![](http://www.alamy.com/thumbs/6/C8003537-BCE8-4A34-A131-769FF9CCD0F0/ATN8T9.jpg)
The mountains of Inverpolly from Achnahaird Wester Ross. XPL 3837-367
The main draw for visitors to the western end of the Coigach Peninsula is the remarkable Hydroponicum at Achiltibuie. But Follow around the loop of very minor road that extends still further towards the tip of the peninsula. For this little visited part of north west Scotland gives a wonderful feel for the way much more of the country used to be until the 1970s, before the arrival of roads with white lines down the middle. Turning onto this loop of road first takes you past the pebble beach at Badentarbat and the interesting collection of anchors, buoys and other artefacts lined up at its far end. Beyond is the pier that today provides the main access to Tanera Mor, the largest of the Summer Isles. The island has no permanent population, but a fishing station was established there by the British Fisheries Society in 1784, and at the height of the herring boom up to 200 vessels would be based there during the season. The population, which had stood at 119 in 1881 dwindled to nothing by the 1930s, though the 2001 census did record five residents on the day the census was taken. In 1900 the island was purchased by a well known local smuggler and rumours persist of a cargo of rum being buried on Tanera Mor. It has changed hands several times since. Further on, the road takes you through Polbain. Here you find the Polban Stores, carrying a remarkably wide range of stock. A mile north a side road gives access to the jetties serving the haven between Isle Ristol and the Mainland near Old Dornie. This is by far the busiest harbour in the area serving small fishing vessels and pleasure craft. Althandu is the largest settlement on the loop road. Scattered across a south west facing hillside above the coast, its attractions include the Fuaran Bar which offers food all day ranging from snacks to evening meals. Nearby is the The Summer Isles Foods Smokehouse, which is open to visitors.
Size: 5681px × 3383px
Location: Achnahaird, Ross-shire. Highland Region. Scotland. United Kingdom.
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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