Our area offers an opportunity to enjoy a unique place. See the results of a 430-million-year-old collision of continents which created the British Isles and influenced thinking of modern geologists. Find out about the more recent history of the area at local museums, or simply wonder at the natural environment, a haven for birds, animals and plants.
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 [...]
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 [...]
Ben BhraggieBen Bhraggie (394m) and its statue of the 1st Duke of Sutherland is a prominent landmark. The summit can be reached by a path leading from the centre of the village. There are fine panoramic views along the coast. The return route follows Dunrobin Glen and the Big Burn past a waterfall and small gorge.
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 [...]
Call of the Wild in the West itineraryExperience wildlife at your fingertips amongst the most breathtaking of scenery. This adventure will take you to the North West of Scotland and the wilderness of Assynt and Lochinver. You may see whales, you’ll visit tropical gardens and climb the mountains to get a glimpse of lochs and sea. Savour the delights of Gairloch and Ullapool [...]
Discovering Brora and East Sutherland itineraryDepart Inverness for Brora, Sutherland. Journey time to Brora will take approximately 1hour 30minutes Take a walk along Brora’s sandy beach, have a look at the little harbour and stop in at the Royal Marine Hotel and enjoy a wee dram by the log fire. You can pick up provisions in Brora where there is [...]
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 [...]
History and Geology in the ExtremeThe history of the North Highlands goes back hundreds of millions of years, when Scotland and England were separated by an ocean. The two continents collided creating fantastic geological phenomena; the discovery of the Moine Thrust in 1907 was a milestone in the history of geology and still attracts huge interest today. The traces of the [...]
Nature in the ExtremeThe landscape of the North Highlands is beautiful, offering mountains, lochs, rivers, coast, moorland, bogs and fertile farmland which supports a wide range of animals, birds and plants. Most parts of the area are readily accessible, while others offer a secluded haven for a small number of visitors. Cape Wrath, Scotland’s most north westerly point, can [...]
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 [...]
Stargazing / Aurora BorealisThere is little light pollution in the North Highlands meaning it’s a fantastic location for views of the night sky. Relax and feel the enormity of space as you never could in a city. In addition, the Northerly location provides the potential of seeing Aurora Borealis, also known as The Northern Lights. This is a natural light show caused [...]
The Dramatic North West itineraryYour itinerary today will take you through some of the most spectacular and rugged landscapes in the country, into the heartland of the Clan Mackay – a place famed for its exceptional geology and outstanding scenery and one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe. Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve Knockan Crag National Nature [...]
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 [...]
Wildlife in the ExtremeLow levels of human habitation, combined with non-intensive farming, has left most of the North Highlands as an ideal place for birds, animals and insects to thrive. The range of habitats makes the area a bird watcher’s delight. Breeding seabirds include Fulmar, Petrel, Manx Shearwater, Guillemots, Puffins, Razorbills, Gulls, Terns, Cormorants, Shags and Ducks. See [...]
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 [...]
Wildlife: Key Species, Sites and AttractionsThe range of wildlife you are likely to encounter in the North Highlands will satisfy even the most seasoned bird watcher or wildlife tracker. Below we provide a guide to some of the key species, sites where you’ll find them and other related attractions. This list isn’t exhaustive, so make sure you allow an extra [...]
