Whether you visit the coastal areas of Sutherland and Caithness, the wetlands and bogs of the Flow Country, the mountains of the west, the woodlands of Beinn Eighe or Balblair, the sand dunes from Gairloch up to Balnakiel or the moorlands and limestone areas, the North Highlands support an impressive diversity of flora. From lichens to dwarf shrubs, Prima scotica to Goldenrod, heathers to Ragged Robin, discover more as you travel about this beautifil area.
Balblair WoodsBalblair Wood was replanted with Scots Pine in 1905 after a violent storm. It lies to the south of Golspie past the golf course. A series of nature trails though the wood offers pleasant walking in all seasons, but it is a special treat in summer. The very rare One-flowered Wintergreen (or St Olaf ’s [...]
Beinn EigheBEINN EIGHE and Slioch to the north stand sentinel over Loch Maree. In 1951 the first National Nature Reserve was created here, consisting of 230ha of relict Caledonian Forest (G Coille na Glas Leitre, Wood of the Grey Slope) and over 4,000ha of mountain and moorland. Woodland Trail. This type of woodland is known as [...]
Ben WyvisBEN WYVIS (1046m) stands in splendid isolation from the other mountains of the North Highlands. Its whaleback ridge is visible from afar. it consists of Moine schist heavily moulded by the last ice Age. The many mounds and ridges in the lower areas are glacial as are the erratic boulders dumped as the ice retreated. [...]
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 [...]
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
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, [...]
Forsinard RSPB ReserveForsinard RSPB Reserve is open at all times. It has a flagstone trail which winds through the moor past lochans and peat bog. The Visitor centre in the railway station is open from April to October and has audiovisuals and live nest watch displays. Guided walks are regularly available. There are many roadside viewing sites. [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
Wildlife of the Far North itineraryDay 1 Leave Inverness on the A9, travelling north towards Dornoch. Once over the Kessock Bridge, a detour can be taken across the Black Isle on the A832 to Cromarty for a boat trip out into the Moray Firth with Ecoventures to look for the UK’s most northerly pod of bottlenose dolphins. Continue up the [...]
