Altandhu: Crofting History and Coastal Views

Altandhu combines a long history of settlement with views of Isle Ristol and Old Dornie Bay. As one of Coigach’s original crofting hamlets, it offers a range of historic traces; across the peninsula and around the Summer Isles, coastal landscapes, geological features and other nature experiences add to the picture.

Settlement History and Archaeological Traces

The crofting settlement of Altandhu, historically also called Alltan Dubh, extends for about two kilometres: from Loch Camas an Fheidh in the southeast to beyond the public road to Achnahaird in the northwest. Its extent and the different archaeological sites give the settlement’s history several facets.

The hut circle is a poorly preserved circular stone structure on a gently west-facing slope beside a single-track road. It is dated to a period spanning approximately 4000 BC to AD 560. This broad timespan sits alongside a clearly recognisable plan: a circular stone structure.

Another trace is a group of building remains from a pre-crofting settlement on a terrace within the crofting settlement. There is also a field system consisting of two connected enclosures and another small, roughly circular enclosure. The latter measures about 30 to 40 metres in diameter; the field system may once have been connected by a wall.

The history of schooling also points to Altandhu’s role within Coigach: until the 1930s, there were five schools in the region, including one in Altandhu. Traces of earlier settlement and a more recent historical link to everyday life in the area thus complement one another.

Coastal Views and the Summer Isles

From Altandhu, there are views of Isle Ristol and Old Dornie Bay. Off the Coigach peninsula lie the Summer Isles, a group of approximately 20 islands, rocks and skerries. The island group is therefore a distinct geographical feature of the coastal landscape.

Isle Ristol combines island views with a long white sandy beach. At low tide, the island can be reached on foot, so access depends on the tides. Check tide information before setting out so you can take this condition into account when planning.

A pier near Altandhu is the main access point to Tanera Mor, the largest of the Summer Isles. This adds a specific connection to one of the islands to the views of the island group, without conflating the different coastal locations and access points.

Geology, Trails and Nature in Coigach

The Coigach Geotrail offers geology-focused excursions around the peninsula. It passes coastal stretches, beaches and hills with views of the Summer Isles. Topics to discover along the Geotrail include Britain’s oldest rocks, fossils of early life and evidence of a massive asteroid impact.

Coigach’s walking opportunities include coastal paths from the large sandy beach at Achnahaird to the high cliffs at Reiff. The landscapes mentioned are quite different: one is defined by the beach, the other by the height of the cliffs. This makes it possible to experience the peninsula’s coast from different perspectives, without treating these paths as a single route.

For a glimpse of the underwater world, there is the North West Highland Snorkel Trail. It includes several easily accessible coastal spots where you can explore the diverse marine life in clear Atlantic waters. Coigach and the Summer Isles also offer opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

Trips to the islands are another option: Summer Isles Sea Tours offers tours to the Summer Isles aboard the Isabella. As operating information can change, check the latest details about this service before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Cononbridge, Duror, Alness, Kyleakin, Letterfinlay, Torlundy, Kentallen, Dalwhinnie.

For the wider travel overview: Highland.