Scotland's North West Coast

SCOTLAND’S NORTH COAST

I grew up in the Highlands of Scotland and it is a very special place for me. I go home every year, and keep up to date on new properties, and events. You must always carry a brolly (umbrella ) since you can’t predict the weather and even though the winter months can be jolly cold, I would recommend it year round.

A scenic tour along the North Coast 500 route through Wester Ross, Assynt, Sutherland, Caithness and Easter Ross is Scotland’s answer to the USA Route 66, or Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. It is the path less traveled, 500 miles of magnificent scenery, some of the best in Europe, wild mountains and lochs, salmon rivers, rugged coastlines with secluded sandy bays, fishing villages and bustling little towns. No petrol stations open on Sundays, and never let your petrol tank get low since it might be a long way before the next petrol station. Most Scots carry a small tin of petrol in the boot (trunk ) just in case. No traffic, no crowds. Few foreigners – I always meet fellow Scots, who love the area.

You can hike, fish, play golf, and just enjoy the region. Small, unique inns, smashing restaurants, and great food.

This route is my idea of Heaven.

Day 1. Visit Wester Ross and take in the striking mountains of Torridon and the sea lochs (lakes) that cut into this stunning part of the Highlands. Make the smashing road journey to Applecross, the only way to get there was by boat. Only 200 people on this peninsula, and the Applecross Inn is one of my very favorite hideaway places. Windy narrow road, with one track in some places. Go further north visit the splendid Inverewe Gardens at Poolewe. This is the best garden in the West. They do a marvelous job of a tour, and a great gift shop. They are on a gulf stream, and can grow amazing plants so far north. There is a lovely view of the Isle of Skye across the water, and the sunsets are super. You will see lots of sea eagles and pine martens at the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, on the shores of beautiful Loch Maree which is one of the prettiest in the land. Stay overnight in Ullapool. If you have the time, you can take a ferry out to the Isle of Lewis, for a couple of days.

Day 2. Go north to Cape Wrath lighthouse through breathtaking Assynt scenery. See the grand peaks of Suilven and Stac Pollaidh and be amazed at the rugged terrain of the far north west as you experience this amazing wilderness. Stay overnight in the Durness area.

Day 3. Travel east and discover the Pictish and Viking mysteries of Caithness or some archaeological gems along the Strathnaver Trail. Reach the most northerly point of the British mainland at Dunnet Head and witness the remarkable Stacks of Duncansby. Stay overnight in the Thurso area.

Day 4. Discover beautiful Easter Ross. An area full of historic castles and distilleries. Walk the Highland Pictish Trail from Inverness to Dunrobin Castle. Don’t forget to stop for a refreshment at the Glenmorangie Distillery – my father’s absolute favorite whisky – or at the Black Isle Brewery. You must have a “wee dram” (little taste) of a famous whisky, and you will feel on top of the world. Stay overnight in the Beauly area. The highland games are held in Beauly late June, and the local pipe band gives a concert in the square on Thursday evenings.

Since you are so far north, why not go see one of the Outer islands.

Most of the people dig up slabs of peat from the moors to burn in their fires. You will be surprised to see that the water in your bath is brown. You get used to it.

Buy some handmade jumpers (sweaters), cashmere, tweeds, a great selection in small shops along the way.

Raise a toast to life’s unexpected surprises, and start dreaming.

Maureen Jones

Scotsmaster

All Horizons Travel

160 Main Street

Los Altos, Tel. 650-941-5810