The Gulf Stream, acid soil and long summer daylight hours contribute to the exceptional growing conditions here. The three gardens below are close enough to visit on a day trip.
At Inverewe Gardens on the shores of Loch Ewe, more than 2,5000 species of plants flourish. Osgood Hanbury Mackenzie created the gardens in 1862 and, here, Himalayan rhododendrons, Tasmanian eucalypts and a wide variety of Chilean and South African plants number among the mostly exotic species thriving at a latitude more northerly than Moscow. Just three miles from Ullapool, Leckmelm Gardens features some magnificent trees – including a fabulous spreading beech – and a rich variety of plants. Leckmelm is much smaller (and much more peaceful) than Inverewe but very well worth a visit. And, for a taste of more unusual growing conditions, take a tour around the Hydroponicum at Achiltibuie.

BEACHES

The closest and best wide sandy beaches are at Gruniard and Achnahaird – each about an hour’s drive from Rhidorroch and each with easy access from the roadside.
Sandwood Bay, despite being much further away (three miles north of Kinlochbervie) and needing a four-mile walk to reach, rewards your effort with two miles of golden sand and terrific surf. Diving, sea fishing and windsurfing can be organised locally.