It’s no secret that the Scottish Highlands offer some of the most spectacular landscapes and views in the world.
But it’s not just in spring and summer – Scotland is just as magical in the winter months too, if not more so. The rugged mountainous landscape is coated in bright white snow, while the streams and lochs are coated in a layer of frost, and your feet sink into the dewy grass. There’s no other place like it – you will leave enchanted, already planning your next trip here.
There are plenty of adventures waiting to be explored. Here are our top 7 reasons to holiday in Assynt in winter.
Explore the landscape and have it all to yourself
The quieter winter months mean you’ll be sharing the landscape with fewer people – the perfect excuse to embark on some brisk winter walks and hikes. The mountains rise out of the ground, often surrounded by atmospheric mist, at seemingly impossibly steep angles.
You’re likely to see all four seasons in one day up here, so appropriate clothing is advised.
Whether you choose nearby mountains Canisp or Suilven for a long hike, easier Stac Pollaidh (known affectionately as Scotland’s minitature mountain) or mountain biking, you’re guaranteed to come back feeling refreshed and invigorated. Nearby snow-covered Traligil caves and the Traligil river are also great local spots for your holiday.
Home to the ancient Northwest Geopark, Assynt is the perfect place to explore for geology enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge is an ambassador to the park so do speak with us if you’d like to discover more about the history of the area.
Big, dark skies
A lack of light pollution up here in the highlands means our skies can go on, quite literally, forever. We’re based in one of the most northernly points in Scotland, and it gets dark pretty early up here (which also means during the summer months there are nights where it doesn’t get dark at all). As a result, you’ll be forgiven (nay, you’ll be expected!) for simply staring up at the night sky, delighting at the millions of stars you can spot – you can even see the milky way through the naked eye here.
Chance to see the Northern Lights
You can bless your lucky stars that you’ll probably catch a glimpse of the northern lights here too. December-February are the best months to spot them, and one of our recommended spots is nearby Lochinver. Based on the coast, the local small village has fantastic views from the harbour.
We’ve even spotted them here at Inchnadamph in times gone by – if you brave a night hill walk, you should be in with a chance of spotting them on the nearby hills! Watching the waves of light dance in the sky is one of the most mesmerising experiences you can witness.
Be fascinated by the winter wildlife
Come face to face with highland cattle – iconic in this area, with their long, red ginger fringes and wide horns. Witness majestic red stags on the hillsides; spot red squirrel digging frantically for nuts; catch grey seal pups basking in the winter sunshine along the coastline. We’ve even spotted golden eagles soaring across Loch Assynt!
We regularly see deer venturing from the hills and mountains to the area surrounding Inchnadamph – did you know that Inchnadamph actually translates to “meadow of the stag”?
Bracing wild swims
Wild swimming is becoming ever more popular these days, and the benefits to our health and wellbeing are no secret.
While swimming in the sea and lochs during the summer months is considerably easier as the water is almost(!) warm (let’s not forget we do face the Atlantic ocean here), swimming in winter is as shocking, breath-taking and rewarding as you could imagine! However, it does come with its challenges, so make sure you’re fully prepared before you take a dip.
We’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches and stunning lochs here, such as nearby Loch na Gainmhich, which lies at the top of the wailing widow waterfall; you could even take a dip in the waterfalls themselves! We then have local beaches, including the more famous Achmelvich to Achnabaird – so why not bring your swimming gear and brave those waters?
Try out seasonal food
And once you’ve dried yourself off, make sure you try one of our local eateries for some home-cooked food, whilst getting warm!
Eating seasonally and sustainably is hugely important for the locals here in Scotland, particularly as much of our clientele is heavily reliant on tourists. From oysters in December to game, root veg and winter radishes in January – Scottish winter foods provide new flavours and colourful dishes.
And let’s not forget about our shop and kitchen here at Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge! While we’re not as equipped as a supermarket (your nearest one is over 20 miles away), we’ve got everything you’ll need for your holiday, from soup and pasta, through to toiletries, soft drinks and alcohol. And our large, well-equipped self-catering kitchen offers you all the facilities in which to make a hearty meal for you and your family or friends. We offer breakfast to all guests, too.
Just down the road in nearby village Lochinver is the famous Lochinver Larder, home to some of the best pies in the world! Due to our connection with the Larder, we also offer a click and deliver service twice a week – meaning you can order yourself some pies to arrive at the Lodge right in time for dinner! From seasonal pies such as Haggis, Neeps and Tatties perfectly timed for Burns Night through to spring Lamb pies and summery specials, there’s something for everyone – veggie included.
Do bear in mind that during the winter, many places will be closed, so we encourage you to do your research before arriving at any restaurants.
Cosy evenings by the fire
After you’re nicely full of scrumptious grub, local or home-cooked, one of the best things to do of an evening is to get tucked up in front of a fire, perhaps with a dram of whisky or a good book, and while the night away.
The smell of a roaring fire outside epitomises winter, especially when you’re out exploring in the depths of the Scottish Highlands.
Our wood-burning fire in both the lounge and dining room at Inchnadamph keeps all our guests warm and cosy after they’ve returned from an exploration of a nearby mountain or loch, giving them the opportunity to share tales and anecdotes with other fellow adventurers.
Whatever your reason for holidaying here in winter, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable and magical trip.
Whether you’re up for an adrenaline adventure, or a slower pace of life with beach walks and delicious food, there is nowhere else quite like Assynt in winter.
If this has whet your appetite and you’ve already started to plan your winter holiday in Assynt, have a browse through our accommodation here at Inchndamph Explorers Lodge – from Shepherds Huts and Steading Studio suites to our self-catering Walled Cottage, we’ve got accommodation to suit every traveller. And don’t forget we offer a winter discount on all our external accommodation between November and March.
And if you do spot the northern lights or try any local delicious food, be sure to let us know when you visit!
