North of Scotland Round-up

NC500 has given more focus on the north of Scotland but many people are still treating this as a 4/5 day road trip rather than an opportunity to linger in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.

Caithness

Many waste an opportunity and simply pass through on the way to Orkney or just stop for the obligatory photo op at John O’Groats.   But there is a wonderful Yarrows Archaeological Trail, the lovely Castle of Mey (limited season),  gorgeous harbours like Lybster and the challenge of the Whaligoe Steps.  Add in stunning scenery at Dunnet and Duncansby Heads (the proper North and North East Points) and the wonderful beaches.  Don’t forget that Thurso East is one of Scotland’s premier surf breaks.  Bring your wetsuit or simply enjoy watching.      http://www.venture-north.co.uk/

Sutherland

This must have one of the lowest population densities in Scotland and has some of the most magnificent scenery.     Explore taking side trips to the Summer Isles, the sea stack Man of Stoer, beautiful Achmelvich, the highest waterfall (via boat from Kylesku), the bird sancturary of Handa, wonderful Sandwood Bay, Cape Wrath.  Meander – or take a walk into these stunning hills.   The south of Sutherland extends to Dornoch with its 13th century cathedral, Bishops Palace (now the Castle Hotel), Dunrobin Castle.  Watch wildlife in Loch Fleet, explore the inland Straths and imagine life before people were cleared to coastal villages like Bettyhill.  Hunt for fossil wood on Helmsdale beach . http://www.venture-north.co.uk/

Easter Ross and Black Isle

Highlights of a visit must be the opportunity to view dolphins at Chanonry Point but do explore the lovely coastal villages and (in summer) take advantage of the Nigg Ferry to cross the Cromarty Firth.   Explore and you’ll find a Pictish Trail, great wildlife watchinh opportunities, the Glenmorangie distillery, a lovely ruined priory at Beauly and the delightful spa town of Strathpeffer.      http://www.exploreeasterross.co.uk/ http://www.black-isle.info/

Wester Ross

The Bealach na Ba road to Applecross is well know but all the scenery here is stunning with the Torridon mountain range dominating the area.  The coast has lovely bays and beaches and the mild climate allows the lovely Attadale and Inverewe Gardens to florish.   Remember to call into Loch Carron for arts and craft and the home to Loch Caron Tartans.      http://www.visitwester-ross.com/ http://www.applecross.info/

Lochalsh and Glen Shiel

Lochalsh is the peninsula leading to the Skye Bridge and is best known for Eilean Donan Castle and the village of Plockton.   But don’t forget the extensive crofting heritage of Balmacara, and the free roaming Highland Cattle, and the lovely woodland walks all over the area.    Glen Elg hosts the oldest road and the original ferry to Skye as well as wonderful brochs and beaches.     Glen Sheil runs across to Invergarry on the Great Glen and is flanked with the dramatic Five Sisters of Kintail range.   It’s an walkers and climbers paradise.   http://www.skye.co.uk/regions-lochalsh.php http://www.aroundtheloch.co.uk/whats_on.htm

The Great Glen

Running from Inverness to Fort William, this large fault line is home famously to Loch Ness and and Loch Lochy.  Connecting these are the Caledonian Canal, which allowed shipping to avoid the notorious Cape Wrath and take a much shorter route from west to east.  Loch Ness is also home to the iconic Castle Urquhart.  Less well known is the Glen Affric, known as one the the most beautiful glens.  For the energetic, there is a long distance route through to the west coast (and a youth hostel half way).    http://www.visitinvernesslochness.com/ http://www.visitfortwilliam.co.uk/