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Sango Bay, Durness, Northern Highlands

Northern Highlands

No-one who travels here can fail to be struck by a sense of being somewhere different. The sheer atmosphere of these northlands makes a big impression.

Yet the Northern Highlands also offer splendid variety, all the way from the remote wildness of the austere rock-hewn landscapes of the far north west and Wester Ross, to the quintessentially Scottish architecture of the old burgh of Cromarty at the tip of the Black Isle or the ancient archaeological sites of Caithness.





Moderate Walks

In the Northern Highlands the landscape provides a constant reminder of the wild power of nature, and yet there are a surprisingly large number of short and easy walks. Most routes lie around the coast where nearly all the settlements are located and the sea is a constant presence.


Moderate Walks Holborn Head

A short walk along a grassy path leading up above Thurso Bay.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Gairloch - Flowerdale Falls (Walking World)

This is a pleasant family walk and goes from sea level to 150m at Flowerdale Falls.
Distance: 6.4km/4miles Duration: 2 1/4 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Moderate Walks Struie Hill

A short walk up Struie Hill with great views over the Dornoch Firth.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 180 metres/594 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Drumderfit Hill Walk (Walking World)

This is a delightful, little-known walk, near Munlochy on the Black Isle.
Distance: 5km/3miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 180 metres/594 feet

Moderate Walks Knockan Cliff Trails

A variety of nature and geological trails with a cliff top section.
Distance: 1.5km/0.9miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Moderate Walks Mellon Udrigle

A short circular walk through moorland and low cliffs.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Family walk Contin Forest

Contin Forest has a series of trails of varying lengths.
Distance: 1km/0.6miles Duration: 1/4 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon The Millbuie (Walking World)

The Black Isle, is like an upturned boat; and this is one of several walks along its keel .
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 75 metres/247.5 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Fairy Glen, Rosemarkie (Walking World)

A popular walk at Rosemarkie, on the Black Isle.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 75 metres/247.5 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Tain Hill and Pulpit Rock (Walking World)

A walk up to a superb viewpoint overlooking the Dornoch Firth and Easter Ross.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Avoch - Fortrose - Chanonry Point (Walking World)

Dolphins, seals ... both may be seen on this family walk on the Black Isle.
Distance: 11.27km/7miles Duration: 2 hours

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Fairy Glen and Loch Migdale (Walking World)

An enjoyable walk on the north side of the Dornoch Firth.
Distance: 10.47km/6.5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 75 metres/247.5 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Carbisdale Castle Walk (Walking World)

A pleasant walk in Sutherlandshire, overlooking the Kyle of Sutherland.
Distance: 4.43km/2.8miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 130 metres/429 feet

Moderate Walks Poulouriscaig - The Deserted Village

A short walk to the ruined site of a deserted village - an area of tranquility & beauty.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Inverianvie River

A pleasant walk up a narrow glen to a waterfall. Good views of Gruinard Bay.
Distance: 6.5km/4.1miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 140 metres/462 feet

Moderate Walks Yarrows Archaeological Trail

A short circular walk across moorland, visiting archaeological sites.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 90 metres/297 feet

Moderate Walks Dunnet Bay & Forest

A pleasant walk exploring the sandy beach and woodlands.
Distance: 5.5km/3.4miles Duration: 1 1/2hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Craig nan Caisteal Walk (Walking World)

A short but very scenic walk on the Black Isle, near Inverness.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 75 metres/247.5 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Dunbeath Strath (Walking World)

A walk up the picturesque Dunbeath Strath, incorporating natural and historic interest.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Thurso - Scrabster Circular

A pleasant walk along quiet roads and paths along cliff tops to a busy harbour.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks Badbea

A short circular walk passing the ruins of a deserted township.
Distance: 1.5km/0.9miles Duration: 3/4 hour Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Contin - Rogie Falls - Contin (Walking World)

This is a popular walk near Strathpeffer.
Distance: 5.64km/3.5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Moderate Walks Loch an Nostarie circular walk

Walkers should arm themselves with a camera to capture the amazing views.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 140 metres/462 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Maryburgh - River Conon - Brahan Estate (Walking World)

This is a circular walk close to the River Conon, a noted salmon river.
Distance: 10.47km/6.5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 70 metres/231 feet

Moderate Walks Inverfarigaig and the Falls of Foyers

Forestry centre at Inverfarigaig and spectacular waterfall at Foyers.
Distance: 11km/6.9miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet

Moderate Walks Rogie Falls walks

A selection of walks around woodland near Rogie Falls.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1/2 hour Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon The Ullapool Hill path (Walking World)

A popular walk up the hillside behind Ullapool with good views over the local area.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet

Moderate Walks Wick Castle

The route follows the cliff tops to an old ruined castle and spectacular rock formations.
Distance: 3.5km/2.2miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Beinn Eighe Nature Trail (Walking World)

This is the shorter of the two Nature Trails on Beinn Eighe.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Black Rock Gorge (Walking World)

The River Glass, is spectacular, being 150ft deep, with sheer sides and only 10ft wide.
Distance: 3.22km/2miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Family walk Leitir Easidh All Abilities Path

Enjoy a wonderful walk which is perfect for all.
Distance: 1.5km/0.9miles Duration:       Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Achterneed Circular Walk (Walking World)

A very pleasant walk at Achterneed, Strathpeffer, overlooked by Ben Wyvis (1100m).
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 175 metres/577.5 feet

Moderate Walks John o' Groats coastal walk

A pleasant walk through grass lands with good views of the Orkney Islands.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks Dunnet Head

Dunnet Head - most northerly point on the UK mainland
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet

Moderate Walks Leacanashie Circular, Lochcarron

A pleasant circular walk through conifer woodlands and coastal scenery.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Loch Glascarnoch (Walking World)

A good short walk to break the journey between Inverness and Ullapool.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet

Moderate Walks Old Man of Stoer

A beautiful coastal walk up to the Point of Stoer with views of the Old Man of Stoer.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Moderate Walks Noss Head and Sinclair and Girnigoe Castles (Walking World)

A short walk past the lighthouse at Noss Head and along the coast.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 20 metres/66 feet

Moderate Walks Stacks of Duncansby

A short walk to the dramatic cliffs of Duncansby Head.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks Achvarasdal Wood, Reay, Caithness

Waymarked walk around an old policy woodland. 2km of all ability pathways.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 20 metres/66 feet

Moderate Walks Cnoc Fyrish

A moderate walk with variety and great views.~
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet

Moderate Walks St Mary's Chapel, Forss

A short path through grassland to a ruined chapel on the coast.
Distance: 2.5km/1.6miles Duration: 3/4 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Silverbridge - Little Garve Circular (Walking World)

This really delightful walk is between Inverness and Wester Ross.
Distance: 5.18km/3.2miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 5 metres/16.5 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Gruinard Bay - Inverianvie Falls (Walking World)

This is a short family walk - good as part of a day out or when touring in this area.
Distance: 3.62km/2.26miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Moderate Walks Creag Meagaidh

This route gives a flavour of the Creag Meagaidh National Nature reserve.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Family walk Achany Glen, Lairg

Two short forest trails near to the Falls of Shin - a famous salmon leap.
Distance: 1.5km/0.9miles Duration: 1/2 hour Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Moderate Walks Dun Deardail

Dun Deardail is an Iron age vitrified fort.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 350 metres/1155 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Contin - Achterneed (Walking World)

A pleasant walk through young and old forests and across open moor.
Distance: 8.5km/5.3miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet

Moderate Walks Nethy Bridge

This walk forms part of the Speyside Way and follows the track of a dismantled railway.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Sutors of Cromarty Circular (Walking World)

One of many waymarked walks on the Black Isle.
Distance: 4.43km/2.8miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 140 metres/462 feet

Moderate Walks The Quiraing

The quiraing is an ancient landslip that left behind a wonderful array of rock features.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 150metres/495 feet

Moderate Walks Balnakeil

A beautiful coastal walk along a lovely sandy beach with great views of the cliffs.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Ferry Wood, Lairg

Two routes, including an all abilities trail through a forest on the shores of Loch Shin.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 20 metres/66 feet

Moderate Walks Wick River

A route following the River Wick for those interested in birds and flowers.
Distance: 6.5km/4.1miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Ormond Castle Walk (Walking World)

This is a lovely walk in the Black Isle, near Inverness.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Skelbo Wood Walk (Walking World)

A short walk popular with people on holiday in the Dornoch area.
Distance: 2.42km/1.5miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Moderate Walks Achgarve - Slaggan - Achgarve (Walking World)

A walk across the Rubha Mor peninsula in Wester Ross to the beach at Slaggan.
Distance: 11.27km/7miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Shin Falls Forest Walk

Short and fun forest walk for all the family.
Distance: 2km/1.25miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Longer Walks

There are few places in Britain where you can 'get away from it all' as effectively as in the Northern Highlands. It is not uncommon to walk for miles along the rugged coastline or through the remote interior without meeting another soul.


Longer Walks walkingworld icon Golspie's Wee Mannie & Big Burn (Walking World)

This walk rewards you with views along the Sutherland coast and across the Moray Firth.
Distance: 9.18km/5.74miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 415 metres/1369.5 feet

Longer Walks Tollie - Slattadale (Loch Maree) - Tollie (Walking World)

A through walk, giving marvellous views over Loch Maree.
Distance: 9.66km/6miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Longer Walks Traverse of Five Sisters of Kintail

This walk follows one of the finest ridge walks in Scotland.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 8 hours Height Gain: 1500 metres/4950 feet

Longer Walks walkingworld icon Londubh - Kernsary - Poolewe (Walking World)

A superb walk from the picturesque village of Poolewe.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 3 1/3 hours Height Gain: 70 metres/231 feet

Longer Walks Redpoint - Diabaig

A good long coastal route, primarily through moorland.
Distance: 11km/6.9miles Duration: 4 1/2 hours Height Gain: 140 metres/462 feet

Longer Walks walkingworld icon Tain - Edderton (Walking World)

A very pleasant walk in Easter Ross.
Distance: 10.5km/6.6miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet

Longer Walks Achnashellach - Coulin Pass - Coire Lair Circular (Walking World)

A fine circular walk round Carn Odhar on good footpaths, with outstanding views.
Distance: 14km/8.75miles Duration: 4 1/2 hours Height Gain: 490 metres/1617 feet

Longer Walks Staxigoe to Noss Head (Walking World)

A pleasant walk along a picturesque part of the coast immediately north of Wick.
Distance: 9km/5.6miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Longer Walks Glen Canisp to Elphin

A classic long walk in Sutherland passing between Suilven and Canisp.
Distance: 19km/11.9miles Duration: 7 1/2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/726 feet

Longer Walks Strathpeffer - Rogie Falls - Strathgarve - Garve (Walking World)

A walk from Strathpeffer to Garve along the River Blackwater.
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Longer Walks Family walk Loch Migdale

A lovely family walk combing Loch Migdale and woodland.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Longer Walks Rhue Lighthouse

A lovely walk along the shore of Loch Broom with views out to the Summer Isles.
Distance: 10.5km/6.6miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 90 metres/297 feet

Longer Walks walkingworld icon Fortrose - Swallow Den - Rosemarkie (Walking World)

A short, scenic, circular walk on the Black Isle, between Fortrose and Rosemarkie.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours Height Gain: 120 metres/396 feet

Longer Walks Strathpeffer - Knockfarrel - Dingwall (Walking World)

A walk from the old Spa of Strathpeffer to Dingwall along the Knockfarrel ridge.
Distance: 5km/3.1miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet

Longer Walks walkingworld icon Rubha Reidh to Camas Mor (Walking World)

A wonderful coastal walk from the lighthouse at Rubha Reidh to the beach of Camas Mor.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 3 1/3 hours Height Gain: 350 metres/1155 feet

Longer Walks Sarclet coastal walk

A coastal route leading to dramatic cliff scenery.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet

Longer Walks walkingworld icon Craigton - Croft Downie - North Kessock - Craigton (Walking World)

This is a popular local walk a mile out of Inverness with good views.
Distance: 3.62km/2.26miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 190 metres/627 feet

Longer Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Inchnadamph Caves (Walking World)

A pleasant walk in a grassy valley to limestone caves and swallow holes. 
Distance: 6.5km/4.1miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Longer Walks Family walk Family walk walkingworld icon Morangie Forest Walk (Walking World)

This is a delightful walk near Tain in Easter Ross, climbing and giving stunning views.
Distance: 11km/6.9miles Duration: 3 1/3 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet

Longer Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Fyrish Hill, Easter Ross (Walking World)

A pleasant walk in Easter Ross offering splendid views.
Distance: 5.64km/3.5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet

Longer Walks Strathmore - Braemore

A long track from Strathmore to Braemore across moorland.
Distance: 26km/16.25miles Duration: 8 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet

Longer Walks walkingworld icon Edderton - Struie Hill (Walking World)

The most prominent feature on Dornoch Firth is the rocky prow of Struie Hill.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet

Longer Walks Eathie - Rosemarkie (Walking World)

A very pleasant beachcombing walk from Eathie to Rosemarkie.
Distance: 9km/8miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 20 metres/66 feet

Longer Walks walkingworld icon Braebag Bone Caves (Walking World)

A rewarding walk into the wilds to have a look at the bone caves.
Distance: 4.5km/2.8miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 225 metres/742.5 feet

Longer Walks Sandwood Bay (Walking World)

Wild, beautiful and fairly remote but definitely worth the effort!
Distance: 13km/8.1miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 240 metres/792 feet

Longer Walks Dwarwick Harbour & Chapel Geo

A moderate walk along rough paths, from the harbour to the cliff tops.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks

For the hillwalker the Northern Highlands provide some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the country as well as a chance to really escape from the crowds. The true jewels in the crown are the superb individual mountains that line the west coast from Applecross and Torridon right up to the north coast. They are the most elemental of Scottish hills with barely any vegetation covering them their, very skeletons seem to be exposed.


Hill and Mountain Walks An Teallach (Walking World)

A mountain challenge if ever there was one!
Distance: 15km/9.37miles Duration: 8 hours Height Gain: 1380 metres/4554 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Wildlife Walk - Ben Mor Coigach

Seek out Monarch of the Glen, with this challenging and fascinating walk.
Distance: 16km/10miles Duration: Up to 8 hours Height Gain: 650 metres/2145 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Beinn Eighe (Ruadh Stac Mor)

A huge mountain with an incredible amount of variety.
Distance: 11km/6.9miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 1040 metres/3432 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Ben Loyal

An ascent often referred to as the Queen of Scottish Mountains.
Distance: 13km/8.1miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 750 metres/2475 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Meall a' Ghiubhais

Beinn Eighe is Britain's first National Nature Reserve.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 850 metres/2805 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Ben Hope

An ascent of Scotland's most Northerly Munro.
Distance: 13km/8.1miles Duration: 5 hour Height Gain: 900 metres/2970 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Liathach

One of Scotland's classic ridge walks, Liathach.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 7 hours Height Gain: 1200 metres/3960 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Ben Klibreck (Walking World)

Ben Klibreck dominates central Sutherland with extensive views.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 5 1/2 hours Height Gain: 800 metres/2640 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Achnashellach - Coire Lair Mountains

This is a fantastic and challenging walk starting from Achnashellach station.
Distance: 25km/15.6miles Duration: 8 1/2 hours Height Gain: 2000 metres/6600 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Dundonnell - Shenevall - Carnmore - Poolewe (Part 2) (Walking World)

This walk takes you right through the heart of Letterewe and Fisherfield.
Distance: 17km/10.6miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks walkingworld icon Coire Mhic Fhearchair of Beinn Eighe (Walking World)

A walk up a good track through spectacular mountain scenery.
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 525 metres/1732.5 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Dundonnell - Shenevall - Carnmore - Poolewe (Part 1) (Walking World)

This walk takes you right through the heart of Letterewe and Fisherfield.
Distance: 18km/11.25miles Duration: 6.5 hours Height Gain: 800 metres/2640 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Dundonnell - Achneigie - Shenavall (Walking World)

A walk below the impressive mountain of An Teallach and into wild country.
Distance: 13km/8miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 650 metres/2145 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Stac-Pollaidh

Stac Pollaidh is one of Scotland's most distinctive hills and gives superb views.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 550 metres/1815 feet

Hill and Mountain Walks Sgurr Mor from Loch Droma (Walking World)

Sgurr Mor is the highest peak in the Northern Highlands.
Distance: 17km/10.6miles Duration: 6 1/2 hours Height Gain: 1150 metres/3795 feet

Long Distance Walks

Long Distance Walks are suitable for experienced walkers with good stamina.


Long Distance Walks Nave-Nortrail - The North Sea Trail

NAVE NORTRAIL is a new long distance route currently in development.

Long Distance Walks Cape Wrath Trail

The route runs from Fort William to Cape Wrath and is a great trek for experienced walkers.
Distance: 320km/200 miles Duration: 14-16 days Height Gain: 580 metres/1914 feet

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