Scottish Highlands

A road trip through Scotlands epic glacial formed landscape

7 nights, August 2020

Kylesku Bridge crossed on day 4

Top tip: book restaurants and accommodation well in advance, the highlands is a remote region with fairly limited capacity and it can get busy.

Day 1
Route: Inverness > Dornoch (via Lairg)

• Arrive by overnight train on the Caledonian Express from London > Inverness

• Rent a car from Keddy/Europcar and set off

• Stop at Fall of Shin Waterfall where you can see Salmon jumping in the summer

• Lunch at The Pier, Lairg; a relaxed loch side diner serving fresh seafood

• Check-in to Dornoch Castle Hotel

• An evening stroll along Dornoch Beach

• Dinner at Links House, Courtroom Restaurant; serves locally-sourced dishes and crafty ales

Day 2:
Route: Dornoch > John o’ Groats

• Checkout of Dornoch Castle Hotel

• Visit Dunrobin Castle and Gardens; a well preserved castle that dates back to 1300 and resembles a French Chateau

• Lunch at The River Bothy nr Berriedale; quaint cafe serving light lights and excellent cakes

• Waligoe Steps; a pretty walk (1h) down and up 330 steps to a harbour

• Walk (1h) to Sea Stacks at Duncansby Head; iconic coastal scenery

• Check in to John O'Groats by Together Travel

Lighthouse and stacks at Duncansby Head

Day 3:
Route: John o’ Groats > Tongue

• Dunnet Bay Distillery; pick up some Rock Rose Gin for the evening

• Surfing on Dunnet Beach or Thurso Beach with North Coast Watersports

• Lunch at Melvich Hotel (Pizza Menu)

• Walk along coast visiting Melvich Beach

• Pick up food for the evening and breakfast the next day at Spar in Tongue

• Check in to Airbnb

• Dinner in cabin; disposable BBQ is allowed

Day 4:
Route: Tongue > Lochinver
This is a big day so worth setting off nice and early.

• Notable beach: Ceannabeinne, Durness

• Visit Smoo Cave; a historic refuge for smugglers and sailors over the years

• Morning Snack at Cocoa Mountain Chocolate; best hot chocolates in the highlands

• Notable beach: Balnakeil, Durness

• Late lunch at Kylesku Hotel; a stunning venue serving the best quality local ingredients

• Notable Beach: Clachtoll, Lochinver

• Check in to Ardmore House B&B

• Dinner at LochInver Larder; best pies in the region

Achmelvich Beach

Day 5:
Route: Lochinver to Ullapool

• Visit Achmelvich Beach and Hermit’s Castle

• Stop at Ardvreck Castle & Waterfall

• Pick up a sandwich from The Elphin Tearooms or have lunch The Altnacealgach Motel; loch side pub food

• Hike Stac Pollaidh (start and hiking details map - 3h); a stunning circular walk with exceptional 360 views - pick a clear day if possible. Can do it the next morning if needed.

• Alternative activities:

  • Achnahaird Beach; a lovely crescent of sand in Wester Ross that is considered one of Scotland's best beaches

  • Fly fishing with Ledmore Estate; excellent setup on stunning lochs.

• Check in to Harbour House; loch side B&B with a great buffet breakfast

• Dinner at The Arch Inn; locally sources seafood in a relaxed pub environment
  

Day 6:
Route: Ullapool to Gairloch 

• Visit Inverewe Garden, nr Poolewe

• Lunch at Badachro Inn; Ale, wine, great views and a menu straight from the sea

• Afternoon on beach: Red Point, South Erradale

• Check in to Shieldaig Lodge Hotel (if wanting to splash out) or Airbnb

• Dinner at The Sheiling or BBQ on the beach

Stac Pollaidh

Day 7:
Route: Gairloch to Sheildag 

• Drive to base Beinn Alligin

• Morning hike on Beinn Alligin (hiking details map - 6h)

• Late lunch at Gille Brighde; remote restaurant with a fantastic menu in a beautiful location

• Check in to Airbnb or The Torridon

• Dinner at Torridon Inn or Nanny’s; best wrap ever

Day 8:
Route: Sheildag to Inverness

• Breakfast at Nanny’s

• Visit Applecross Smokehouse

• Lunch at Applecross Walled Garden; rustic cafe serving local sourced and grown dishes

• Drive back to Inverness via Bealach na Bà road and viewpoint

• Return home

Bealach na Bà pass