Scourie & Handa Island

Ten miles north of Kylesku is the little crofting community of Scourie, sitting above a sandy bay. Anyone remotely interested in wildlife is strongly advised to make a stop here to visit Handa Island, a sea bird reserve run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, and one of the best places in the country for bird life. The island is now deserted, except for the warden, but once supported a thriving community of crofters, until the potato famine of 1846 forced them to leave, most emigrating to Canada's Cape Breton. Now it's home to huge colonies of shags, fulmars, razorbills, guillemots and puffins. The best time to visit is during the summer breeding season, from late May to August. There's a footpath right round the island, which is detailed in the free SWT leaflet available at the warden's office when you arrive. You should allow three to four hours. There's a ferry service to the island from Tarbet Beach, three miles northwest off the A894, about three miles north of Scourie. It sails continuously, depending on demand. Info - Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 0930-1700. It's a 15-min crossing. Tel. (0)1971502077.

Another excellent wildlife boat trip leaves from Fanagmore, a mile from Tarbet on the other side of the peninsula, with Laxford Cruises, Tel.(0)1971 502251. They sail around beautiful Loch Laxford, where you can see lots of birds from nearby Handa Island, as well as seals, porpoises and otters. Info - Trips leave Easter till the end of Sep daily except Sun at 1000, 1200 and 1400 (also at 1600 in Jul and Aug). The trips last 1 hr 45 mins. - 2014 Update - Laxford Cruises is no longer operating

For bookings contact Julian Pearce, who also runs the wonderful Seafood Restaurant (facebook page) (mid-range) just above the jetty at Tarbet. If you're up this way, don't miss a visit to this restaurant which serves seafood caught by Julian during his boat trips! It's a great place and you can even stay here, in the self-catering caravan next door, which sleeps up to six.