Local Activities

There are many walks available, all over Sutherland, suitable for all ages and abilities. The best resource for maps and descriptions is a website called www.walkhighlands.co.uk.  

The closest of these walks would be the following:- Big Burn Golspie, Littleferry, Loch Fleet and Balblair Wood, Ben Bhraggie Golspie, Dornoch Links and Embo Circular, Dornoch Point and Ferry Wood and the Ord at Lairg.

The closest trails are the famous Highland Wildcat Trails in Golspie, several different trails are available for riders of different age and experience. Some basic information is attached, but their website can be found at www.highlandwildcat.com.

There are 2 other mountain bike trails available, at Balblair Wood, Bonar Bridge, and Carbisdale Castle, near Invershin. Look on mtbtrails.info for further details.

Although the whole area is teeming with wildlife, the nearest designated reserve is at Loch Fleet, near The Mound, which is where you would have turned off the A9 on your way to Rogart. 

This is basically a tidal sea loch, a wildlife lovers paradise, where you can see seals, birdlife, and much more at close quarters. Check out the website at scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Dunrobin Castle is well worth a look during the season, the famous fairy tale castle, where you can experience daily falconry displays, tour the formal gardens and castle interior, or have a meal or a coffee in the newly refurbished tea room. www.dunrobincastle.co.uk

Golspie also boasts a beautiful beach, and several cafes. The Coffee Bothy in the carpark is definitely worth a visit. The walk up Ben Bhraggie is well worth it just for the spectacular view from the top, where you will be able to see “The Mannie” up close. This is a statue visible from far and wide, of a former Duke of Sutherland, and is not just a famous local landmark, but also a reminder of the Highland Clearances.

The historic Carn Liath Broch can be seen on the A9, just about half way between Golspie and Brora, the remains of an Iron Age Broch.  historicenvironment.scot

The pretty town on Dornoch has many shops and cafes to browse, The Jail and its sister shop Country Interiors across the road are recommended, and for food and drinks try the Carnegie Courthouse, The Dornoch Castle, Luigi’s and more. 

Like all the East Coast villages, Dornoch has a beautiful award winning beach, which is almost continuous with that of the neighbouring village of Embo.
Dornoch lochans offer the opportunity to fish, play golf croquet or boules, or just observe the array of birdlife attracted by the lochans themselves. 

The famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club with its championship course is also located here along the beachside.  royaldornoch.com

At the right time of year you can watch the salmon leap upstream on the River Shin. There is also a visitor centre with a restaurant, gift shop, play park and forest walks. Find out more

There are many small villages worth a look on the west coast (eg Durness, Lochinver, Tongue, Scourie and Kinlochbervie). The network of single track roads mean that you can often plan a circular route where you can come via a different but equally spectacular road. We are happy to advise.

Visit Balnakeil Craft Village, a former WW2 RAF base, which now houses various craft shops and the famous Cocoa Mountain Café and Chocolaterie. For details visit their websites
Balnakeilcraftvillage.weebly.com and cocoamountain.co.uk There are several vast stretches of sand here, Balnakeil and Sango beaches included.

If you have a head for heights why not try the Golden Eagle Zipline at Ceannabeinne Beach? www.durnesszipline.com

Geological Tours of the famous Smoo Caves, partly by boat can be booked in season. smoocavetours.weebly.com

Lochinver is a small fishing village, with many small shops to visit along its main street. Don’t miss the famous pie shop, Lochinver Larder, and the Highland Stoneware Pottery. 

There are also several stunning beaches to be found just along the coast road, at Achmelvich and Clachtoll. More information on all local twins and villages can be found at:- www.visitscotland.com and www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk