The scenery of the North Highlands is varied and spectacular and is influenced by the complex geology of the area. The major rock types include Moine metamorphic Rocks, Torridonian and Devonian Sandstone. Discover more as you travel around the North Highlands.
Across the Top itineraryFrom Durness to Duncansby, a day on the spectacular north coast will take you through a changing landscape – from beautiful uncrowded beaches, over vast sweeping expanses of moorland and through crofting communities strung along the coast into the fertile farmlands of Caithness where archaeological treasures hint at thousands of years of human habitation. Smoo [...]
Ben More Assynt and ConivalBen More Assynt (998m) and Conival (987m) are the highest peaks in the district. Only the great western bulk of Conival is visible from the road. Both are capped by Cambrian Quartzite, grey on a dull day but bright in the sun. The ascent is normally made from the Inchnadamph Hotel, but it is a [...]
Caithness Broch CentreThe Caithness Broch Centre is a new museum in Auckengill, north-east Caithness. It is centred around two key themes: brochs and the communities associated with them. Brochs – tall imposing circular drystone towers built over 2000 years ago – are some of the most remarkable structures ever built in Britain. Caithness is the home of [...]
Carn LiathCarn Liath (G Grey cairn) is a well preserved broch about 2 miles north of Golspie on the A9 and has walls nearly 4m high. For access, park as indicated and take the signposted path. it was cleared out in the 1800s and a variety of items found, some of which are in Dunrobin Museum. [...]
CoigachCOIGACH (G na Coig Achaidhean, The Five Ach’s), the mountainous peninsula north of Loch Broom was divided into coig’s, or fifths. It is accessed by a single track road that winds its way to Achiltibuie, or north to Lochinver. The road follows Lochs Lurgainn, Bad a’Ghaill and Osgaig, and offers many fine views of cul [...]
CorrieshallochCorrieshalloch (G Coire Shalach, Ugly corry) has a fine waterfall, Eisan na Miasaich, (G Fall of the Place of Platters) or the Falls of Measach. This 61m deep box canyon is situated just south of Braemore, 12 miles east of Ullapool. The car park and access is off the A832 just after the junction with [...]
Discover the North Highlands of ScotlandA useful map leaflet for the North Highlands of Scotland that describes all the area has to offer:- Dramatic coastlines Beautiful landscapes Amazing wildlife Fascinating history Magical experiences
Dunnet Head & Mary Ann’s CottageDUNNET HEAD(127m) is the most northerly point in mainland Britain. The lighthouse was built in 1831 by robert Stevenson. and stands atop the imposing 90m cliffs of Easter Head. The viewpoint offers fine vistas in all directions over the Pentland Firth to Orkney and Stroma. In summer it is home to breeding Puffins, Guillemots, razorbills, [...]
Falls of GlomachThe Falls of Glomach (G Glom, chasm, NG977222) at 113m, are arguably the most spectacular, though not the highest in UK. They can be reached by a 4 mile hike up a good path from the Forestry commission car park at Strath Coe, off the A87 and inland from Morvich. Though the falls themselves are [...]
Inchnadamph NNRInchnadamph NNR is something of a paradise for geologists and botanists. The former come to study the complex rock formations of the Moine Thrust, while the latter are attracted by the amazing diversity of plants which grow on the limestone outcrops in this area. Even people with little knowledge of geology or botany cannot fail [...]
KintailKINTAIL (G Ceann t-saile, Head of the Salt Water) in the southeast provides a dramatic entrance to Wester ross. The A87 passes though Glen Shiel with 1,000m mountains on both sides of the road, including the lovely Five Sisters of Kintail, before descending to Shiel Bridge at the head of Loch Duich. The Five Sisters [...]
Knockan CragKNOCKAN CRAG (G Creag a’ Chnocain, crag of the Small Hill), is 13 miles north of Ullapool on the A835. This site is famous for its geology as it formed part of the scientific debate about what is now called the Moine Thrust, where older rocks are thrust horizontally over newer ones. A combination of [...]
QuinagQUINAG (G Chuineag, milking pail) is a large mountain (808m), which dominates the landscape all around it. Perhaps the most striking view is from the road north of the Kylesku Bridge. The mountain is composed of Torridonian Sandstone and the high peaks are topped by Cambrian Quartzite.
Smoo CaveSmoo Cave is located at the eastern edge of the village of Durness, on Scotland’s most northerly coastline. It is a dramatic location and on the only primary road in the area, the A838 Durness to Tongue. A trip to Smoo Cave has to be included in any stay in Durness. Set into limestone cliffs, [...]
Stac PollaidhStac Pollaidh (613m) may take its name from the river Polly just to the north. its summit is only 500m above the car park via a very clear path. The views from the top more than repay the effort. Inverpolly Special Area of conservation is spread out before you. it covers the ground west of [...]
SuilvenSuilven (ON Sula, Pillar rock G Bheinn, mountain, 731m) is perhaps Scotland’s most iconic mountain, though far from its highest. It towers over its surrounding moorland and lochs, yet is a relatively easy climb, either from Inverkirkaig or from the north via Glencanisp Lodge near Lochinver. Both routes involve long walks. Canisp (ON White Mountain, [...]
TorridonTORRIDON (ON Thorfinn’s Township, or G Place of Transference) is full of scenic grandeur, its ancient mountains rising steeply and dramatically from sea level to over 1,000m. They loom majestically over Upper Loch Torridon, the little villages of Torridon or Fasag, inver Alligin, Alligin Shuas and Diabaig at their foot.
