Balblair Woods and Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve

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Literally on your doorstep and full of some wonderful wildlife, this area has been protected since the 90’s and has a wild and welcoming feel. Easy trails take you through the woods where you can see rare flowers in spring, ospreys in summer, geese and wild fowl in the cooler months, seals and otters all year round. There is a bird hide just along form the cabin with views of the tidal loch. The perfect place to reconnect with nature after a journey. See the loch fleet website for more information on different seasonshttps://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/scotlands-national-nature-reserves/loch-fleet-nnr/loch-fleet-nnr-visiting-reserve

 

Dunrobin Castle and falconry display, Golspie. Home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland the castle is a fantastic day out with a good selection of rooms open inside, beautiful gardens and tea rooms serving hot food, cake and more. The falconry displays are definitely a highlight, starting at 11.30 and 2pm from April to September. 

 

Cairn Liath Broch, off the A9 between Golspie and Brora is an old Pictish broch that still has a flight of stairs up on to the top of the walls and one of the old guard chambers that you can go into. The site is well maintained and with nice information boards. Great place to have a walk about and a picnic with beautiful views of the coast. 

 

Big Burn Walk, Golspie. A truly magical experience whatever the weather, Big burn walk is 1.5miles long and leads you gently up a gully along the side of the Big burn to the waterfall at the end. There are also paths leading up and around what used to be the Skating pond. Picnic benches are situated in a clearing near the start of the walk.

 

Ben Braggie is the hill with the ‘Manny’ (the statue of the first Duke of Sutherland) behind Golspie and visible from in front of the cabin. It is 3.75 miles walk to the top and down through woodland and then heather. There are stunning views of the area from here. There is also a network of Mountain Biking trails up and down the hill and in the surrounding woodland which are said to be the best in the area. See Highland Wildcat website for more information:  http://www.highlandwildcat.com/index.php

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Timespan Centre Helmsdale, good café and museum. Two streets away from another very good fish and chips restaurant La Mirage.

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