Your ultimate Highland adventure — where stories, ruins and living history await just outside your door.
Assynt and Sutherland are not just landscapes — they are open history books. From Iron Age forts to clan castles and pioneering crofters’ victories, this spectacular corner of the Scottish Highlands offers tales that span millennia. And there’s no better place to begin your journey than Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge — right at the heart of it all.
Perched on a rocky promontory on Loch Assynt, Ardvreck Castle has been a witness to some of Scotland’s most turbulent history. Built by the Clan MacLeod in the late 1400s, this atmospheric ruin was later taken by the MacKenzies after a dramatic siege.
The castle is also tied to a dramatic moment in the Scottish Civil Wars — the royalist leader, the Marquis of Montrose, was held here in 1650 before his fate was sealed in Edinburgh.
📍 Only a short walk or drive from the lodge, this spot is perfect for sunrise photos, picnic stops, and imagination‑fuelled wanderings.
Tip: Respect the stonework and landscapes. These historic ruins are fragile — help preserve them for future generations.
Just around the corner from Ardvreck lie the evocative remains of Calda House — once an opulent residence of the MacKenzies. Built in the 1720s, it boasted elaborate fireplaces and distinctive gables, but it all came undone within a decade.
Today the skeletal walls whisper stories of wealth, ambition and Highland life in a changing Scotland.
Insider tip: Pair Calda House with Ardvreck for a half‑day loop walk along Loch Assynt. It’s one of the most atmospheric historic hikes in the area.
Just a stone’s throw from Inchnadamph Lodge lies a place of quiet contemplation and deep significance. Assynt Old Parish Church — with origins going back to at least the 11th century — stood as the spiritual heart of the community for hundreds of years.
In the churchyard rests the MacLeod Vault, the final resting place of members of the clan who once ruled this land.
👉 Combine this stop with Lochside views and a gentle shady walk during summer months — perfect for reflection and photos.
Assynt’s history isn’t all castles and ruins — it’s living history too. In 1992, local crofters made headlines by buying back the North Assynt Estate from private ownership — the first such community land buyout in Scotland.
Today, the Trust protects this stunning landscape and its traditions. Walking trails across moorland and lochsides wind through the same terrain this pioneering community worked to safeguard.
History + Hiking: Combine your historic exploration with scenic walking routes that echo centuries of local life.
For a real deep‑time experience, head to Clachtoll Broch on the coast near the village of Clachtoll. These massive stone structures date from the Iron Age and are among the best‑preserved brochs in Scotland.
Archaeological work continues to uncover fascinating insights into life here over 2,000 years ago — from defensive strategies to everyday living.
✨ This is one of those stops that everyone remembers — especially archaeology lovers and families with keen‑eyed kids.
Here’s how to make the most of your stay:
✔ Stay multiple nights
One day barely scratches the surface — especially if you want to combine history with beaches, Munro‑bagging hikes, wildlife watching, and scenic drives.
✔ Visit at sunrise or sunset
The slanted light across Loch Assynt and these ancient sites makes for unforgettable photos and peaceful experiences.
✔ Pack layers and good footwear
The Highlands are beautiful — and they can be wet! Bring waterproofs and sturdy boots for hikes and ruin exploring.
Whether you’re a history buff, a landscape lover, or simply in search of an unforgettable Highland escape, Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge is your perfect launchpad.
✔ Historic charm meets modern comfort
✔ Walking‑distance access to heritage trails
✔ Friendly local staff who love to help plan your adventures
👉 Book your stay now and start planning your Assynt exploration — history, nature, and adventure await:
Book Your Assynt Adventure at Inchnadamph Lodge