Along the North Coast

There are plenty of fantastic places to eat and drink along the North Coast as you explore this rugged and dramatic area.
The beaches are breathtaking, with plenty small harbours to visit such as Talmine.
Visit the ancient seat of the chief of the Clan Mackay at Castle Varrich.  This castle is thought to be over one thousand years old. There are believed to be caves under the castle which were once inhabited by the Mackays!
Drive across the Kyle on your way to Loch Eribol and Durness, then get your hard hat on for a visit inside Smoo Caves.
A visit to our beautiful area isn’t complete without a trip to Assynt Geopark, exploring the amazing rocks and landscapes along the Rock Route.

Explore Strathy point; the Orkney islands (take a ferry from Scrabster); the Castle and Gardens of Mey (previously owned by the late Queen mother); Dunnet Head (the most northerly point of mainland Britain); Wick and Castle Sinclair; and the Hill O’ Many Stanes.

If you enjoy swimming but the sea is too cold, there is a swimming pool, gym, sauna and jacuzzi 13 miles to the west from Melvich in Bettyhill.
Bettyhill is also home to the Strathnaver Museum, and you can drive the Strathnaver trail and learn about the highland clearances.
Other wonderful places to visit are Helmsdale; Balblair Forest; Dunrobin Castle; Inverness (capital of the Highlands); and Fort George.
This area is nirvana for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts, with our very own Highland Cows to get to know and endless opportunities to spot Puffins; Cormorants; Guillemots; Oyster Catchers; Harris Hawks; Otters; Whales; Dolphins and so much more.
For any keen climbers, there are plenty of opportunities to don the crampons, with Ben Loyal close by.