Achiltibuie is a scattered village on the far northwest coast of Scotland, north of Ullapool, with glorious views across to the Summer Isles. The road out there is long and winding — it passes between Cul Beag and Stac Pollaidh, two of the most distinctive mountains in Assynt — and that remoteness is much of the point. The landowners along the route are not welcoming to swimmers in their lochs, so stick to the coast.
In summer, boat trips run out to the Summer Isles archipelago. Only one island is inhabited — Tanera Mòr — but the wildlife — seabirds, seals, the occasional dolphin — makes the trip worthwhile.
The alternative approach from Lochinver to the north is arguably even more dramatic, with some of the finest coastal scenery in Scotland squeezed into a narrow, twisting single-track road.