The Kylesku bridge has become an iconic symbol of the drive through Assynt

Nestled between Ullapool to the south and Kinlochbervie to the north, Unapool and Scourie might not stand out on a map but this beautiful area is well worth a stop to explore. Anyone who has driven the road will recognise the iconic Kylesku Bridge just north of Unapool and the spectacular scenery that surrounds it, but many pass through without stopping to explore.

At Unapool, the North West Highlands Geopark’s ‘Rock Stop’ café and visitor centre has a fantastic feature that adults and kids love – an interactive ‘make your own mountains’ sandpit! As sand is piled up, a lightbox overhead projects contour lines onto the ‘topography’ below – and you can even make it ‘rain’, watching how the water travels off the slopes and through glens. Well worth a visit!

The area’s claim to fame is that it hosts Britain’s highest uninterrupted waterfall – Eas a’ Chual Aluinn. The top can be reached by a 6-mile walk with spectacular scenery, or a boat trip will take you up Loch Gleann Dubh to the base of the falls.

A smaller yet wonderful (and much more easily accessible!) waterfall lies at the outflow of Loch na Gainmhich, just south of the Kylesku bridge. This hidden gem is known by very few, so you’re likely to have it to yourself!

Keen hillwalkers will love Quinag, a massif taking in three peaks over 700m. Also easily accessible are Ben Mor Assynt and Canisp.

Seven miles south of Unapool is Ardvrek Castle, the ruins of which lie on an outcrop into Loch Assynt. There is a good car park with interpretation boards detailing the castle’s turbulent past.

Six miles north of Scourie, down a single-track road, you can hop on a boat to Handa, a Scottish Wildlife Trust island reserve full of seals, skuas, puffins, guillemots, fulmars and more.

Scourie itself has a well-stocked local shop, so you’re not stuck for supplies in the area. The closest supermarket is in Ullapool, 42 miles to the south – but we recommend shopping local where possible.

Kids and adults alike love Scourie beach, in a sheltered bay perfect for swimming – for the brave!

Scourie and Unapool may be passed through by most people – but that just means that you’ll have the gems that the area has to offer to yourself! Coupled with unrivalled scenery, this peaceful area has some real hidden gems that are worth taking time to explore.