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Things to see and do

Whether it's taking in our beautiful beaches and coastal scenery, visiting the local puffin colonies in the summer, exploring our castles and rich cultural heritage, or taking a trip over to the Orkney Islands.....there's plenty to keep you busy!

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Durness

Photo copyright of Mike Roper

Approximately a 50-mile drive west

Durness is the most north westerly village in mainland Scotland, with beautiful beaches, stunning views along the rocky coastline, and fantastic walking. The spectacular Smoo Cave is also nearby.

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Castle of Mey

Photo copyright of Visit Scotland

Approximately a 35-mile drive east

The Castle of Mey, near John O'Groats, is the most northerly inhabited castle in 

Scotland and was the property of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, from 1952 until 1996. It also has beautiful gardens.

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Smoo Cave

Photo copyright of Visit Scotland

Approximately a 50-mile drive west

Smoo Cave is a spectacular limestone sea cave to the east of Durness. It can be accessed by boat (local tours run in the summer) and also by a footpath from the car park above, and is floodlit inside.

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Wolfburn Distillery

Photo copyright of Wolfburn Distillery

Approximately a 20-mile drive east

Wolfburn is the most northerly whisky distillery on mainland Scotland. Their 

award-winning whiskies are matured in small stills for a fuller flavour, and bottled by hand at their premises in Thurso.

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Local Surfing

Photo copyright of Visit Scotland

Thurso and other sites along the north coast 

Thurso is a world-class surfing location, with prime surfing season being between October and April. The main spots are Thurso East (reef break with a world class barrel), Brimms Ness and Thurso Bay.

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The Unknown

Photo copyright of John Baikie

Approximately a 15-mile drive west

The Unknown is an enigmatic cast iron sculpture by artist Kenny Hunter. It is situated on the summit of a low hill in Borgie Forest (off the A836) on a way marked trail. 

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Dunnet Head

Photo copyright of Ruth Liddicoat

Approximately a 35-mile drive east

Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on mainland Scotland, was of strategic importance during WWII. It is now an RSPB nature reserve and has stunning views across to the Orkney Isles.

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Orkney Isles

Photo copyright of Visit Scotland

Various ferry trips available

The magical islands of Orkney have a rich cultural and historical heritage. Trips are available with, NorthLink Ferries (from Scrabster)and Pentland Ferries (from Gills Bay).

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Forsinard Flows

Photo copyright of RSPB Scotland

Approximately a 20-mile drive south

Forsinard Flows is a renowned RSPB nature reserve in a vast expanse of blanket bog, sheltered straths and mountains known as the Flow Country. It has a visitor centre and unique viewing tower.

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Dunrobin Castle

Photo copyright of Visit Scotland

Approximately a 60-mile drive south

Dunrobin Castle, the family seat of Clan Sutherland, is a fairytale-like castle on the east coast of north Scotland, near the village of Golspie, with beautiful gardens and views out over the Moray Firth.

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Old Pulteney Distillery

Photo copyright of Old Pulteney Distillery

Approximately a 40-mile drive south east

Built in 1826, Old Pulteney is a maritime malt from Wick where the North Sea meets the Caithness coast. The distillery produces award-winning single malts as well as critically acclaimed limited editions.

Museum and grounds (Strathnaver Museum).

Strathnaver Museum

Photo copyright of Strathnaver Museum

Approximately a 10-mile drive west

Strathnaver Museum is home to a wonderful collection of Clan Mackay memorabilia. It tells the story of the Clan

as well as the brutal 'Highland Clearances' 

and their effect on Strathnaver.

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Puffins at Red Point

Photo copyright of Visit Scotland

Approximately a 10-mile drive east

We have a local puffin colony a few miles to the east of Strathy, at Drumhollistan, where puffins can be seen on the cliffs from May until late July. For details of how to find them click on 'More info'.

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Ben Loyal

Photo copyright of Visit Scotland

Approximately a 25-mile drive west

Ben Loyal is a Corbett (804m), near Tongue. It has a very distinctive profile with four peaks and is often referred to as the Queen of Scottish Mountains. It has superb 360° views over the land and sea.

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Dunnet Bay Distillery

Photo copyright of Visit Scotland

Approximately a 35-mile drive east

Dunnet Bay award-winning distillery near Dunnet Head produces the popular Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka. Their products are hand stilled slowly and use locally sourced botanicals.

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