Explore The Highlands

Brora Golf Club

If you like golf then you will love Brora Golf Course, this stunning links course is a must play while in the highlands, with stunning views at every turn, look down onto the beach or up towards the hills, you will never get tired of this course. With 18 beautifully designed holes this is one of the famous James Braid’s finest courses. If golf just isn’t your thing come into the club house for a coffee or pint and watch the waves roll in, you might even spot a dolphin or two!   

Clynelish Distillery

The Taste of Clynelish Tour is a fascinating journey through the process of making Clynelish whiskey. Learn about the history of the distillery including the old distillery now known as the Brora distillery and why not have a taste for yourself at the end?

Loch Brora

Take a short drive down the single track roads along the river Brora, through the thick woodlands and arrive at loch Brora. The perfect place for a picnic, maybe even a swim if you are brave enough! Bring along some kayaks and visit the manmade island in the middle of the loch. You might even make friends with the local deer!

Brora Beach

Now we are bias, but you will not be disappointed when you arrive at Brora beach, this stunning sandy beach stretches for miles and miles. Start at the mouth of river Brora keep an eye out for seals, walk alongside the waves, maybe even dip your feet in, or sit on the rocks and watch for dolphins. Once your toes are frozen head up to Brora Golf Club for a nice warm plate of soup or a coffee.

Brora Heritage Centre

Brora has an incredibly rich history, from the coal mines, to the woollen mill there is hundreds of fun facts that you don’t know yet. Come home and tell your friends that you had a fantastic weekend in the “electric city” and that they would have to visit Brora Heritage Centre themselves if they wanted to find out the reason behind village nickname. Bring your kids here for a fantastic, fun and educational afternoon.

Golspie Golf Club

Come to Golspie to play beautiful James Braid links course. Try not to be too intimidated with the Duke of Sutherland statue watching you from atop of the Ben Bhraggie hill. No matter the season you will enjoy the scenic views from every point of this course, from the sea, to the hills, to the quaint village of Golspie itself. Afterwards, come in and enjoy a well-deserved drink in the club house.

Ben Bhraggie

For a bit of a challenge you could climb up the Ben, not only is it a stunning back drop for the village of Golspie but it is also provides simply incredible views from the top, get a birds eye view of Golspie, and the Dornoch firth, on a good day you can look all the way out to Portmahomack and see the lighthouse flashing across the sea. Make sure to bring a sweet snack for the Duke of Sutherland at the top.

Dunrobin Castle

You can’t visit Sutherland and not visit Dunrobin Castle. Once home to the duke of Sutherland this gorgeous stately home is full of traditional furnishings fit for, well, a Duke. The castle is surrounded by extremely well-manicured gardens, make sure you stop by at the right time to see the birds of prey demonstration, and enjoy the delicious range of cakes and coffee in the café.

Carn Liath (The Broch)

This iron age broch lies roughly halfway between Golspie and Brora. The walls are very well-preserved and at 12ft high you can clearly see the layout to this day. This ancient sight is well worth the visit, bring the kids along and spend the afternoon living in the iron age.

Little Ferry

Take the 3 mile walk along the coast to little ferry and enjoy the gorgeous views of Golspie beach, the golf course, and enjoy a stop of at the bird watching hut. Once at little ferry you can look across the Dornoch Firth, this is a perfect place to bring your kayaks, paddle inland to see the seals basking on the sandbanks.

Big Burn

Take the 3 mile walk along the coast to little ferry and enjoy the gorgeous views of Golspie beach, the golf course, and enjoy a stop of at the bird watching hut. Once at little ferry you can look across the Dornoch Firth, this is a perfect place to bring your kayaks, paddle inland to see the seals basking on the sandbanks.

Gold Panning

Ever wanted to try gold panning? Helmsdale is the perfect place for you to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Kildonan Burn while spotting speckles of Gold in the water. Why not bring the kids along to try for free?

Timespan

Want to learn all about the highland clearances? Timespan is the perfect place to do that! Read all about the families that were thrown out of their homes by the Duke of Sutherland to make room for sheep. Have a look around the art gallery, check out the gift shop and finish of your outing with something from the lovely cafe downstairs.

St John’s Well

This lovely family friendly walk is right in the heart of Helmsdale. Walk along the north side of the river and enjoy scenic views of the south riverbank, the old bridge and the River Helmsdale itself.

Helmsdale Rock

Home of the famous Helmsdale Hill Race held every year at the Helmsdale Highland Games, this climb is just the right amount of challenge for the travellers looking for a bit of exercise along with some stunning, hilltop views.  Are you up for the challenge?

Dornoch Cathedral

The Dornoch Cathedral is none other than architectural masterpiece. The original Cathedral was burned down during a feud between the Murrays of Dornoch and the Mackay’s of Strathnaver and a new Cathedral was built between 1835 and 1837. It’s hard not to take thousands of photos when visiting the Cathedral but there is just so much to see, from gargoyles to stained glass windows. This is not a spot you want to miss out on.

Royal Dornoch Golf Course

The Royal Dornoch is one of the most prestigious natural links courses in Scotland and is on the bucket list of many golfers all over the world. Along side the Royal Dornoch course they also have the Struie another challenging but beautiful course well worth a visit.  

Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie whiskey can be found all over the world, in hundreds of bar and shops across the globe. How would you like to see the distillery in which they make the renowned whiskey? Well you can! The distillery is located in Tain and is open for tours all year round!

Tarbat Ness Lighthouse

The lighthouse was originally built in 1830 and stands 53m tall. If you follow the Tarbat Ness Walk, starting and ending in the town of Portmahomack, you will walk along the picturesque coastline out to the Light house and back.

Falls of Shin

Take a day trip up to the Falls of Shin, watch the salmon leaping up the waterfalls, then head up to the stunning restaurant that is shaped like a salmon. Walk through the forest, playing games along the way.  Have a play in the fantastic park, even get a round of mini golf in! There are so many things to see and do while at Falls of Shin, it really is worth the visit!

History Links Dornoch

History links is dedicated to the parish of Dornoch, it is one of the only 5 star museums in Scotland. Go hear to learn all about the Last witch burned in Scotland, and the history of Dornoch.

Ferrycroft Lairg

Want to know more about Lairg and the surrounding area? Ferrycroft is the perfect place to go. Spend an educational afternoon here followed by a bite to eat in the café and a browse round the lovely gift shop.