250 year old long Croft house. Live in until the late 1950s. Filled with interesting items and machinery in other out buildings. It only takes about 20 mins to look around, but worth the £2.50, and it helps support the community.

Great Croft, lots of information and things to see. Also a lovely cafe were we got a lovely cup of tea. Helpful friendly staff and the food looked absolutely delicious (sadly we hadn't long had our lunch otherwise we would have definitely tried out the baking 😀)

This is a fascinating preservation of an authentic Scottish cottage. There are so many items to fixate on. Great tour of the history of this style of housing which was common in the 18th and 19th century.

The cafe will be the ruin of many a diet as the selection of homemade tray bakes, cakes and buns is fantastic and it took us a while to decide which ones to eat. The Cullen Skink is filling too, full up with potato and smoked haddock with bread too. The museum is full of artefacts in several buildings, too many to list and explain but it does give a good idea of what life was like back then.

Closed? There is still a sign up on the road and you can see through the windows that there is a museum. But no signs why it's closed out if/when it will open. The website is dead as well. Very sad.

It’s lovely but it’s closed into further notice. Try calling before making a trip here.

It looks like a nice little museum but it was sadly closed today

Interesting compilation of local information and a section devoted to author Neil Gunn. Excellent small bookshop.

A fantastic spot to explore your roots if your ancestors hail from the area. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable. Entry’s free if you sound local—unfortunately, the woman at the desk was canny enough to see through my Canadian accent.

Fascinating place full of history and lovely people, really worth a visit so much history and so much to see

Really interesting little museum. I especially liked the painted floor telling the tales of the area. Friendly chatty staff too

A fascinating look into the history of the area, well worth calling in

Visited on trip up North on 11th May. Lovely, friendly place. Got in touch beforehand as researching family. Meg was extremely helpful, and left photos for us. Lisa also very helpful. Centre is located in Old Schoolhouse where my father and his siblings went to school!! Also went to Dunbeath Gardens where my father started his working life in 1947. Neil and Blake couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful, showing us round beautiful gardens and greenhouse. My cousin, on holiday from Canada, was with us. Emotional day, but well worth the journey. Joan (MacLean) Stoddart

Interesting place, great art-work on the floor based on Neil Gunn's "Highland River" novel, history of the area including Dunbeath Castle, good book shop + increasing ceramics stock. Worth a visit. 😊

Lovely gardens, with a great variety of plants to see. The knowledgeable staff are always happy to answer questions about the gardens and specific plants that catch your eye. A tearoom was recently added which is warm and welcoming.

Worth a Visit and Peaceful Highland

Visits have to be booked

This is an old derelict church tucked away amongst modern houses. We found it by accident and it was a very peaceful and fascinating place. Sure, you can’t go inside, it is falling apart after all, but walking around it, reading the old gravestones, it’s a very pleasant experience. We were the only ones there, too which is not surprising since it was afternoon on a weekday out of ‘tourist’ season. If you’re in Thurso it’s worth a visit!

Historic stop in Thurso. Volunteer docents were very knowledgeable and helpful.

This is a nice hidden gem up here in Thurso. We stayed just around the corner for a few days, so naturally I had to check this place out. The church was founded circa 1220 by Gilbert Murray, Bishop of Caithness. But currently it's quite speculated that there actually was a church here before even longer ago...100 years earlier or even more. By the end of the 18th Century, structural problems were beginning to appear and a new church was built in Thurso. Old St Peter's Church was de-roofed in 1833 and has stood as a ruin ever since. But: Efforts are underway to conserve and restore the Old St Peter's Church. When I visited the church and its graveyard there was nobody else there. Quite a surprise, because it's a stunning ruin and there's lots to see - even though not that big in size. But it's a very interesting place to around and to explore. Hopefully the ruins will be conserved and restored, so many more visitors can enjoy this pretty church and grounds. Surely worth a look when in Thurso.

If you enjoy history and old relics then visit is a must.

Lovely wee churchyard with a friendly local guide who was a delight to meet.

Old St. Peter's Church in Thurso is a hidden gem steeped in history and charm. Its ancient walls whisper tales of centuries past, offering visitors a glimpse into Scotland's rich heritage. The peaceful atmosphere and architectural beauty make it a tranquil spot for reflection and exploration. A must-visit for history buffs and those seeking a serene retreat in the heart of Thurso.

My son a Nd I came from a village near Gatwick Airport and met very friendly guides when we visited the Old St. Peter's Church. They were so helpful. One person there we hope to meet again to show our gratitude. Thank you.

Boring. Useless cafe too hardly anything except soup and cake.

We were so delighted with the Picts stone engravings exhibit. The stones are so close and the signage well done. We would have liked more of the unbiased historical speculation

Well worth a visit - I wish I had had longer to spend there. From the earliest history of Caithness to the more recent, it's all here. I especially enjoyed the displays about the Dounreay reactor - very few museums have an original reactor control room as an exhibit! Recommended.

Always worth visiting when in town, great exhibitions, in a wonderful old building. Fascinating history of the region of the nature and the people. The film is a must and a coffee and one of the fine home made cakes a great way to finish the trip.

I had some time to fill in while awaiting the train so took the £4 tour. Well worth the small fee and I learned a lot about the area together with the UKs first nuclear power station which is slowly being decommissioned. Great little cafe as well!

the best Museum on the North Coast 500 route.

Great place to spend a few hours with the diverting history of Caithness both ancient and modern. Kids loved it. Very interactive. Could keep them entertained for half a day. £4 entry for adults fair.

Popcorn & drinks taste terrible, you’re better off brining something. The restaurant connected to the cinema looks nice but again food and drinks are not any good. The seats in the screening rooms are very small & basic. Overall not a great experience but it’s the only cinema in an area so there’s no choice but to go to this one. Next time I’ll not be buying any food here, that’s for sure. Edit: as per your response, here’s a more detailed review of your cinema. Your popcorn was absolutely not freshly popped, it was stale tasting so I reckon it could have been a day old. Not to mention I asked for SALTED popcorn and I had bit of sweet popcorn mixed in. Nothing against the customer service, your staff was nice and respectful. An maybe lemonade was a bad choice and other drinks were of better quality. But you cannot in good conscience tell me that the popcorn was fresh. I attended the cinema with my friends and we all did not enjoy the food part of our screening.

Been a few times during a weekday and we've literally had the entire screen to ourselves 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 spent more in popcorn and drinks than the actual tickets 🎟️ 🤣 Visited the restaurant once and it was quite reasonable and decent food. It has a small car park outside with disabled parking and near the bus stop too. Lovely little cinema hope it stays open!

Nice clean place to watch a movie, staff are helpful and friendly evertime we have visited. Good variety of movies to see. Never been that busy when we go in the afternoon. They do sweet and salty popcorn, nachos, hot crisps, bags of sweets, small tubs of ice cream and different juices ect and like all cinemas not cheap.

Loved this place, so much character. We had food and a film and it was perfect. Hats off to the staff, they were awesome. Thanks

I actually feel lucky to have a cinema practically on my doorstep, when I lived in Glencoe, Fort William had the mobile cinema, which stopped visiting. Merlin Cinema in Thurso is a full 5* cinema. I recently went to watch Kingdom of the apes there, I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting such a nice place. Outside the cinema was clean, no rubbish to be seen anywhere. As I walked through the entrance doors I noticed the welcoming feeling, the entrance was very clean, the staff were friendly and helpful and were actually smiling, something I don't see much from shop and entertainment staff here in Caithness. Everything was very efficient, from showing our digital tickets to buying pop corn and drinks. The actual theatre was small but very inviting. It was clean, no popcorn on the floor or spilled drinks. The seating was very comfortable, the seats were soft and even after a longish film my back wasn't aching :) The sound quality was brilliant as was the picture quality. I can not fault this cinema in any way. Thank you to the front of house staff for making my first of many visits to Merlin very pleasant, and to the staff we don't tend to see for keeping the cinema nice and clean and inviting. If you're in Thurso either living there or visiting, visit the cinema, I promise you will get a welcome from the staff. If I could give more than 5* I would.

Great little cinema with 2 screens and plenty of new showings to keep the fsmily entertained. I would recommend getting a merlin movie card costs about £10 and gives disscounts on meals and cinema showings as long as it is valid. Me and the family love coming here.

Absolutely superb to have a facility like this in areas where population may not quite determine a more known brand cinema group, but this venue had the normal food stuffs available for sale, was clean throughout, and the watching experience was excellent with plenty of room to not feel claustrophobic whilst watching the latest movie releases.

We felt very welcome and Charlie gave us a great tour. We spent a beautiful time in Thurso! Interesting distillery and amazing whisky!

Fantastic welcome from our hosts at Wolfburn Distillery. Staff were very helpful and the produce speaks for itself. One of the best whisky I’ve enjoyed. Highly recommended trip to visit this distillery and support this small independent business.

You cannot get a better distillery tour than with Wolfburns' Wilma! With profound knowledge, paired with humor and super nice demeanor she leads through a working distillery. Fully approved! Wolfburn distillery is a relatively small distillery owned by real people (and not huge companies) - one reason why they should be supported. The other is that they create phantastic whiskey! (of which one is offered five small drams btw). Go there and see and taste for yourself!

Wilma ran an incredibly detailed and interesting tour of this independent Whisky distillery with a history. We were treated to very generous samples of their range and a gift as part of the tour. So happy with the experience and fully recommend as a stop on your NC500 tour. A great boutique distillery!

The staff was extremely friendly and patiently answered all questions. Even though the distillery is small and modern, the tour was definitely worth it. It is interesting to see how efficiently everything is housed in such a small space. You also get a look inside the warehouses. In addition, some interesting historical information is shared on the tour. The tasting at the end is great. You have the opportunity to taste five different whiskies. Very likeable: no visitor centre for prestige purposes, but simply a small distillery. Definitely worth a visit!

Very interesting to see how whisky is made. The staff shows you the process from start to barrel and then there is a tasting with several of their whiskies. Luckily the local liquor store here also has this brand of whisky so when I finish the ten year Wolfburn I will definitely buy it again.

Superb destillery tour, I’ve seen 30+ destilleries and this one stands out. Low key, competent guide, and the tasting outsmarted all the others walking through (part of) the Wolfburn palette of cask types, I think we covered 7 of their bottlings - splendid bang-for-the-buck!

A nice little museum telling the history of the area. Lots of things to see and read in a small place, but worth the visit.

There was a traffic jam on the A9 due to an accident so we decided to head back to Helmsdale to have coffee rather than sitting in the car. We happened upon this museum and I'm truly glad we went in. The lady on reception was lovely and explained everything about the museum. She told us we could head straight into the museum or go for our coffee first which we did. The museum itself was excellent, lots of rich history about the area. We moved fast through it because there wasn't enough to keep the kids entertained but that was the only negative. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit and I'd definitely recommend popping in if you are nearby.

Very interesting place to visit,with a wealth of local knowledge. There is a library for people who wish to research and workshop space. The cafe does a mean crepe with different filings.

There is plenty of info to see here and physical items , my children also fell in love with the museums interactive game and Ai room, it really is interactive and informative about various parts of history and bringing the museum to life too , it really helped my children to visualise it all and really enjoyed it. The gallery upstairs was about Beatrice the oil rig , which was interesting, kids listened to the sound booth and headsets. And my daughter loved her cake in the river cafe here too.

This is a fantastic place for kids & adults alike ,so much history on the Goldrush and Herring industry with loads of pictures and artifacts all around the museum our two grandsons although only 4 & 6 found it interesting well worth a visit and nice coffee shop with all things homemade

Popped in towards the end of the day and was warmly welcomed by staff member who provided helpful advice about my visit. I found the stories of local people and the jobs they did really fascinating. I wasn't too sure about the interactive room as I prefer physical things and interpretation. It felt like some of the exhibits were a bit disjointed but I enjoyed my visit and would recommend to other travellers. The exhibition upstairs had some beautiful images but I would have liked a bit more written explanation about how everything joined together. When I spoke to the staff member they were able to provide the additional information I was looking for. I didn't go to the cafe but the gardens were beautiful with their location on the riverside.

Amazing little museum tucked away on the east coast. Beautiful and interesting exhibits with interactive elements alongside a well curated gift shop. I’ve heard the cafe does great crepes but didn’t get a chance to try.

Beautiful and Peaceful Brora Beach Brora Beach is an absolute gem on the east coast — peaceful, spacious, and just stunning to look at. The beach itself is wide and sandy, perfect for a walk or just sitting and soaking in the view. What really makes it special is where the river meets the sea — you can actually see the contrast in colours as the fresh water blends into the salt water. It’s a beautiful natural sight that adds something unique to the experience. There’s a free car park right next to the beach, beside the golf course, which makes access super easy. From there, you can either walk down the steps or take a slightly longer (but lovely) route through the golf course, sand dunes, and tall grass — both ways give you a bit of that wild coastal charm. It’s a great spot for a quiet stroll, a bit of nature watching, or just to enjoy the fresh sea air. Definitely worth a stop if you’re passing through or staying nearby!

We were spending the day travelling the N500, and called at Brora Beach for a break. We parked at the beach carpark and went for a walk along the stony beach. We came across some curious stones which we were told were "pudding" stones, a collection of small stones cemented with sand. Some were small and others quite large. The site had some history, involving salt production and coal mining, as well as being a listening post during WW2. From here, we drove north as far as Wick before driving home. The scenery is amazing along the A9 north with glimpses of the sea and the oil platforms in the distance.

Beautiful beach. Easy to reach. Car parking in town is free. From there you walk ~5 Minutes. Its possible to park at the golfclub directly in front of the beach. Not sure if that is free, too.

Easy to locate. Free parking at the golf club carpark.

Brora Beach is a rural, mostly unspoilt beach in the village of Brora. It stretches north from the mouth of the River Brora for about two miles. The village is backed by a golf course (Brora Golf Club, a links course). The beach is next to the golf course on its “front beach” side. --- Character & Highlights Golden sands, especially north of the river, with a wide sandy expanse. The southern side of the river is more rocky, with rock pools and more exposed conditions. Beautiful coastal views over the Moray Firth, often wild, atmospheric. Wildlife is a strong attraction: seals along the shore, occasional dolphins & minke whales further out, otters & various seabirds (e.g. Arctic terns) in season. --- Facilities & Access Parking: Free parking at the Brora Golf Club car park. Toilets & Café: There are toilets, and a café (or places nearby in Brora) to get refreshments. Walking access: Footpath from the car park down towards the beach. Walks along the coast northwards are popular. Dog-friendly: Dogs allowed on the beach (year round, from what I found) and there are bins for dog-waste. --- Things to Do Beach walking & strolls, especially north of the river where the sands are more forgiving. Wildlife watching: seals on rocks or shoreline, seabirds, maybe dolphins / whales. Rock pooling at the southern / rocky sections. Picnicking, relaxing, sandcastle building with kids. Coastal walks: for example, the walk from Brora to Golspie is scenic along the coast. --- Recognitions & Calibre Brora Beach has repeatedly held a Keep Scotland Beautiful award. It’s considered a clean, well-managed beach. --- Things to Be Aware Of / Tips No lifeguards: There is no lifeguard service on Brora Beach. Swimming is possible, but caution is needed. The water is cold (North Sea) even in summer. Parts of the beach (especially southern side) are rocky and exposed: good footwear, careful underfoot walking, especially at low tide. Access for limited mobility: the paths are okay from car park, but certain stretches (rocky ends) may not suit wheelchairs.

Staff at this site were not the usual happy helpful crew we expect. Gates are not shut at night which meant cars were coming and going at 2am. Access to the beach is across a golf course, you need to be very careful not to get hit by a golf ball. There are other nicer cheaper sites nearby.

Don't tell anyone BUT this place is fabulous. The views are stunning the beach amazing, Brora really interesting place. Dont't rush in case you spoil it....;-) if doing NC500 take your time to see some amazing places and not just clock up the miles and the great views from the roads.

Stopped at Brora Golf Club for lunch. I had the Hunters chicken toasted ciabata - def recommend it. Nice setting looking over the golf club and out to the sea.

Another course on my tour was Brora. I knew from my friend who is member there that its quite nice and calm course. I like it here. Very friendly very classic, very playable course. Classical true links design along the cost where 9th hole is the furthest from clubhouse. Very specific here cause fairways are shared with sheeps and cows. Greens are smaller bit slower but they roll true. All of them are fenced against the sheeps. Love the area around the Snake hole.

Brora Golf Club is one of Scotland’s most authentic and charming links experiences. Designed by James Braid in 1923, it remains virtually untouched—a testament to minimalist design and natural beauty. Set on the rugged northeast coast, Brora combines rolling fairways, pot bunkers, and firm turf with panoramic views of the North Sea. One of the course’s most memorable features is the presence of grazing sheep and cattle, peacefully coexisting with golfers and maintained by traditional electric fences. The layout is simple but strategic, especially when the wind picks up. The par-3 9th, playing straight out to sea, is a highlight. Brora may not have the fame of Royal Dornoch nearby, but it offers a deeply personal, soulful round of golf. It’s pure, raw, and utterly unpretentious. For those seeking traditional links golf in its most honest form, Brora is not to be missed.

A wonderful and testing links which is so enjoyable. One of Braid’s finest. The sheep and highland cattle are a unique feature. Clubhouse welcome is super too. Will return, often!

A lovely golf course, with friendly staff. We leave with very fond memories of our day. Thanks Brora GC!

An honour and privilege to have played, great course, pro shop very welcoming before teeing off, same for all the members as well as in the bar afterwards. An all timer bucket list place to play, will never forget it.

A Coastal Gem: Brora Golf Club in the North of Scotland Nestled in the stunning landscape of the North of Scotland, Brora Golf Club is a true coastal gem that offers an unforgettable golfing experience. One of the standout features of Brora Golf Club is its unique location next to the sea. The course provides golfers with breathtaking views of the coastline, and the sound of crashing waves adds a soothing backdrop to your game. The proximity to the sea creates an atmosphere that's both invigorating and serene. What sets Brora apart from many other courses is the unexpected but delightful presence of ships on the course. The sight of vessels passing by as you play is a rare and charming addition to the golfing experience. It's a reminder of the club's rich maritime history and adds a touch of authenticity to each round. While Brora Golf Club may be relatively short in terms of yardage, don't be fooled – it's incredibly challenging. The course demands precision and strategy, with narrow fairways and well-placed hazards. It's the kind of course that rewards accuracy over power, making it a true test of a golfer's skill. Beyond the course itself, Brora Golf Club provides a warm and welcoming clubhouse and excellent facilities. The friendly staff and the sense of community among members and visitors make it a fantastic place to relax after your round. In conclusion, Brora Golf Club in the North of Scotland offers a golfing experience like no other. With its stunning coastal location, the presence of ships, short yet challenging layout, and welcoming atmosphere, it's a must-visit destination for any golfer looking for a unique and memorable round.

Cute store, very quirky and lots to look at. Owner is lovely too!

A wonderful treasure trove: gorgeous gifts, local crafts and amazing retro clothing

Great choice of garments and the owners know lage is second to none

DIFFERENT WELL WORTH LOOKING

Still under development, but the Clyne Kitchen is excellent. Lovely building with great views, looking forward to seeing more in future visits.

We had a lovely visit midweek. Lots of interesting artifacts and displays. Just about every stage of Broar’s life represented. So interesting that many local leading families still own shops and business. The way the walls were decorated to represent coal mines was extremely effective. It was well signed from the village, free parking and entrance and a very enthusiastic and knowledgable young man on duty to explain things to us. So good that he had such knowledge and pride for his local area. Well done Odhran

Great food, friendly service, great setting. Shop has some

Dropped by after seeing the signs on the main road. Met a really passionate about heritage man not actually from Scotland. He was a delight because he was so keen on the history of the area and I really wish my history teacher had been so interesting to listen to. He bounced out from behind the desk to show us round briefly giving an appraisal of each area. He was great at answering questions and told us not just about the history but also places to visit now. We followed his recommendations and ended up having a really lovely day. The items in the museum are well presented and done with models and real artefacts. The coal mine area has been darkened in a way that gives a coal mine feel. The small entry price was well worth the visit. There is a little cafe section and you can get locally made ice cream too.

Very nice. A bit of a wait. Otherwise would have given it 5 star. Nice and clean and a very promising new restaurant/ cafe.

Beautiful surroundings and Lego model of the brick works.

Lovely large grassed area. We were able to give our dog a bit of a run. Centre isn't dog friendly but apart from that there is so much information about the surrounding areas. It's well worth a visit. They have tea and coffee as well as an outside table which was great as it was warm and sunny

I did the P and P tour which was £35. The tour lasted 1.5 hours and our guide Leo was wonderful. He knew the history and answered all of the questions we had (we had a lot). Leo went above and beyond with being so welcoming and knowledgeable. The winery even offers a driving pack for the person who drives which was lovely so everyone can join in and drink responsibly.

Clynelish distillery was my first Whiskey distillery tour. We booked the 1 hr & 45 min Flavour Journey. The beautiful tasting room, the fun and interactive story telling, and the distillery tour went far beyond my expectations. This is a tour worth traveling to! The tour ended with tasting 3 whiskeys and a fun whiskey cocktail that I will definitely replicate at home!

What a wonderful tour. Our guide Victoria was charming and so knowledgeable. She kept us captivated throughout the visit. The interactive story room provided us with lots of history and information in an engaging way. Everyone we met on the tour was most friendly. We tasted 3 Clynelish whiskeys and a cocktail. We are not whiskey buffs but a more expensive tasting was available. We thought the visit was great value.

We went to cardhu as my husband wants to collect the 4 corners of Johnnie walkers world. We first came in to the shop and, I think, her name was Valerie was pushing us towards the ~self pouring whisky~ cause it has better value and tastes better. But one thing many know about whisky is that everyone has a personal taste. We didn’t really like that and she was not much help. My husband could taste the self pouring one but not the normal exclusive distillery one. We had to go upstairs to the bar. I asked at the bar if he can get a little to taste the distillery exclusive one cause he couldn’t do it in the shop. They were very helpfull here. I told him he needed to drive so he can not drink a ‘whole glass’. I asked what I needed to pay and he said that it was fine, that it was one the house. That was so so nice. I got a latte and we enjoyed the sun. He ended up buying the distillery exclusive one.

Had a wonderful experience! After my visit to the Dunrobin Castle I stopped here after a recommendation. It wasn't too crowdy and thus very comfortable and you could feel that everything was more personal. They accommodate for visitors that arrive by car by offering to refill the tasting portions into small glass bottles. The tour is highly recommended and created in an interactive way. The little cafe offers a stunning view into the landscape.

Best whisky distillery tour experience we’ve ever had was at Clynelish located in Brora! What an amazing story and what an amazing tour, Stefanie was so knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and entertaining. The first thirty minutes will captivate you. Did not disappoint! 🥃

We did the £21 tour and tasting and had a blast. It's a bit gimmicky, but that's part of the fun, and we learned a lot. The bar area where we had the tasting is gorgeous with great views. It's an easy 20 minute walk from the nearby village so no worries about driving after the tasting.

What a wonderful, beautiful, quiet place. Such a vast, open space, filled with nature, insects and interesting plants. Well worth the visit, well worth the time you will not regret visiting here, the only thing you will, is having to leave! Wonderful!

I’d definitely recommend visiting Forsinard Flows. There is parking available at the train station, and a small but very informative and interactive visitors centre (with a toilet and a coffee/tea machine). We did a lovely little walk (about 35 mins total) along the boardwalk to the viewing platform, and really enjoyed the information panels along the way. There are plenty of plants and animals (including lizards!) to look out for, and the scenery is gorgeous, even on a cloudy day!

Beautiful in every aspect of nature. I have this privilege of be here in September last year. Weather was very unpredictable and windy(before storm Agnes), but even we was alone and was so strong wind, I love it. Definitely I will back here in one day, when will more warmer and quite to enjoy. We visited cafe and make lovely tea for us. For lovers of birds and nature like me, it's heaven 💗

Forsinard flows is an incredible place to visit. Learning about the place and seeing the wildlife you really understand why it is such an important place that needs protecting. On just a short visit we saw red deer and their fawns, common lizards, sundews! And lots of birds.

Beautiful lonely landscape, pretty unbothered deer, nice visitor center at the train station

Good facilities (toilet, tea/coffee, picnic (inside or out), visitor information) Nice walk to viewing platform...about 5 minutes there, another 5 back.

A boggy wilderness but an easy access walk, boards and flagstones, plus the visitor centre at the station, and you should call into the Forsinard Lodge for food, cakes and coffee afterwards!

We visited on opening day of the season so got free entry however donated our £5 per adult into their donation box. A lot of money spent on the renovation and a wee slice of great history to learn

$5 every fee. Easy 2 min walk to exhibit. Very well done. Spent about an hour there..

Beautifully curated museum. Location was so picturesque. We really enjoyed our visit here.

Fantastic museum! Staff are welcoming and knowledgeable. An incredible amount of historical information presented beautifully. Adds a bittersweet perspective to this section of the NC500.

What a great museum for the children, and adults. Full of information about how Scotland changed to years ago and great interactive displays for the children. £5 per adult and U18's go free, worth every penny. Highly recommend a visit if staying nearby or passing through.

Glad we stopped here as even being a small place but great for history... From ancient times of the Picts almost into our times you can get a glimpse of the North Scottish history and clan Mackay... Definitely worth a stop if you're visiting the area or if you're on NC500 road trip...

Learned about my heritage. Such a beautiful drive to get here, too.

We visited on opening day of the season so got free entry however donated our £5 per adult into their donation box. A lot of money spent on the renovation and a wee slice of great history to learn

$5 every fee. Easy 2 min walk to exhibit. Very well done. Spent about an hour there..

Beautifully curated museum. Location was so picturesque. We really enjoyed our visit here.

Fantastic museum! Staff are welcoming and knowledgeable. An incredible amount of historical information presented beautifully. Adds a bittersweet perspective to this section of the NC500.

What a great museum for the children, and adults. Full of information about how Scotland changed to years ago and great interactive displays for the children. £5 per adult and U18's go free, worth every penny. Highly recommend a visit if staying nearby or passing through.

Glad we stopped here as even being a small place but great for history... From ancient times of the Picts almost into our times you can get a glimpse of the North Scottish history and clan Mackay... Definitely worth a stop if you're visiting the area or if you're on NC500 road trip...

Learned about my heritage. Such a beautiful drive to get here, too.

Helpful friendly staff especially as it was our first time there with our 5 month olds first time in pool. Clean facilities and nice temperature in pool. Nice having a jacuzzi and sauna after a dip in the pool also.

Brilliant pool! Squeaky clean, super freindly! Only a small pool but it’s body temperature, and the sauna and jacuzzi are great too! £7.50 for swim and spa. £1 coin is needed for the lockers!

Friendly staff. Lovely pool. Unisex changing area with cubicles. Steps down into pool. Jacuzzi and sauna and hot and cold showers available.

Lovely little pool which also includes a sauna and jacuzzi and a gym. Pool can only hold about 20 people and often has a lot less than that. Usually plenty of floats, noodles and toys out during public swimming sessions.

Won't let in an experienced gym goer to their small fitness room without an induction... I am a personal trainer... I know more about the equipment than them. Poor.

Good sized swimming pool, great facilities. The staff were very pleasant. overall a great atmosphere.

Friendly thorough staff. Gave us the tour and briefed us on safety measures👍 good pool.

Great place. Lots of hands on things for kids. History of area well presented. Small cafe is nice and the lady who works there is friendly, welcoming and engaging - made us feel very welcome. Outside the play park is good. The maze wasn't quite grown but I'm sure will be great once it is. We ventured on the walk up the hill and this too is well set out. Definitely recommend a visit to this venue. We hope to visit again when in the area.

Very disappointed not to be admitted with my dog on a lead. Travelled 20 miles to visit the centre and noted the sign dogs permitted on leads only, just to be sternly refused entry. No wonder there are not a lot of visitors here.

This is an excellent place we were glad it was open. It is an information centre with a small shop which is well stocked. There is also a cafe and toilet facilities. The lady on duty was very chatty. One other thing is the story of Lairg which was very interesting to read and learn about. There are two walks you can go on, one by the Lairg Dam and the other goes away up the hill with great views of Loch Shin and Lairg. If you are in the area make sure you take a wee detour and visit this place it really is worth it.

Very reasonably priced souvenirs, lovely coffee and cakes , and a wonderful person at the till to have a chat with. Looking forward to visiting again!

Nice coffee stop, gift shop and clean toilets

We've been coming here for years, such a beautiful spot and a great walk perfect length for littles. Dog friendly too. The path is well maintained and there's lots to see. The first part of the wander is through the woods and up the Loch then you go out into the open and get some amazing views. It is such a lovely walk!

Interesting place to visit in Lairg. We were recommended to go by our campsite host, as there is a new exhibition about a recent discovery of a asteroid striking the area (1200 million years ago). Local children have made some lovely posters, that can be seen on the path to the centre entrance. The display inside is very informative and describes how the crater was found and how it was formed. We also read the local history of how Lairg was founded and developed. There's plenty to see and do especially for youngsters, both inside and out and admission is free.

Excellent place to stop. Car park can be a bit busy, however, there is a regular turnover of people, so you shouldn't have to wait too long for a space to become available. There are toilets at the car park too. It's a little walk down to the cave and back, but nothing too strenuous. there are tours of the cave available, however, you can just wander to the first pool by yourself at no cost.

Very busy at the car park when I went in August, but still had an amazing experience going into the cave. Lots of steps to go down, but well worth it. The water fall is pretty spectacular. Places to eat and public toilets at the car park.

Did the nc500 at start of october & this should definitely be included as 1 of ur must see places. Unsure of the force of water during the summer months but we were their just after storm Amy had been through the Highlands & the force of water inside this natural cave was just incredible. We will definitely re-visit in October '26 when we're back on the NC.

The Cave is OK, bit of a anticlimax, and not that interesting. However the journey from John O'groats follow g the NC 200 is jaw dropping and we'll worth the journey.

Smoo Cave is a spectacular natural wonder set just east of Durness on Scotland’s rugged North Coast. Its enormous sea-cave entrance (about 40 m wide and 15 m high) opens into a dramatic interior where freshwater and sea erosion combine in one of the UK’s most memorable cave systems. From the road-side car park, a steep but well-maintained path leads you down to the cave (expect some steps and uneven ground). The walk isn’t long, but the setting is so dramatic that the drop in elevation is part of the experience. You can explore the front chamber and waterfall viewpoint free of charge any time of year. For deeper access — including a small boat ride into the inner chambers — you need to take a guided tour (seasonal, weather permitting). Tours cost about £15 for adults and £5 for children. Highlights The scale is impressive: a huge cavern entrance and a dramatic waterfall where the river plunges inside. Very photogenic, particularly the view across the wooden walkway, the waterfall chamber and the interplay of light, water and rock. It’s easy to just spend 20-30 minutes enjoying the front chamber; add another ~30 minutes (or more) if doing the boat tour. Things to Know / Tips Tours are weather dependent. Heavy rain or high water can lead to cancellations — since the cave is “active” (river + sea), water levels change quickly. Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear. Paths are rough, with steps and uneven surfaces. Not very accessible for people with mobility issues — the descent/ascent from car park to cave entrance is steep/stepped. The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn — longer daylight, nicer weather, more chance the tours are running. Verdict Smoo Cave is a must-see if you’re travelling the North Coast 500 or exploring the far north Highlands. Even without doing the full tour, the front cave and waterfall chamber are dramatic enough. With the paid tour, you get a bit of adventure and insight into its geology. Just be prepared for the terrain and the weather to possibly disrupt plans.

Great stop whilst in the area, nice but challenging walk down and the up from the cave, entry into the cave to view the waterfall is free, if you want to go further in by boat then that is chargeable.

It was an incredible tour and I liked the beautiful waterfall. Great day out for all the family!

Memorial Garden for John Lennon. Small, but pretty. Right next to the main road, so won't be super peaceful in the main season.

A lovely tribute to John Lennon. I enjoyed learning about his trips to Durness and thinking about the lyrics 'there are places I remember all my life'

A simple and beautiful to a simple and beautiful soul. Thete arevplaces I remember in my life, tho much has changed. This is one such place. Beautifully kept and respected.

Wonderful tribute to the late great John Lennon. Nice to chill out for a short time in the beautiful village of Durness.

Nothing spectacular until you realise John had his holidays up here too and we all are today, not “Yesterday”

If you're a John Lennon fan, it is a nice little memorial

Shame this place isn't made more of, given Lennon was a regular in Durness when young apparently. It's a nice, tasteful memorial by the village hall, not spectacular by any means, but should be a little better known.

This was our second visit and it did not disappoint! We love this site and could not recommend it any higher. From the moment you arrive to the friendly smiles of the owners to the huge smile that will appear on your face when you look over the side of the cliff to the beautiful beach below and out to sea. It is idyllic, peaceful, a fantastic location to sit and unwind or go for a walk. The showers are always clean, there is a kitchen area for those who are camping and don't have their own cooking facilities. It also boasts a laundry room with washing machines and dryers. Nearby is the pub which has really friendly staff and a pool table. There is a shop just up the road which stocks all of the things you could possibly need. Can highly recommend their fresh sausage rolls and the fresh cakes looked yummy as well! Keep walking and you will get to Balnakeil Craft Village where you will find a cafe with the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted. Keep walking further down the lane and you will end up at Balnakeil Beach where there is an old Church and graveyard which are definitely worth a visit. In the other direction from the campsite you will find Smoo Cave which again is a must to visit.

It has everything for every need (late September 25)! Multilingual Friendly staff at reception, throughout the campsite and the bar. There's a breakfast hut but always missed due to being late risers. Several washing up areas for the dishes and folk. Views to die for any time of the day, 2 beaches. Ideal for foraging sea weeds (delicious and healthy). If you love seeing shooting stars, Northern lights (if you are lucky) & the milky way, this is the place to be. Walking distance from the caves, walks, wire thing and cliff jumping and many more activities. Note: there are 2 roads to get to the camp. Be careful with Google maps especially if you have an old and delicate campervan. 1st one is super steep descend and 2nd one is an ordinary road. Will definitely be back again. Would highly recommend

A couple of nights here to take a break from driving, well worth it for the views from pitch 64 alone. A bit windy due to Amy, but with hydraulic levellers deployed, stable. EHU added to the comfort. Friendly helpful staff. Washing machine and dryer totalling £9 for a big load. Bracing walk on the beach to clear the lungs. Recommended

Fabulous location ! Overlooking the beach we had great views and could watch the sunrise which was beautiful - friendly staff, clean facilities - great little bar which had a nice buzz - we had clear skies at night so lots of star gazing! Great local walks to more fabulous beaches and coast line - Definitely the site to book first and in advance - we stayed two nights and so glad we did - I had a dip in the sea one morning which was fantastic! Highly recommend Sango Sands and hope to visit again in the near future! :)

The location is lovely but nothing there, campsite clean most pitches have sea view even now in late October was very busy, toilet shower block clean fresh. The site itself could do with some care and spruce up no flowers lights WiFi etc basically just a layered field, the view is only nice part! But realistically for £34 per night it's reasonably priced comparison to alot of others. The guy at reception took my cash, told me pitch number left me to it no receipt or advice.

One of the best sites you can get veiws wise, stunning clean beaches and good coastal walks especially over to smoo cave. The staff are polite and friendly and the site is nice and clean. We visited off season as its much quieter then.

What a beautiful campsite. The views are just stunning. We stayed in our 7m campervan. No hook up, was £26 for 2 adults. Nice toilets and showers. 20 min walk to SMOO CAVES. worth a stop.

Sad really. When we arrived at this tucked away craft village every unit was closed except one which although not to our taste was excellent artwork. The other place open was the cafe specialising in hot chocolate which was welcome as the weather was awful.

Worth a visit to see art work from some of the people who live here. The place has an intersection history from being watchtowers in the war and you get a sense of his when visiting. There are artists of all sorts of media, a gorgeous potter included. I even got my hair cut by Philip who also has an art studio, a hunted house, holiday cottages and does massages too. The haircut was great and only £25 plus a tip and some decent conversation. The cocoa mountain chocolate shop is definitely with a visit on the same site for delicious palm oil free chocolates.

We popped in as we were riding the NC500 Scotland tour. Very friendly so much Cakes to choose from. Hot chocolate ,Brownie was amazing. It's a must visit

Wrong time of year to come in October as most things closed. But the ones that were open were lovely. Very friendly place. Coco mountain has delicious hot chocolate as a treat.

Recently l visited here and most of the shops were closed which was rather disappointing! However l did enjoy a hot chocolate 🍫🍫 and it was delicious 😋😋

A very interesting area with many places to visit.

It's a collection of what look like old industrial buildings now used to house artists and crafts people. A few nice things to see and buy. Didn't try the cafe. A few were closed on the Sunday we went, including cocoa mountain which was disappointing as that was what I really wanted to go to.

Balnakeil Beach – Peaceful and Wild Balnakeil Beach is one of those places that feels like it’s sitting right at the edge of the world. Surrounded by massive sand dunes and wide, open skies, it has a raw, peaceful beauty that’s hard to put into words. It’s quiet, calm, and feels wonderfully secluded — like you’ve discovered a secret spot miles away from everything. The beach stretches far, with soft sand and views that go on forever. Whether you're walking along the shore, climbing the dunes for a better view, or just sitting still and soaking it all in, there’s something really grounding about being there. It’s not busy, not noisy — just the sound of the wind, the sea, and the feeling of space. A perfect spot to pause, breathe, and appreciate the stunning simplicity of the Scottish coast. If you're in the area, don’t skip this one. It’s a beautiful, soul-soothing place that really stays with you.

Stunning white beach. There’s parking available, no toilets.

Absolutely amazing beach. White sand, crystal clear water. Great walks around surrounding dunes.

My favourite beach on NC500

Nice pleasant beach with good doggy paddling capabilities. Worth the stop, photos taken from nearby car park.

Lovely quiet beach with long stretch of clean sand. Gently sloping and clear water for a good paddle. Fresh water streams coming in at far end for doggy drinks (or human if you have a filter)

Spectacular beach in the far north-west of Scotland. Balnakeil Bay gets flatter towards the beach. As a result, the cold Atlantic water can warm up if there is enough sunshine. Two kilometers of the finest sandy beach and hardly anyone far and wide. The only thing you won't find here is shade, unless clouds are hiding the sun. In spring and summer, please be sure to stay on the paths through the dunes so as not to disturb the birds while they are rearing.

I want to go there , any chance of Northern lights

Some stunning views. Easy walk.

Awesome place 😎

Large parking area provided just past the walkway. Tourists are encouraged not to park on the side of the road, and also not to climb onto the castle walls. Plenty areas to walk around for a variety of viewpoints. No cost to visit, so worth stopping by on a sunny day.

Pulled over to look at this castle as I was driving past, lots of parking and is all free. Lovely views of Loch Assynt from here aswell and so peaceful. Only a 20/30 minute stop but worth it if passing.

Ive visited here on numerous occasions over the years while doing the nc500 at different times. This is one of my favourite stops to see. It stands amongst some of the most dramatic scenery of the scottish highlands thought to have been built in 1590 by the macleods who had owned assynt since the 13th century. Its a popular stop on the NC500 route. The castle ruins offer picturesque views of the loch, waterfall and surrounding scenery. It has a peaceful and atmospheric vibe. Convienent parking and easy access. I like that it has informative boards detailing the history and wildlife. The shell of Calda House also stands close to the road. Highly recommend a visit. Absolutely stunning scenery. Please dont climb the ruins as they are crumbling.

Beautiful little ruined castle, mostly beautiful because of the setting, we were lucky and had a still day so the reflections from the loch were stunning. Definitely worth stopping.

My husband loved the surroundings of Ardvreck Castle, with the lake so still and serene. It was a nice, peaceful walk.

Ardvreck Castle may be in ruins, but it’s full of character and history – and the setting is simply unforgettable. Nestled on the edge of Loch Assynt, the views of the surrounding mountains and water are absolutely stunning, making it one of the most picturesque castle ruins in the Highlands. There’s a haunting beauty to the place, with the crumbling tower standing alone against the dramatic landscape. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and perfect for those who love history, photography, or just a quiet moment in nature. Well worth a stop if you’re exploring the NC500 or passing through Sutherland. A true hidden gem!

Unmistakably Scottish and right by the roadside. Easy access, loads of parking and set in the fabulous Loch Assynt. A ruined church sits close by too along with a lovely set of falls. What’s not to stop by for?

Nice place to stop on the road south with clean toilets , good coffee and fantastic views down the lochs , we just had a few little cakes so didnt have anything hot

Lovely pit stop on the NC500 route with gorgeous views. Very friendly staff and easily accessible toilets. Educational section on the local geology, would definitely recommend popping in on your travels! :)

Very cute little tearoom with excellent exhibition room in the back. Super interesting and has absolutely sparked a new interest for me and my husband! We got so hooked that we ended up doing the rock road and some of the pebble roads on our holiday

📍Really convenient stop for bikers enjoying the wonders of NC500 route. Located at the edge of a cliff overlooking the lake valley just off the A849. 👀 You can enjoy the top Highlands views while sipping freshly brewed coffee. ☕🍑 Food is fine considering it's a roadside café (don't expect Micheline stars 🌟) 🙋‍♂️ Staff members are knowledgeable and keen to tell you more about the area while you enjoy the exhibition 💸 Pricing is fair - as expected

The 5 stars are for the views and the history of this place and the amazing history of the tectonic plates moving and how they're still moving today! Unfortunately the sames can't be said about the coffee purchase, not nice at all and disposed of after one mouthful.

Great exhibition and cafe stop with a really good geological history of the Caledonian area and that it's linked to the European geopark scheme.

Great place to stop for coffee and cake or a breakfast roll. Stunning views and a lovely little exhibition about the Geopark.

Incredible. We drove up to Kylesku from Aviemore and it was the most stunning drive. We visit the Highlands every year and each time brings new wonders. A little known viewing spot...if you're looking at the bridge head on from the car park, cross the road and walk a few feet over to the guard rail. Walk inside the rail and on the left there is a way to climb up the side of the hill, very short few steps. Views are spectacular.

Been across this bridge a bunch of times. But the area offers so many views and viewpoints that I've never actually stopped. Until this years. I parked at the northern carpark (I was the only one there that cloudy summer day) with wonderful views looking at the bridge, the valley, Loch a' Chairn Bhain and Loch Gleann Dubh. The bridge connects the latter two. It's a beautiful little spot - as there are so many. That's why I keep coming up here. There's a always some place you've missed, a new place to discover, a new walk to take...I just love the Highlands. Surely worth a stop, especially on a quiet day like we've got.

There's parking both sides of the bridge,but this side has the stunning views and is a great for wild camping. If it's very windy use other side as it's more sheltered.

Glorious views, with a car park either side of a lovely bridge!! This is on the NC500 route, so you don’t come off the route to see it, but definitely work stopping off for a picture or two in the car parks!

As bridges go this one is pretty cool, takes a great photo. From above and below. Make sure you've got good shoes path can be slippy

Kylesku Bridge – A Must-Stop on the NC500 Kylesku Bridge is one of those classic stops on the NC500 that really deserves a moment. It’s an iconic spot with beautiful views all around — mountains, water, and that sweeping curve of the bridge itself. You’ll definitely want to pull over for a photo or just to take it all in. There’s easy parking right next to the viewpoint, so it’s a super convenient stop along the route. The bridge was opened in 1984 and is a concrete box girder design, blending surprisingly well into the dramatic landscape. It crosses the Loch a’ Chàirn Bhàin and connects the tiny villages around this part of the north-west Highlands. It’s peaceful, scenic, and one of those places where you can just stand still for a moment and appreciate how special this drive really is. Definitely a must-see on your NC500 adventure.

We made a quick stop to cross this bridge since we were already in the area.

This was the highlight of our trip. Stunning remote mountain scenery. The sea loch always seemed relatively calm even in a strong westerly. You’ll get up close to seals as well as great views of the highest waterfall in the UK. On our trip we saw a sea eagle and were informed there were regular sightings of golden eagles. The skipper provided just the right level of information as well as handing out binoculars. Highly recommended if you’re doing the NC500 and want to connect with the wilderness instead of just rushing past it.

We had a fantastic trip out this morning 21/05/2025, we didn't sea any dolphins but saw plenty of seals and great views of the coastline around the lochs.

We sadly didn't see any dolphins. But did see 3 stags and lots of seals. The boat was very good and the dog was also allowed to join us.

Fantastic trip with a friendly and knowledgeable guide. We saw porpoises and seals, and had amazing views of the mountains and the beaches. Highly recommended

We really enjoyed our trip on the boat with Kevin today. We saw dolphins, seals and sea birds. The weather was great, and the coast looked stunning under the sun. The boat is new, has plenty of space, and doesn't take too many people at once so it's easy for everyone to head to the side of the boat where the wildlife is. The kids loved driving the boat at the end (under Kevin's supervision...).

great trip, already for the beautiful scenery seeing Lochinver surroundings and hills from the sea, but extra special seeing dozens of dolphins that Kevin knew where to find

Had the best time, we'd seen 3 different type of dolphin, seals, few birds was great fun and the skipper was very friendly and happy to talk. Would definitely recommend!