverpolly is a component of the Assynt Geopark, which is famous for its unique geological features such as the Moine Thrust and Lewisian gneiss rock formations.
These two neighbouring summits, Cul Mor and Cul Beag, give some of the best chances for hillwalking in the area, as well as some of the most breathtaking views of the lochs and mountains in the surrounding area.
Ardvreck Castle is a historic ruin that can be seen on the banks of Loch Assynt. It provides visitors with a look into the history of the surrounding area. Because of its beautiful surroundings, the castle is a fantastic location for portrait and landscape photography.
Fishing is a popular activity in Inverpolly, and for good reason: the fishing chances there are second to none. Fly fishing is a popular activity in the region's rivers and lochs, particularly for species such as salmon and trout.
The picturesque Loch Assynt is a body of water that is encircled on all sides by towering mountains and provides chances for canoeing, boating, and observing birds, among other activities.
Observing Wildlife: Inverpolly is home to a wide variety of animals and birds, including golden eagles, red deer, otters, and a large number of different species of birds. Birdwatchers and those who are interested in nature will find this region to be a paradise.
Geological Tours: Guided geological tours are offered in the area, and they offer a glimpse into the one-of-a-kind geology of the local area, including the old Lewisian gneiss rock formations.
Coastal Walks: The inhospitable coastline in and around Inverpolly is perfect for coastal walks, as it provides breathtaking vistas of the North Atlantic Ocean and the cliffs.
Cruises & Boat Trips: One of the best ways to see the lochs and shoreline of this area is to go on a wildlife-watching cruise or a boat tour, both of which provide the possibility of spotting many species of marine life and seabirds.
Although it is not part of the reserve itself, Achmelvich Beach is a stunning sandy beach located close by that provides a tranquil setting in which to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of its surrounds.
Those who have a passion for the outdoors, hiking, and discovering the real Highlands should definitely make their way to the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, which is situated in an area that is both secluded and undeveloped. When organising your trip, you should verify whether there are any local restrictions or guidelines for activities that take place outside, and you should also take into account the current weather forecast.