Assynt

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The GuardianAug 19, 2026

‘I came to the Highlands to give something back to the hills’: a volunteering trip in Scotland

I found two days of hard graft – repairing hiking paths with a conservation trust in stunningly remote Wester Ross – a surprisingly rewarding experience I hadn’t planned to enjoy any of this. As summer light fell on Stac Pollaidh – the summit’s teeth bared, the views stretching across the surreal emptiness of Assynt – I found myself ankle-deep in blanket bog next to a hiking path, back bent, ha…

16 things in this story
  • Stac PollaidhSightWester Ross, United Kingdomsummit's teeth bared, views across Assynt
  • Outdoor Access Trust for ScotlandPlaceWester Ross, United Kingdomsteward of many Highlands mountains, repairs paths
  • An TeallachSightWester Ross, United KingdomAn Teallach is a mountain group in Wester Ross, in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland.
  • Lairig GhruTrailWester Ross, United Kingdomarguably Britain’s most unforgiving mountain pass
  • North Coast 500PlaceWester Ross, United Kingdomroad passes five miles east of Stac Pollaidh
  • SuilvenSightWester Ross, United Kingdomstunning views to the north
  • The Dipping LuggerRestaurantUllapool, United KingdomOur story begins in 1789 when Robert Melville was tasked with establishing Ullapool as a fishing station for the…
  • Ullapool youth hostelHostelUllapool, United Kingdomprovided free stay for volunteers
  • VisitScotlandPlaceWester Ross, United KingdomGet all the information you need for your trip to Scotland!
  • AchmelvichSightWester Ross, United Kingdom
  • ClachtollSightWester Ross, United Kingdom
  • LochnagarSightWester Ross, United Kingdom
  • BraeriachSightWester Ross, United Kingdom
  • SkyeNeighborhoodWester Ross, United Kingdom
  • CairngormsNeighborhoodWester Ross, United Kingdom
  • The Seafood ShackRestaurantUllapool, United Kingdom
Read the full piece at The Guardian →
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