From the long daylight hours of summer, to the beauty of a crisp winter walk, there’s a magic to every season in the Scottish Highlands – and a wealth of experiences awaiting.
Explore the area
Play golf
There are several excellent golf courses within easy reach, notably the internationally renowned Royal Dornoch. This famous championship links course has a beautiful setting, flanked by a sandy beach on one side and the attractive town of Dornoch on the other. Other local golf courses include Tain, Golspie, Brora and Bonar Bridge.
Visit distilleries
If you enjoy a wee dram, book a tour and tasting at one of the local distilleries: Glenmorangie, Balblair, Dalmore or Clynelish; or venture a little further north to Old Pulteney in Caithness. In Dornoch you can visit the Carnegie Whisky Cellars, an independent whisky shop offering whisky and gin tastings.
Discover the history
From castles and crannogs to brochs and standing stones, there’s a wealth of historical sites to discover within easy reach. Visit Dunrobin Castle at Golspie or the Castle of Mey in Caithness, a favourite retreat of the late Queen Mother. Stop off at the Carn Liath Broch, the remains of an Iron Age roundhouse; walk to the abandoned clearance village of Badbea, a poignant place perched on a steep hillside by the sea; then head north to the Cairns of Camster, a pair of Neolithic tombs dating back more than 5000 years.
Walking in the area
There’s a plethora of walks to be enjoyed from country rambles and coastal trails to more demanding mountain climbs. On the doorstep, Stable Bothy guests can head out for a walk on the croft to take in the views of the valley below and discover remote lochs. Check out WalkHighlands for a comprehensive selection of tried and tested walks for all interests and abilities.
Experience nature
The Scottish Highlands are renowned for the abundance of flora and fauna. Get ready to spot a range from wildlife right from the comfort of the bothy including red kites and buzzards which often circle overhead; or listen out for the haunting sound of the snipe in flight and the bellowing of the stags in the autumn rut. Nearby is the Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve, an estuary where seals bask on the sandbanks and waders and wildfowl feed along the shore. Take a dolphin-spotting boat trip; Or head for the Falls of Shin to catch a glimpse of the migratory salmon leaping Herculean-style upstream to their spawning grounds.
Local towns and villages
There are many attractive towns and villages to discover but arguably one of the most picturesque is Dornoch, home to the world-famous Royal Dornoch golf course and an expansive sandy beach. Explore the charming streets lined with independent shops and cafés, and visit the historic Dornoch Cathedral. The Dornoch Jail offers a unique shopping experience in the county’s former 19th century jail.
North and west coast
Venture North West and follow part of the scenic North Coast 500 route. This is awe-inspiring country where majestic mountains dominate the landscape, punctuated by idyllic beaches and pretty villages; in fact, this area has been designated by UNESCO as the North West Highlands Geopark. For an adrenalin rush try the Golden Eagle Zipline, the UK’s mort northerly zipline which spans a beautiful beach. Visit Smoo Cave, or make the short ferry crossing to Handa Island, a wildlife reserve with seabirds aplenty and spectacular 360° views!
Take a trip to Orkney
Rise with the lark and take a day trip to the Orkney islands for a glimpse into prehistory at the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle or the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae. Visit the island’s attractive towns, Stromness and Kirkwall, and stop off at the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, Britain’s most northerly cathedral. Opt for self-drive, or leave your car behind on the mainland and book a tour with a knowledgeable local guide.
Local eateriesFrom relaxed cafés to formal dining, there’s a variety of options in the area.
