Northern Highlands Guide


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Achiltibuie
		Achiltibuie is home to the Hydroponicum, and well worthy of a visit. The sight of lemons, figs, and strawberries flourishing in northern Scotland makes the Hydroponicum an irresistible curiosity for adults and children. But the giant indoor garden is based on a serious horticultural concern: the owners' passion for soil-free cultivation. Guided tours show visitors around three different climate zones, growing fruits, flowers, and herbs, and explain the hydroponic system.
Loch Broom from Achiltibuie
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Assynt
		The ruins of Ardvreck Castle sit on the shores of Loch Assynt. A few miles further north you will find Unapool (not to be confused with Ullapool which lies to the south), and Kylestrome. Here you will be at the meeting point of Loch a' Chairn Bhain, Loch Glencoul and Loch Glendhu. A popular circular tour is had by taking the road to Stoer at Skiag Bridge and continuing via Clashnessie and Drumbeg, rejoining the original road a few miles south of Unapool.
Loch Assynt and Ardvreck Castle
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Beinn Eighe
		A few miles from the scenic splendour of Loch Maree and Kinlochewe lies Beinn Eighe, one of the grandest National Nature Reserves in Scotland. This 5,000-hectare (12,350-acre) mountain fastness of Caledon pinewoods, moors, and lochans, has breathtaking views over Loch Maree and Torridon. Among the wildlife is pine marten and wildcat. Two waymarked nature trails lead from a signposted roadside car park (2 miles) west of the visitor centre.
Loch Maree
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Bonar Bridge
		Travelling south from Lairg, the road passes through Inveran before following the shore of the Kyle of Sutherland to Bonar Bridge. Here a road bridge crosses the Dornoch Firth to the village of Ardgay and continues south to the market town of Dingwall. Prior to the building of the new road bridge across the Dornoch Firth at the A9, this was the main crossing point for north and south bound traffic. Ease of access to South, North, East and West make this area very popular as a base for those wishing to tour the Northern Highlands.
Bonar Bridge
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Brora
		Leaving Helmsdale heading south the road continues to Brora. Brora has a small harbour that is ideal for pleasure craft and lovely clean sandy beach. The River Brora can be seen in the picture and beyond is the little town of Brora. Brora has grown in popularity with holidaymakers and makes a good base for touring in the region. From Brora the road continues to Golspie famed for Dunrobin Castle and of course "Granny's Hielan' Hame".
Brora
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Corrieshalloch
		To the south of Ullapool is Braemore and the famous Corrieshalloch Gorge. The gorge is a long, deep box canyon (originally created by glacial meltwaters) with the magnificent Falls of Measach at one end. Visitors have the opportunity to look into the depths of the gorge from a 'wobbly' suspension bridge high above. Good car parking facilities are provided.
Corrieshalloch Gorge
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Diabaig
		Diabaig has been called by many visitors who have seen it for the first time 'Scotland's best kept secret'. The rugged grandeur of this area is both beautiful and overwhelming. There you will find the Torridon Hills, a challenge for the best of climbers and an abundance of wildlife all around. Sparsely populated, the roads in the area are single track with passing places but they are well surfaced. Who would want to speed through this scenic feast, better you take time to enjoy every moment.
Lower Diabaig
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Dingwall
		Dingwall is a market town and has the best shopping centre in the area together with an excellent leisure centre. A very good base for touring the area, Dingwall has excellent road and rail links. Closeby are Castle Leod and Beauly Priory, both worthy of a visit. The area is dominated by the lofty Ben Wyvis and recommended is a visit to the Spa village of Strathpeffer (4 miles).
Dingwall
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Dornoch
		Continuing eastward from Bonar Bridge the road hugs the shores of the Dornoch Firth, which has wonderful stretches of fine sandy beach throughout its entire length, before reaching Dornoch. Dornoch is famed for its world-class championship golf course~The Royal Dornoch. A royal burgh, the town was formerly seat of the Bishops of Caithness, their castle now being a very comfortable hotel. The tiny 13th century cathedral was burned down during a clan feud and was rebuilt with funds from Elizabeth, Duchess of Sutherland in 1835.
Dornoch Firth
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Drumbeg
		The Point of Stoer is at the head of the Assynt peninsula, projecting into the turbulent waters of the North Minch 2 miles from Culkein. There is a beautiful clifftop walk, which will probably stimulate you to explore more of this coastline. To the east are Quinag and Ben More and the other summits of Assynt, while the Outer Hebridean islands lie to the west. The clifftop path is a fine viewpoint for spectacular sunsets.
The village of Drumbeg
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Dunbeath
		Travelling south the road follows the coast reaching Lybster and continuing to Dunbeath, the birthplace of Neil Gunn, Dunbeath's famous son of Literature. The croft building at Laidhay, now the Laidhay Croft Museum, dates from around 1842 but its layout and construction is derived from an older type of longhouse or byre dwelling, common in rural areas of Scotland before the Agrarian Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries. It is furnished in period style and has many working artefacts from a vanished age of agriculture. Dunbeath Heritage Centre is also worthy of a visit.
Dunbeath
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Durness
		Durness is the most north westerly settlement on the Scottage mainland. The coastline is rugged and has many sandy coves. A mile or so to the east is one of Durness's main attractions, the spectacular Smoo Cave, a sea cave which you can explore by boat or by the path from the car park on the cliffs above. Evidence has been found of human occupation here dating back 5000 years. Elsewhere in the area archaeology suggests pictish farming settlements going back over 2000 years.
Sango Bay - Durness
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Fortrose
		Across the Moray Firth and looking directly at Fort George is the Black Isle village of Fortrose and its near neighbour Rosemarky. Of particular interest is the Courthouse at Cromarty (10 miles). Cromarty Courthouse was built in 1773, when commercial activity in the town had reached a peak, and is notable among the many fine Georgian buildings that have survived here. Today it is a visitor centre with animated period figures, a reconstructed trial, prison cells, and plenty of Back to Menuground information about its role when Cromarty was a thriving burgh (a Scottish town with trading rights).
Beach near Fortrose
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Gairloch
		Gairloch and its near neighbours, Shieldaig, Badachro, Port Henderson, Opinan and Lonemore are crofting communities around Loch Gairloch that have increased tremendously in popularity with holidaymakers. The majestic scenery and peaceful surroundings make the area ideal for a relaxing holiday. Wildlife is abundant, there are wonderful walks to enjoy and the bay is a comparatively safe environment for those who delight in water sports. Photographers and artists alike will find much inspiration in this delightful part of Wester Ross.
Gairloch
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Golspie
		Near to Golspie is Dunrobin Castle one of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in Scotland and the seat of the Earls of Sutherland said to be the most ancient of the Earls of Scotland. It is the most northerly of Britain's grand houses and its French chateau inspired design and 189 rooms making it without doubt, one of the most unusual. The Sutherlands were one of the richest landowners in the country, if not indeed the richest in Europe but Countess Elizabeth will long be remembered as the instigator of the notorious Highland Clearances.
Dunrobin Castle
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Helmsdale
		The road from Dunbeath continues to the fishing village of Helmsdale. The Timespan Heritage Centre in Helmsdale provides a thought-provoking portrayal of life in the Helmsdale area, emphasising the contribution of the local community. Displays begin with the Stone Age and travel to the present via such themes as the Picts, the Highland Clearances, and even the 1869 gold rush in the nearby Strath of Kildonan. Tableaux, artefacts, and audiovisual effects all contribute to this interpretation of Scottish life.
Helmsdale
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John o' Groats
		From Thurso it is only 20 miles to John o' Groats and Duncanby Head. Here you will be able to visit the last house on the northern seaboard of Scotland which is now a museum. Closeby is the Castle of Mey, a former Scottish residence of the Queen Mother. Day excursions are also run from John O’ Groats to the Orkney Islands. The road south runs close to the eastern coast until reaching the fishing port of Wick.
The Last House Museum
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Kinlochewe
		The village of Kinlochewe, lies 50 miles (80Km) northwest of Inverness at the base of Glendocherty Pass next to the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve. Within easy reach is picturesque Loch Maree, said by many to be the most beautiful loch in Scotland. There is superb views to Beinn Eighe, Stac Mhor and Slioch. Kinlochewe is a a perfect base for hill walking, mountaineering , those who enjoy nature, wildlife, photography, painting or anyone seeking a peaceful relaxing holiday in the tranquillity of this unique location.
Loch Maree
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Kylesku
		Kylesku was made famous in the Scottish song "The Waters of Kylesku". The car ferry that was in use for many years has now been replaced by the bridge in the photograph. Kylesku itself stretches back along the road from the slipway that used to be the southern end of the ferry crossing. It is now by-passed by the main road heading for the bridge, but is well worth the detour of only a few hundred yards. Kylesku is also home to a jetty for locally-based fishing boats and boat trips can be taken to view the 650ft high Eas-Coul-Aulin waterfall, Britain's highest, and four times the height of the Niagara Falls.
Bridge At Kylesku
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Laide
		Laide lies on the shores of Gruinard Bay approx. 15 miles north of Gairloch. On route you pass through Poolewe and can visit the Inverewe Garden Centre. The road continues northward past Loch Ewe to Laide. A branch road skirts the shoreline of Gruinard Bay with its magnificent clean sandy beaches and continues through the crofting hamlets of Achgarve, Mellon Udrigle and Obinan. The main road hugs the shores of Gruinard bay and Little Loch Broom before joining the main route from Inverness to Ullapool.
Gruinard Bay
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Lairg
		Not far south of Golspie there is a junction where a road turns off to Lairg. Lairg is situated on the southern shore of Loch Shin and is a wonderful base for touring being uniquely situated at a strategic road junction. Loch Shin is 24 miles long and 1 mile wide and has a large Hydro-Electric dam at the southern end which controls the flow of water in the River Shin. At the right time of year salmon can be seen leaping up the Falls of Shin which are 2 miles downstream from Lairg. A viewing platform is provided. Around Lairg there are many Neolithic stone circles and Cairns, the cairn at The Ord, just outside Lairg, having been excavated, is well worthy of a visit.
Lairg and Loch Shin
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Lochinver
		The attractive village of Lochinver has sandy beaches nearby and it is ideally located for those holiday makers who enjoy hill walking, bird watching, fishing, touring or just having a very relaxing holiday amid spectacular scenery. The Point of Stoer is at the head of the Assynt peninsula, projecting into the turbulent waters of the North Minch 2 miles from Culkein and 6 Miles from the village of Lochinver. There is a beautiful clifftop walk, which will probably stimulate you to explore more of this coastline.
Lochinver
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Poolewe
		Close to Poolewe, Inverewe Garden, run by the National Trust for Scotland, is a spectacular oasis of colour and fertility on a promontory by Loch Ewe, and is favoured with a mild Gulf Stream climate. The garden is full of tender plants from the Himalayas, Chile, New Zealand, and elsewhere. This unforgettable garden, with an international reputation for plant content, developed as a series of waymarked walks through shrubberies, rock gardens, pools, and a valley. There is a restaurant and shopping centre where you may make purchases.
Inverewe Gardens
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Talmine
		The crofting community of Talmine lies just west of the Kyle of Tongue and is reached by a branch road northward from the main road to Tongue. Here you will find magnificent clean sandy beaches in quiet bays along this rugged rocky coastline. The landscape is dominated by the lofty peaks of Ben Loyal and those of Ben Hope. Travelling westward the road skirts Loch Eriboll before reaching the famous Smoo Cave and Durness. From the Kyle of Tongue travel eastward through Invernaver to Bettyhill where you will find glorious stretches of unspoiled clean sandy beach.
The Rabbit Islands from Talmine
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Thurso
		From Bettyhill the road hugs the main coastline passing though Armadale, Strathy, Melvich and Reay to reach Thurso. Thurso is a good sized town with good shopping centre and amenities. Main routes head westward, eastward and south and the town has good bus and rail links. Closeby is Dunnet head with its lighthouse standing guard on the point.
Thurso
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Tongue
		The village of Tongue is situated on the shore of Kyle of Tongue with its vast stretches of sandy beaches. The landscape is dominated by the lofty peaks of Ben Loyal and those of Ben Hope. Travelling westward the road skirts Loch Eriboll before reaching the famous Smoo Cave and Durness. Travelling eastward the road continues through Invernaver to Bettyhill where you will find still more glorious stretches of unspoiled clean sandy beach.
Ben Loyal and Kyle of Tongue
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Torridon
		Approximately 14 miles from Gairloch and 8 miles from Torridon you will find The Torridon Countryside Centre. This Centre is run by the National Trust and waymarked paths lead through one of Scotland's grandest wild landscapes with peaks of Torridonian sandstone and a maze of small lochs. The Centre offers an audio-visual presentation on Highland wildlife. A ranger service is available, and strong footwear is essential. The signposted Deer Museum lies 600 metres (1,968 feet) from the Centre.
Torridon Countryside Centre
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Ullapool
		Founded by the British Fishery Society in 1786, Ullapool is the largest village on the northwestern seaboard and an important tourism centre. It is also a Western Isles ferry port. The Western Isles stretch from the Butt of Lewis to the Isle of Barra. Ullapool has two museums (the Loch Broom Museum and the Ullapool Museum) and a pottery. To the north, there are attractive touring options through the mountains of the Inverpolly Nature Reserve to Achiltibuie or Lochinver. South of Ullapool, the Falls of Measach plunge into the Corrieshalloch Gorge.
Ullapool
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Wick
		The town of Wick takes its name from the Norse word for bay~Vik. The growth of Wick was for generations bound up with the herring industry. Wick was at one time the largest herring port in Europe, with over a thousand boats fishing from its harbour in 1865. The fishing industry is the main theme of the Wick Heritage Centre, a community-run interpretation centre with plenty of nautical artefacts and documents. There is also reconstructed rooms and a huge photographic archive.
Wick Harbour
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