Sands Campsite, Wester Ross

In an idyllic setting just minutes from a wonderful beach, Sands is the sort of destination that offers holidaymakers a little bit of everything.

Superb facilities, a relaxed atmosphere and lots of opportunities for family fun by the sea make this a must-visit location. Set in a beautiful spot on the West Highland coast, a one-and-a-half hour drive from Inverness, this is about as remote as it gets.

And for something a bit different, why not leave your tent at home and try a Wigwam cabin instead? This is a fun way to get back to nature, with all the benefits of camping combined with the warmth and comfort of a solid wooden building.

Sands has 12 heated Wigwams on site, eight large and four small. Each has electric light, standard UK plug sockets and a panel heater. The cushioned seating can be converted to create one large sleeping area. Outside you have your own picnic table and fire pit.

Just like camping, you bring your own bedding, towels, pans and cutlery and you can rustle up meals in the nearby indoor cooking and eating area, which also boasts a fridge, freezer, hob and microwave. The beach, with views across the water to Skye, is just a couple of minutes’ walk away over the dunes and on a sunny day, youngsters can have a paddle in the sea. You can also hire kayaks from the site shop – or a bike if you prefer to stick to dry land.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

STAY AT
SANDS CARAVAN & CAMPING
Gairloch, Wester Ross IV21 2DL
01445 712 152
sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk
Open End of March until end of October
Cost From £48 per night

NEED TO DO

• Take a boat trip out on Gairloch Harbour, for a close-up view of the local wildlife. Sea eagles, puffins and black-throated divers are regularly spotted, as well as otters and seals.
• A few miles further north is the village of Poolewe and Loch Ewe, which was a significant naval port during World War II and has a fascinating history. The National Trust’s Inverewe Gardens are also spectacular.
• Gairloch’s award-winning heritage museum has exhibits including a croft house interior, stone-age living, a replica of a Highland shop and Rua Reidh Lighthouse’s original lens.

EATING OUT
The excellent Barn Café on-site serves a wide range of tasty snacks and meals, including takeaway pizzas and there’s a great shop on the site as well.Further afield the local area has a few decent pubs and restaurants, including the Shieling restaurant, the Badachro Inn and the Steading Bistro.

The Beachcomber fish and chip shop in Gairloch serves up a delicious fish supper.

NEED TO KNOW
visitwester-ross.com
gairlochheritagemuseum.org