Top 12 Natural Monuments around Scourie

The area around Scourie is internationally renowned for its Lewisian gneiss, some of the oldest rocks in Western Europe, dating back billions of years. These ancient metamorphic rocks are intruded by darker volcanic Scourie dykes. You can observe these at the 'Multi-coloured Rock Stop' north of Scourie, which dramatically illustrates the region's complex geological history. The Scourie Coast is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to these features, and the entire region is part of the North-West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark.

You can visit Wailing Widow Falls, which is noted for its impressive height, being four times higher than Niagara Falls. It can be viewed from above or below, though caution is advised due to the steep terrain. Another spectacular option is Eas a’ Chual Aluinn Waterfall, the highest waterfall in the UK at 200 meters high, formed by several small streams from the surrounding moors.

Yes, the Inchnadamph Bone Caves are a historical site where excavations have uncovered some of Scotland's oldest skeletal remains, including a 20,000-year-old polar bear skull. These caves provided temporary accommodation for ancient hunters and gatherers.

Handa Island, located just off the coast from Scourie, is a nature reserve and bird sanctuary. Its towering Torridonian Sandstone cliffs host one of Britain's largest breeding colonies of guillemots, along with kittiwakes, puffins, razorbills, and fulmars. It's also a good spot for spotting seals, lizards, and potentially dolphins and porpoises. Ferries operate to the island from Tarbet Beach from April through September.

For those seeking a challenge, Quinag and Foinaven offer dramatic highland scenery. Foinaven, though not quite a Munro, is considered one of Scotland's best Corbetts, known for its grand ridge, quartzite screes, and fractured cliffs. A full traverse provides rewarding, though demanding, hillwalking experiences with awesome views across NW Scotland.

Oldshoremore Beach is a stunning natural monument with clean white sand, part of the Sandwood Estate. It's easily accessible with a short walk from a car park and offers picturesque coastal scenery, ideal for exploring the rocks and enjoying the natural beauty.

The Old Man of Stoer, though a bit further south in Assynt, is a spectacular sea stack that stands as an impressive rock formation. The walk to it from the lighthouse car park is just under two miles and is also noted as a prime location for whale and dolphin spotting from the coastal path.

The region offers diverse outdoor activities. For hiking, you can explore trails like the Handa Island Trail or the more challenging Ben Stack. If you enjoy running, routes such as the Spidean Coinich Circuit or the Scourie to Tarbet run are available. Cycling enthusiasts can tackle longer routes like the River Laxford, Loch More & Bealach nam Fiann from Scourie. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, running guide, and cycling guide for Scourie.

Visitors frequently praise the dramatic and wild landscapes, the geological significance of the ancient rocks, and the abundant wildlife, especially the seabird colonies. The challenging yet rewarding mountain climbs and the impressive waterfalls are also highly appreciated. The area's remote beauty and opportunities for exploration are consistently highlighted.

Beyond the historical Inchnadamph Bone Caves, you can also find the Waterslide Cave. This cave features a large opening revealing a natural waterslide with a river flowing through it. It's a visually striking natural monument, though visitors are advised to exercise caution and not attempt to enter due to steep and slippery ground.

The best time to visit is generally from late spring to early autumn (April to September). During these months, the weather is typically milder, and daylight hours are longer, making it ideal for exploring. This period also coincides with the breeding season for seabirds on Handa Island, offering prime wildlife viewing opportunities. However, be prepared for changeable weather at any time of year in the Scottish Highlands.

While many natural monuments involve rugged terrain, Oldshoremore Beach is easily accessible with a short walk from a car park, making it suitable for families to enjoy the sand and explore the coastal scenery. Handa Island, with its abundant seabirds, can also be a captivating experience for older children who enjoy wildlife, accessible via a ferry trip.