Walking

Ben Loyal, known as the 'Queen of the Highlands' and Ben Hope, the most Northerly Munro, are close and good challenges for the active walker. The area is surrounded by  limitless, varied cliff and hill walks. Maps  available in the house.

Beaches

There are many white, sandy beaches close by. The nearest is in front of the house, a quick walk down the Croft. Another large beach is found at the end of the road at Achininver, 3 miles away. At the harbour, Talmine, there are 2 smaller, sheltered beaches.

Surfing.

As many of the beaches are North facing, this area is becoming increasingly known for good surfing. Torrisdale, Farr, Sango Sands, Dunnet are all good, given the right wave conditions. Care must be taken at all times as there are rip currents and no lifeguards.

Fishing

All types of fishing are available locally and easy to organise. You can fish for brown trout on the many hill lochs with a day permit available from the Ben Loyal Hotel. Boats can be hired  on Loch Hope, Craggie, Loyal and Naver. Sea Bass can be caught from the rocks in tidal areas.

Pony Trekking.

There is an established centre near Bettyhill. You can gallop on nearby Torrisdale beach. (½ hour)

Golf

The most Northerly course in the U.K. is at Durness. It is a links, 18 hole course, (1 hour). There is also a course at Reay.

The Orkneys.

Visit the best preserved Neolithic sites in Europe: chambered cairns, brochs, Skara Brae. Car and foot ferry leaves Scrabster (1 1/4 hrs) 3 times a day.

The Castle of Mey

The former home of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. A beautiful 18th Century house in Caithness, often used by Camilla and Charles in the summer. Left in trust to the residents of Mey. (1 1/2 hours)

Dunrobin Castle

The most Northerly of Scotland’s great houses and dates back to the 1300s. Now the home of Lord Strathnaver and his ancestors.

Attractions & Activities

Here are some of the attractions and activities available on the North Coast.

CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE DETAILS

Durness Craft Village

A good trip on a wet day....excellent bookshop and cafe, chocolate maker and coffee shop, print maker's etc. Great drive West along Loch Eribol. Beside Durness Beach, another beautiful sandy beach. (1hour)