Clans and castles, the exodus of people from areas such as Strathnaver, and the birth of industries have shaped the North Highlands. From the harbours of the North East coast that put the Caithness town of Wick at the centre of the herring industry, the pioneering lighthouse construction at sites such as Cape Wrath, renowned flagstones shipped the world over from Castlehill, to the development of nuclear power at Dounreay. Here are some of the sites that embody the heritage of 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 [...]
Ardvreck Castle and Calda HouseArdvreck Castle stands at the south end of Loch Assynt. Now a gaunt ruin, it dates from the late 15th century, and was the seat of the MacLeods of Assynt. It was a tower house, at least three storeys high. The circular, corbelled section enclosed the staircase while the vaulted basement probably held the kitchen, [...]
BadbeaBadbea (ND488200), south of Berriedale is the sad remnant of a village formed by 28 families evicted from nearby Langwell. The steep, poor ground above precipitous cliffs made the settlement untenable. It is said that families living there tethered their children to the rocks to stop them falling over the cliffs.
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 [...]
Caithness HorizonsHere, the exciting story of mankind’s past and present interaction with the environment of North East Scotland, the geology, archaeology, history and ecology of the area is revealed. A series of themed rooms uncover the stories and people of Caithness’s past. Caithness Horizons offers a truly remarkable journey delving into all that Caithness has to [...]
Cape WrathCAPE WRATH (ON Hvarf, Turning Point) is eighteen kilometers from Durness Village and is the most north-westerly point on the British mainland. The engineer in charge of building Cape Wrath lighthouse was Robert Stevenson. It was first lit in 1828, and has an elevation of 122m. Stone for the tower and dwelling houses was quarried at [...]
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. [...]
Castle of MeyTHE CASTLE OF MEY was originally built between 1566 and 1572 by George Sinclair, Earl of Caithness. It was renamed Barrogill Castle in the 18th century and extensive additions were made in the 19th century. By the early 1950s it had fallen into severe disrepair. In 1952, during a visit to friends after the death [...]
Castle Sinclair GirnigoeCASTLE SINCLAIR GIRNIGOE is located 900m west of Noss Head lighthouse, 5 miles from Wick by road. It is spectacularly sited atop 20m cliffs on a promontory. It is protected on the landward side by a large geo (ON gja, narrow sea inlet). Recent archaeological investigations have shown that it was built as one castle [...]
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 [...]
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
DornochDORNOCH (G Dorn Eich, horses hoof ) is a lovely little town facing south and east across the Dornoch Firth. Major redevelopment during 1810-1815 by the countess of Sutherland created the pretty cottages. The sandstone buildings fit in well with the ancient cathedral, giving the town a picturesque appearance reminiscent of a cotswolds village. Dornoch [...]
Dunbeath Harbour and Heritage CentreDUNBEATH (G Dun Beithe, Fort of the Birches) is named after the broch at the confluence of Dunbeath Water and the Burn of Houstry. The surrounding woodland is indeed mostly knarled old Birches, covered in interesting mosses and lichens. Dunbeath Harbour developed from the 1790s, when Herring fishing started here. Over 80 families were cleared [...]
Dunnet Bay & CastlehillDUNNET BAY has a fine 2 mile stretch of sand, backed by high dunes and extensive links. When the sea is up, massive waves break here which is attractive to surfers. The beach is popular for walking, sand yachting and other pursuits. Dunnet ranger Visitor centre, at the caravan site, has displays about the various [...]
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, [...]
Dunrobin CastleDUNROBIN CASTLE (G Dunrobin, Robin’s Fort) stands on a bluff just north of Golspie. It has an enchanting fairytale appearance when seen from afar. Closer inspection reveals a huge multiperiod mansion house. The oldest part of the building is a 14th century keep, but it is probably built on the site of a Norse fort, [...]
Eilean Donan CastleEilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s iconic landmarks, sits on a tidal island in Loch Duich. The Castle was reconstructed between 1911 and 1932 by Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap, who bought the island in 1911. With his Clerk of Works, Farquar Macrae, he used old plans to create this replica. Webcam coming soon! This webcam [...]
Following the Silver Darlings itineraryA little over a hundred years ago the east coast harbours of Caithness and Sutherland were at the heart of the North Sea herring boom, with Wick one of the principal fishing ports in Scotland. Today’s route takes you down this spectacular coastline, through the villages and harbours immortalised in Neil Gunn’s classic story, ‘The [...]
GlenelgGlenelg An unmissable detour is the side road which runs to Glenelg. The view from Bealach Ratagan (339m) over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters is spectacular. There are also fine views across to Skye further along the road. The Bernera Barracks at Glenelg were built in 1723 after the 1715 Jacobite uprising, but were [...]
Grey Cairns of CamsterThe Grey Cairns of Camster (ND260440) are 5 miles north of Lybster. They are among the best preserved Neolithic chambered cairns in Britain. Both have intact chambers and passages with rooflights so that no torches are needed. They should not be missed and are accessed from the road by boardwalks. Camster Round is about 20m [...]
Inverewe GardenInverewe Garden was created by Osgood MacKenzie, who purchased the estate of Kernsary with help from his mother in 1862. From then until his death in 1922, he transformed a barren hillside into spectacular gardens and woodlands. His daughter, Mairi, continued his work until 1952 when she gifted them to the National Trust for Scotland, [...]
John O’Groats to Land’s EndJohn O’Groats is at one end of the longest distance between two inhabited points on the British mainland, Land’s End being the other. It is the starting point, or end point, of many walks, cycle journeys and motorcycle rides, often for charity. Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman rode their BMW GS R1200s from John O’Groats, [...]
Loch FleetLOCH FLEET (ON fljotr, flood), the tidal estuary of the River Fleet, lies between Golspie and Dornoch. It has a diverse combination of habitats including both salt and freshwater mudflats, saltmarsh, Alderwoods, Pinewoods and sand dunes. The varied surroundings include farmland, woodland and moorland. The unusual combination supports a wide range of wildlife throughout the [...]
PortmahomackPORTMAHOMACK (G Port Mo-Cholaig, Colman’s, or Columba’s Port) may claim some association with Columba. It is certainly the best harbour on the entire coast north of Burghead and has been in use as such for a very long time. The present pier was built by Thomas Telford in 1813-16. Of the two warehouses or girnels, [...]
Rich Human History itineraryMan has lived a long time on the east coast of Sutherland. This enduring and beautiful landscape is home to ancient brochs and medieval castles, hidden woodland sites where iron ore was made and wide flowing rivers and estuaries used for transportation for centuries. Peaceful crofting townships, farms and villages only hint at the sometimes [...]
StrathnaverSTRATHNAVER The Province of Strathnaver originally stretched from Kylesku to Caithness. There is evidence of long settlement here from ancient times with Neolithic chambered cairns, stone circles, Bronze Age cist burials and Iron Age brochs. A mixture of Gaelic and Norse placenames as well as many ruined farmsteads and settlements evoke more recent times. The [...]
StrathpefferSTRATHPEFFER is a charming and unique little village 5 miles west of Dingwall. Wells have always had supernatural powers attached to them, and those around this village are no different, except for their nature. Here there are sulphurous wells of various strengths, and also chalybeate or iron-bearing waters. By the late 18th century people were [...]
Strome CastleStrome Castle is now a ruin, but from Norse times or earli- er it was an important strategic site. The present buildingdates from the 15th century, when it was most likely a fortified tower house. it was fought over many times by the MacKenzies and the MacDonalds. in 1602 the Lord of Kintail, Kenneth MacKenzie, [...]
The Clan Gunn CentreThe Clan Gunn Centre is situated in Latheron Old Parish church which dates from 1734. it tells the story of the clan from Norse times against the background of the history of the north of Scotland. It also contains a substantial clan archive and shop.
Timespan Museum and Arts CentreTimespan Museum and Arts Centre – a vibrant meeting place between our past and our future; linking culture, heritage, the arts, people and their ideas. Timespan is situated in the centre of Helmsdale, Sutherland – the largest, but least populated, area of the Highlands. It comprises an award winning museum, art gallery, Story Telling Room, [...]
Travel to the top itineraryDrive to Dornoch stopping for lunch at the Dornoch Castle Hotel. Dornoch is a small towna pproximately 1 hours drive from Inverness. Why not take a stroll around Dornoch cathedral or stretch your legs on the magnificent sandy beach and watch the golfers on the championship links course. Next to Brora where you can discover [...]
Whaligoe StepsWhaligoe and its steps (ND322403) were first mentioned by Rev Pope of Reay around 1769, “In this parish (Wick) there is a haven for fishing boats, called Whaligoe, which is a creek betwixt two high rocks. Though the height of one of these rocks is surprising, yet the country people have made steps by which [...]
Wick Heritage CentreWick Heritage Museum was opened by the Wick Society in 1981. Situated in Bank row, it has a huge variety of interesting displays, which include a 1920s dwelling house, with rooms typical of the period, a herring curing yard and a cooperage. Many artifacts, documents and photographs pertaining to Wick and caithness can be viewed. [...]
