Indoor Activities
AAArrrgghhhh! It's raining! What can we do?
A surprising amount , actually.....For a start, Wester Ross has several indoor facilities in the shape of Leisure Centres and swiming pools - south to north, these are at Gairloch, Poolewe, and Ullapool.
Starting at Gairloch, there is a full size lesiure centre attached to the local high school. This is available to the public every evening - all weekend - and every day throughout the school holidays. The centre has a fitness centre, climbing wall, tennis / badminton facilities, outdoor football areas and so on. The centre telephone number is 01445 712345. Carrying on northwards (but only by about six miles or so), you come to the village of Poolewe. This has an indoor swimming pool which was pretty much "handbuilt by locals" a number of years ago. Many of us remember the thought provoking posters put up around the area, with a request to come along to the inaugural digging and to "bring a spade".
To call the Pool, phone 01445 781345
Demonstrating its awareness of the Internet age, there is also a website at: www.poolewepool.co.uk
Note that if you prefer the larger Olympic size swimming challenge , there is also an outdoor pool called "The Minch" in between Skye and the mainland, but you might find the water there a tad chilly.....
Moving ever north again, Ullapool has a full size facility that combines a leisure centre and 25m swimming pool. This has all the facilities of the Gairloch / Poolewe combination mentioned before, and can be contacted through their website at: www.lochbroomleisure.co.uk or by telephone on 01854 612884
What else?
With the sporting attractions out the way now, other things to do inside are as follows:
Visitor centres: Generally speaking, these cover the history and cultural heritage of the area - Wester Ross has a rich history of Vikings, battles, Gaels, more battles, Celts, and so on. There are also a number of visitor facilities aimed at informing you about our diverse natural environment. Some of the finest geological sites in Europe are to be found here, and indeed the modern science of geology was pretty much kicked off here in the first place.
Ok, so where can you try: Well, there's..........
Applecross:
The Applecross Historical Society
Lochcarron:
The Lochcarron Smithy Heritage Centre (no website available). This is at The Smithy, Lochcarron, Wester Ross, IV54 8YS. Stop and ask directions!
Kinlochewe / Loch Maree:
Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve: Altroy Visitor Centre (just outside Kinlochewe, heading towards Gairloch). Interactive displays, child friendly, "all abilities" trails. 01445 760258
Gairloch:
Gairloch Heritage Museum - all about the local culture, history, and people. Award winning museum. 01445 712287
Poolewe:
Inverewe Gardens. Internationally famous sub tropical gardens with Visitor Centre. 0844 493 2225
Ullapool:
Ullapool Museum. Exhibitions and displays centering around the history of the Ullapool and Wester Ross areas. 01854 612987
Latest News Stories
Huge pod of Dolphins sighted off Gairloch!
A rare "super pod" of around 1,000 dolphins has thrilled wildlife spotters who were on a whale watching trip with Gairloch -based "Hebr...Learn more »Scotland's Best Garden?
Attadale Gardens, near Lochcarron in Wester Ross, has been voted favourite garden in Scotland by readers of BBC Gardeners World magazine. They also...Learn more »“A simply beautiful part of the world. I stayed near Gairloch with my family recently, and we'll certainly be back.”
Jeff Gilberston, Florida