A short distance along the road behind Laide Post Office is a track which leads down to the ruins of a chapel believed, by some, to be built by St Columba about 500 AD.
Further along the road and just before it narrows is a second track that leads down to Laide Jetty. The views across Gruinard Bay from here and at the chapel are superb with Suilven, Stac Pollaidh and An Teallach rising up on the eastern side of the bay.
In the centre of the bay is Gruinard Island, famous as the site for the testing of Anthrax bombs in 1942.
The single track road continues for another three miles to the tiny community of Mellon Udrigle.
There is a small car park and a board walk onto the beautiful beach of Camas a’Charaig.
The panorama here, although similar to that from the jetty and chapel, is even more spectacular and must rank as one of the finest coastal views anywhere in the United Kingdom.
A favourite walk is to follow the cliffs around the headland. The guide books give a time of one and a quarter hours but a number of our guests have, on a fine day, spent three to four hours on the circuit.
The first section, across the peninsular is relatively flat and along a reasonable path.
As well as the splendid views, visitors can hope to see a variety of seabirds such as cormorants, shags and gannets as well as seals and, if really lucky, an otter or two playing among the rocks
Next to the Old Smiddy is Laide Wood. Although seriously damaged and closed in November 2005, it was re-opened to visitors in April 2007. The circular path offers a gentle pre-dinner stroll and the chance to admire the loch with its abundance of water lilies or the sight of a buzzard or two flying overhead.
www.laidewood.org.uk
