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Aultbea & Beyond

Aultbea is a small, seaside village on the shore of Loch Ewe, situated along the North Coast 500 route, one of several villages and hamlets of varying sizes scattered along a stunning part of the west coast. 

Despite our remote location, the area is blessed with not only jaw dropping scenery, but also enterprising people who having made their homes here, apply their knowledge and enthusiasm to offer all kinds of activities, dining experiences, crafts & facilities for us all to enjoy. This creates a wonderful individuality to the businesses on offer.

So when you eat out, go shopping, go on a trip you are probably meeting the owners and are supporting sustainability in the local community.

Go you!

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See below for information on shopping for food, shopping for gifts & activities 

Super Shops but not Supermarkets

In Aultbea, we are fortunate to have a fantastic village shop Aultbea Stores with an excellent range of food, alcoholic beverages (including locally produced beer by Ewe Brew & gin, whisky & vodka by Badachro Distillery), Ritchie's of Aultbea black pudding, papers & convenience items. (Closed Sundays). Shellfish can be purchased from local Creel Fisherman and dotted around the village you may come across local honey, eggs (quail, duck, chicken), home made jams, chutneys. Fresh fish can be purchased from visiting fish vans. In Gairloch there is a Kenneth Morrison Butcher and Gairloch Estate Venison can be purchased from the rather fabulous Farm & Garden in Gairloch.  Locally made cakes galore, sour dough bread can be ordered in Poolewe.

Although there are no supermarkets, you'll be very surprised to see the variety of goods on offer!

Suffice to say you can get everything from welly boots to champagne

Please note shops are not open in the evening and almost all are closed on Sunday's.

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In nearby Laide there is a Post Office with 24hr fuel facility and Aultbea has a repair garage & Doctor's Surgery

Eating Out

In Aultbea we have Oran Na Mara Cafe - adjacent to the Lodges, choose from a fine selection of homemade cakes and snacks in a friendly day time cafe (Fri-Mon) with spectacular views across Aultbea 

More day and evening dining & takeaways can be found in Poolewe 6 miles, Gairloch 13 miles and various places around about. With menus ranging from caribbean delights, fantastic fish & chips, locally sourced shellfish & meats, with vegan and vegetarian options in most places, there is sure to be something for everyone.

There are limited evening dining out options so booking is recommended

We are happy to help with recommendations

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Special Occasions

Celebrating something during your stay?

Flowers & cakes can be ordered from the following local businesses:

Flower Boutique Gairloch

Bruach Bakery

Crumbs

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Crafts

The Tuesday market in Poolewe & Thursday market in Gairloch host a range of craft stalls, markets also take place in Ullapool, Assynt, Torridon on other days. Use these links to get to know the local crafts on offer. As you travel about you'll come across more local talent displayed in the museums, cafes and hotels, including handmade soaps & skin care products, made right here in Aultbea by Perfume Studio. Right next door to the Lodges we have Falling Leaf Designs,  The Highland Wood Turner can be found in the village and I love Kimberley's baby knits at the cafe next door. Take part decorating pottery or learn to spin/dye wool with Prickly Fish in Laide

Activities

 Aultbea based Ewe Canoe kayak and canoe with friendly, qualified and experienced instructors offering individually tailored trips for all abilities around the area.

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You can walk down to the rocky shore and we have 2 sandy beaches within a short drive, otters are often spotted along the shore. From the lodges you have direct access to ‘prime wild land’ where you can walk for miles, taking in Loch Fada and even to Fionne Loch, enjoy the stunning views, or fish in the many lochs (with permit). Laide & Aultbea Community Wood offers a lovely walk.

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The Russian Arctic Convoy Museum is just a couple of minutes walk from the Lodges; learn how Loch Ewe played an important role in the Second World War

The Aultbea Community Hub .housed in an old church a few minutes walk away, hosts a Thursday cafe, cinema nights, along with various music & craft events through the year

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Other Activities and Attractions in the area

Hill walking, many beautiful beaches, whale watching, bird watching, fishing (sea, trout and salmon), mountains, pony trekking, boat trips, boat hire, Munro hiking (guided available), geology tours, climbing, ceilidh dancing, dog activity, talks, Gairloch Museum, Inverewe Gardens, Corrieshalloch Gorge, Benn Eighe National Reserve, Torridon Mountains, Fisherfield Munro's, bicycle hire, ebike hire, golf, paddle boarding, coasteering, guided wildlife walks, historic house tour, archery, falconry.....

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Our fabulous location means we are a day trip distance away to explore further to Assynt, Torridon, Inverness

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The big question is will your holiday be long enough?

Activity Providers 

       2024 Season

29th March to 3rd November
3 Night minimum stay* (any day check-in)
*5 Night minimum (Jul/Aug)

       2025 Season

28th March to 2nd November
3 Night minimum stay* (any day check-in)
*5 Night minimum (Jul/Aug)

  Head to our Booking page for more info

Logo for ASSC Association of Scottish Self Caterers Committed to Quality Member
Aultbea Lodges supports Wester Ross Biosphere
NC500 North Coast 500 Official Logo Business Member - Self Catering
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