The North West Highlands is a remote region in the Highlands area. Comprising villages and a lot of beauty, this area contains the oldest rocks in Europe.

The area’s geological significance is recognised by the UNESCO-certified North-West Highlands Geopark, and nearly a quarter of the land area is designated and protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

It is a full day exploring this stunning area of Scotland!

This itinerary is part of the North Coast 500

A Day in the North West Highland Tour is a 9-hour full-day tour from Inverness.

This itinerary is part of the North Coast 500

Ullapool

Founded in 1788 as a fishing village by the British Fishery Society, it is located on the shores of Loch Broom.

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve

It is famous for its geology. Geologists worldwide come here to see the rock formations that tell the story of Scotland’s ancient landscape.

The North West Highlands Global Geopark hosts a wide range of rock formations covering two-thirds of the Earth’s history.

Assynt

Famous for its dramatic, rugged landscapes—mountains, lochs, and coastal cliffs. The area is geologically unique, with some of the oldest rocks in Europe. Ardvreck Castle, a 15th-century castle ruin, watches over the stunning Loch Assynt, which belonged to the MacLeod clan.

Lochinver

A small fishing village that serves as a gateway to the dramatic coastal landscapes of Assynt and the surrounding Highlands. The village of Lochinver is the largest settlement of the Assynt region and is home to almost 400 people.