Family-Friendly Summer Activities In and Around Assynt

Summer Adventures on the NC500 from your Inchnadamph Base

Inchnadamph Lodge is ideally situated for family fun and frolics in the North West Highlands. Boasting stunning scenery, an abundance of wildlife, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, Inchnadamph is your comfortable, friendly base for a summertime adventure on the NC500.

July and August in Assynt

July and August are the peak months for summer fun in Assynt. The weather is usually at its best, with long days and warmer evenings. It's the perfect time to explore the great outdoors and take advantage of the daylight hours. Obviously, as this is Scotland, the weather can be extremely changeable, so we always, always recommend packing plenty of layers and waterproofs! 

Here are our top ideas for family-friendly activities to enjoy during your stay at Inchnadamph Lodge over July and August.

Hiking and Walking

Assynt is a walker's paradise, with trails to suit all abilities. From gentle strolls along the lochside to challenging hikes up mountains, there's something for everyone. Be sure to check out some of the following trails:

Culag Woods
Park up in nearby Lochinver for a jaunt through this delightful woodland. Managed and maintained by Culag Community Wood Trust, the woods are well known as a nesting ground for grey herons. Wander down to the White Shore for a peaceful picnic. You might even spot an otter!

Beinn Dearg

A more challenging hike, but the views from the summit are definitely worth it. This is a six-mile round trip hike with a height gain of over 3,000 feet.

Clachtoll Beach Walk
A lovely two-mile round trip that takes in stunning views of Clachtoll Beach and the surrounding cliffs. This is a great option for families with young children.

Cycling

The Assynt area is great for cycling, and there are plenty of bike routes that take you off the beaten path. If you fancy a day exploring on two wheels Ullapool Bike Hire can transport mountain/hybrid/e-bikes to your accommodation the evening or morning before hire or you can pick them up yourself. Their website helpfully suggests a number of cycling routes, of varying difficulty, taking in everything from secluded beaches and historical sites to quiet glens and more challenging terrains.

Bone Caves

This exciting hike offers a moderate climb with beautiful valley views. The caves themselves hold a fascinating secret: prehistoric animal bones! Learn about the lynx, bears and reindeer that roamed the Highlands long ago on this educational adventure. Don't forget your torches!

Swimming

There are plenty of opportunities for swimming in Assynt, with lochs, rivers, and even the sea to choose from. Be sure to take a dip in Loch Assynt, the largest freshwater loch in Sutherland. Achmelvich Beach is the most popular and well-known beaches on the NC500; when you visit you’ll understand why. Achmelvich is beach perfection, resembling a scene from more tropical lands, with white sand and clear blue water. If you’re yet to try wild swimming, this picturesque spot would be a great place to start.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Loch Assynt is also a great place for kayaking and canoeing. You can rent kayaks and canoes from a number of local businesses, one of our favourites being Kayak Summer Isles. Venture off the NC500 trail and into the wildly scenic territory of the Coigach Peninsula for a paddle around The Summer Isles archipelago. Sneak through sandstone caves and archways, spot seals and secluded sandy beaches for a trip of a lifetime. Or join the team at Hamlet Mountaineering for a canoeing adventure through the inland lochs of Coigach and Assynt, including Loch Lurgainn for views of the iconic shape of Stac Pollaidh and the mighty summit of Cul Beag. 

Wildlife Watching

Assynt is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, otters, and eagles. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the area and you might just be lucky enough to spot some of these amazing creatures. And of course we can't proceed without mentioning the puffins of Handa Island! The best time of year to spot more than 250 pairs of breeding puffins is May, June and July. The Handa Ferry sails Monday to Saturday from 9.00am to 1.30pm, weather permitting. 

Geocaching

Geocaching is a great way to explore the Assynt area and get some exercise at the same time. There are a number of geocaches hidden in the area, so why not see if you can find them all? What is geocaching, you ask? Imagine a high-tech treasure hunt! Geocaching uses GPS to lead you to hidden containers around the world. Seek them out with your family, sign the logbook, and trade trinkets if you find them! It's a free, adventure-filled way to explore new places.

Summer Events

Sutherland Show 

The Sutherland Agricultural Show began in 1951 to showcase the vitality and productivity of the largest county in the United Kingdom. You can expect to enjoy a wide range of family-friendly events, from vintage vehicles and livestock parades, to childrens sports and terrier racing. And, of course, let's not forget the all important food, crafts, and funfair! The Sutherland Show takes place in July and you can find more information on its dedicated website.

Assynt Highland Games

Held in Lochinver’s Culag Park on the second Friday in August, the Assynt Highland Games is an invigorating celebration of local culture and tradition, featuring a variety of athletic competitions, piping, and dancing. Take a break from feats of strength and skill to browse the stalls in the Craft & Produce tent which is filled with local crafts, delicious delicacies, and fine whiskies. 

A day trip to Ullapool

Ullapool bursts to life in summer! Hike with the kids amongst wildflowers on Knockan Crag for panoramic views. History buffs will love the Ullapool Museum, while the little ones can burn off energy at the Lochbroom Leisure Centre's pool. In the evenings, enjoy fresh seafood at the harborside and soak in the lively atmosphere of traditional music spilling from the pubs.

Midges - Tiny But Mighty!

Like many parts of the Scottish Highlands, Assynt can be home to midges in the summer months. These tiny flying insects are notorious for their bites, which can be itchy and irritating. However, there are ways to avoid them and still enjoy your time outdoors. Midges are most active at dawn and dusk, and on still, humid days. To minimise midge encounters, plan hikes and activities for the middle of the day when there's more breeze. Pack insect repellent specifically designed for midges, like Smidge or Avon Skin So Soft, and consider wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evenings and early mornings.

Finally, don't let the midges discourage you – with a little planning, you can still have a fantastic family adventure in Assynt!

Book your Great Value Family Accommodation

We are proud to offer families a range of accommodation and facilities.

Walled Cottage

Our super cosy cottage has 3 bedrooms – family (double or twin beds), a twin and a single room. There is a shared washroom with shower & WC.

The kitchen has a fridge freezer, electric cooker, microwave, toaster and kettle. A small utility room has a washing machine. There is a dining area for 4 to 6 people just off the kitchen, and a separate good sized lounge with log stove and comfy seating. We also have a freesat TV and broadband WiFi internet.

The cottage has gas fired central heating and a combi boiler for hot water. 

Steading Suites

The Steading Suites are located just 100 yards from the Lodge and include 3 bedrooms - Canisp, Quinag and Beinn Uidhe - named after the mountains you can see from their window! They also come with their own kitchen and bathroom.

Each suite has an en-suite shower room and WC. The rooms have underfloor heating throughout and are located on the ground floor and are wheelchair accessible. 

The spaces are let with main door access to outside and self catering facilities so you can be completely self contained and have your own space.

All Steading Suites come equipped with linen, toiletries and tea and coffee making facilities. 

Your four legged friends are also welcome to join you!

Private Rooms

Our seven private rooms are mainly located on the top floor, and offer a higher level of privacy than the five shared hostel dorms on the first floor. They are ideal for couples, friends and families.

All the rooms are well furnished, fully made up upon your arrival, and towels are provided. Each room is equipped with a wash hand basin. Toilet and shower facilities are shared by all guests in the Lodge and located on all three floors.

We have a total of six private rooms on the top floor – two twin rooms and three family-style rooms (1 double and 1 single bed, with space for travel-cot).

Wheelchair access may be gained to all of the ground floor, which includes a further private bedroom (2 twin beds) adjacent to a disabled toilet/shower.  

Free Tea & Coffee making facilities are available in our main self-catering kitchen – and mugs of tea/coffee may be taken upstairs from there.

Included in the booking is a light breakfast of cereals, toast & preserves, fruit juices and fresh coffee & tea, normally served from 8am until 9.30am.

We highly recommend taking your time to explore, relax, and take it all in. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, spend time lounging on our beautiful beaches, and partake in a huge array of adrenaline sports. 

Book your holiday at Inchnadamph now and start planning your Assynt adventure!