Take inspiration for your Scotland itinerary at Ceol Mor Highland Lodges. The opportunities for amazing holiday trips are truly endless here so we’ll start with some of our favourites. We have also added in some popular choices you may have seen in social media.
Firstly, walk from Brora to Golspie on the coastal path. We suggest driving to Brora (about 40 minutes away) and then walking south to Golspie on the 6-7 mile route. Just before you see Dunrobin Castle make sure you visit the iron age settlement Carn Liath Broch. Then enjoy admiring Dunrobin Castle from the beach before arriving in Golspie. Lastly, get an ice cream before catching a train back to Brora.
Handa Island is undoubtedly a must (April to September). This wildlife sanctuary off the west coast is amazing and you’ll see lots of birdlife also potentially including puffins. Because this island is a wildlife sanctuary, the rangers meet you on the beach and guide you on where to go and what you might see.
Sandwood Bay is an especially amazing place. Although it is a 5 mile walk each way from the car park near Shegra, it’s well worth the effort. The large beach is amazing with Atlantic waves rolling in, a sea stack at the southern end and also a freshwater loch behind the dunes. While you’re on the beach approach, look at the ruined crofts – supposedly one of these is haunted.
If you’re comfortable with a long drive, head up the east coast to the Dunnet area. Here you can check out the stacks at Duncansby Head and also go to Dunnet Lighthouse (the most northerly point of mainland Britain). Then finish with a relaxing stroll at Dunnet Bay – a mile long stretch of golden sands backed by tall dunes.
One of the especially scenic drives we have ever done is heading up the west coast towards Scourie. Go over the Kylesku bridge and then head to the north coast visiting Cocoa Mountain for a hot chocolate in Durness. Then go to Smoo cave and have a little explore. Just a few miles on is the especially picturesque Ceannabienne beach. Next go on to Tongue where there is a large causeway across the shallow sea loch. Finally, head down the centre of the northern highlands, where few venture, on the A836. You’ll pass Loch Loyal and the Strathnaver trails on the way to Lairg and then back to your lodge.
If you fancy a decent hill walk, for instance, try climbing Stac Pollaidh. This is about 50 minutes away and has truly spectatular views across the north west highlands. There is good detail from walk highlands on where to go and how difficult it is. Stac Pollaidh is surrounded by low ground and lochs enabling you to feel that you are on top of the world. Another fabulous hill walk is Cul Mor (is a Corbett). Personally, I found it easier than Stac Pollaidh although a longer walk, it was easy to rest at the summit and take in the view.
Go down close to Inverness and explore the Culloden battlefields or Loch Ness. Additionally, check out the Fairy Glen walk and see the Dolphins at Chanonry Point.
Finally, take a trip out west to the glorious beaches at either Achmelvich or Oldshoremore. Here you’ll find truly beautiful scenes with white sand and turquoise water. Achmelvich has a few more facilities than Oldshoremore including a little kiosk. However, Oldshoremore is a bigger beach and more remote and you’ll have an uninterrupted view across the ocean. Although the water may look gorgeous, it is pretty chilly. For this reason we use a wet suit to enjoy it.
Other options for a day trip that we recommend include Corrieshallock Gorge, Dunrobin Castle, Castle of Mey, Loch Assynt as well as Ardvreck Castle. Also, Ullapool is less than an hour away where you can get ferries to Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Finally, there are numerous distilleries you can visit on the way south including Glenmorangie and Balblair.
To sum up, we think this is a fabulous list to start with but please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like help with planning your Scotland itinerary.
