Mostly scattered around the sheltered northeastern shore of Loch Gairloch , the crofting township of GAIRLOCH thrives during the summer as a low-key holiday resort with several tempting sandy beaches and some excellent coastal walks within easy reach. The Gairloch Heritage Museum (April–Sept Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Oct Mon–Fri 10am–1.30pm; call for winter hours; tel 01445/712287; £2.50) has eclectic, appealing displays covering geology, archeology, fishing and farming that range from a mock-up of a croft house to an early knitting machine. One leisurely way to explore the … more »