The Culnacraig Valley
The cottage is remotely situated. It is the last of four houses in the Culnacraig valley, at the end of a half mile track. The number 173 derives from its position as the last croft house in the south-east corner of the Coigach peninsula.
The cottage is tranquil and secluded, with the immediate proximity of mountains and sea. The Culnacraig valley is recognised as a place of special beauty and is part of the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Ben Mor Coigach Reserve, and the North West Highlands Geopark. Loch Broom also lies within the Wester Ross Marine Protection Area (MPA).
Ben Mor Coigach (743m, 2438ft), one of the most notable peaks of the area rises directly behind the cottage. From its summit there is one of the finest views in the North West Highlands. The land slopes away from the cottage to a rocky shore, only a 10 minute walk from the house. The shore has many interesting rock formations of Torridonian sandstone and otters, seals, gannets and other wildlife are frequently seen. Beautiful mountain burns descend from Ben Mor through wooded ravines, with countless waterfalls and pools. The woodland habitats are an oasis for birdlife.
The SWT Reserve
The SWT reserve is notable for the wild, open terrain of Torridonian sandstone hills, its rugged coastline, varied wildlife and upland flora. Golden eagle, white-tailed or sea eagle, mountain hare, otter, pine marten, red deer and grey seals are found within the reserve.
The Coigach peninsula juts out towards the Minch and on a clear day, the Outer Hebrides can be easily seen. There are several small sandy beaches in the area, at Acheninver and near Reiff. From the large sandy beach at Achnahaird there are spectacular views of the Assynt and Coigach hills, and extend northwards to the Point of Stoer, reached by the beautiful single track road through Inverpolly, Inverkirkaig and Lochinver.
A little further north is the spectacular Handa Island, one of Europe’s largest seabird sanctuaries, managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.