There are three routes out of Lochinver: two single track coastal routes of outstanding natural beauty, each ideal for a day trip  exploring or alternatively the quicker, double track, main road heading north or southwards.                 

Traveling from the south 
Visit the Corrieshalloch Gorge (about 6 miles south of Ullapool - with facilities) the deepest gorge in Scotland, an easy 10 minute walk down from the carpark for spectacular views from the Victorian Suspension Bridge overlooking the gorge, then on to the famous Seafood Shack, in Ullapool, for amazing fresh seafood (street food). Take the coastal road heading towards Achiltbuie and climb Stac Pollaidh, the smallest mountain in the area, which takes less than two hours up and down - but what views! Follow the "wee mad road" northwards past mountains and glen hugging the coast towards Lochinver. 

Travelling from the north
I would stop off at the Wailing Widows Waterfall (via a very rough "goat" path as there have been many rock slides obscuring the path, but if you have boots and are fit and healthy I would give it a go). It is about 3 miles south of the magnificent Kylesku Bridge (good bar meals here) and about a 20 minute walk from the roadside. After, take the single track road towards Drumbeg where you will pass Clashnessie Falls and beach, a small diversion off to Stoer Head Lighthouse (longer taking in the Old Man of Stoer), Stoer Beach, Clachtoll Beach and Broch. Onwards to our most popular beach Achmelvich, 5 miles north of Inverpod.

Both the above routes will take about 45 minutes to drive without stopping, the road is a narrow, twisting, single track with lots of passing places but you will find yourself continually stopping as the scenery is truly outstanding.