Unforgettable boat trips
The coastline of North West Scotland is simply stunning. Breath-taking sea cliffs, small islands (more like sentinels when viewed from the water!), skerries with playful seals, and iconic sea stacks plus a dramatic mountain-scape beyond - all arguably best viewed from the sea. It’s one of the reasons we recommend our guests book more than one night at Eddrachilles, it would be a shame to miss out on this.
There are two boat tour operators near to the hotel and more in Lochinver and Ullapool as well as the ferry near Durness to Cape Wrath. Boat trips last from an hour and half on Glendhhu or out from Lochinver with longer options sometimes available.
Of course, some planning will be required. Boat trips are particularly weather dependent so you should have alternate plans in mind. Some require to be booked in advance, others are “tickets at departure” only and the tours do vary in price. Dogs are not permitted on some and a few with remote landings require good levels of mobility. We are happy to advise our guests on their plans but we recommend that you contact the operators direct.
Breathtaking views and wildlife - bring your camera!
North Coast SEA Tours
At the west side of Lochinver harbour you will find the marina. There’s a small free carpark and North Coast Sea Tours departs from the pontoons. These tours provide an unforgettable opportunity to see the region's sea cliffs, and stacks from the sea as well as birdlife and wildlife. There is something quite magical about being accompanied out of Lochinver harbour by dolphins!
Tours currently include: Wildlife Tours at 10 am , 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm and sunset tours from 7pm
This company also offers Sea Angling tours from Kinlochbervie on certain days and Private Hire.
KYLESKU BOat Tours
Departing Kylesku slipway, 7 miles from Eddrachilles Hotel, are three daily boat trips on the sea lochs of Glendhu and Glencoul. If you are not as keen on open sea water, this could be an excellent choice for you. Skipper Stephen provides an excellent commentary on local history, geology and wildlife. Not to forget Eas a’Chual Aluinn the tallest waterfall in the UK, some 200m - far higher than Niagara Falls!
Grey seals, eagles and otters are just some of the local inhabitants that can be spotted during the 1 hour and 15 minute tour. There's also an opportunity to learn about the sea life of the loch including the shellfish and fish and local responsible fishing practices. We’ve had great feedback from our guests about this tour, mentioning “lots to see”, “the right length” and a “wonderful informative commentary”.
The tours start running in May and end late September/early October. Children and dogs are welcome. Departure times are 10.30 am, 12 noon and 2.00 pm daily. Allow a little time to walk to the slipway as the public street parking can be very busy (the closest street parking areas are used by the staff and guests of the popular Kylesku Hotel. Please call 07821 441 090 or book online.
Sailing out to the iconic Kylesku Bridge, part of the North Coast 500.
Landing at Handa
HanDA ISLAND - a memorable experience
From early April until early September a small passenger ferry sails from Tarbet (about 8 miles north of Eddrachilles Hotel) to Handa island, Monday to Saturday, 9.00 am until 2.00 pm (last outward ferry, return ferries from Handa run until c4.30 pm). Please note, no dogs are allowed on the ferry or island.
Handa rises over 400ft above sea level and measures about a mile by a mile and a half. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is run as a nature reserve by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. There are walking routes around the island and we recommend allowing a whole day for your trip to make the most of the opportunity. The puffin burrows are at the far end of the island. Please note, there are no facilities on the island, take water and refreshments with you!
Bird life: Over 150 species including puffins (some 250 nesting pairs), guillemots, razorbills and great skuas
Otters, dolphins, minke whales, pilot whales, porpoises, basking sharks and the amazing orca (killer whales) also occasionally go by.
Plants: In excess of 216 species.
Mosses: In excess 100 types of moss