Northern Sutherland comprises of the far north west tip of the Scottish mainland and is an area of mountains, moors, lochs, rock, bog and wild and beautiful coastlines – with spectacular cliffs and stacks and some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. In between all this it has welcoming settlements nestled in sheltered locations such as Scourie, Durness, Tongue, Bettyhill, Melvich, Altnaharra and Lairg. You can find great accommodation options in these locations and others.
Northern Sutherland is an area of stunning natural beauty, it has a feeling of space and solitude – probably more so than any other area of mainland Britain. The North Coast 500 (NC500) scenic route follows the main roads around the coast and provides access to many of the excellent sights, more are accessible for the adventurous further off the beaten track. The Flow Country is a globally important expanse of blanket bog and peatland wilderness that occupies much of the interior and east of the area between the mountains – World Heritage status is currently being applied for, see more here.
In terms of mountains the interior has plenty of choice: Ben Hope is the most northerly Munro and a spectacular hill; Ben Klibreck above Altnaharra is a massive 10 kilometre long ridge whose highest top, Meall nan Con, also has Munro status; Foinaven and Arkle in the west comprise one of the most spectacular mountain masses in Scotland but are less frequented as they are below 3000 feet; Ben Loyal is feted for its fine ramparts above Tongue and has an intriguing granitic summit terrain. Also, the hills of the Reay Forest south of Foinaven provide exceptionally rough and wild terrain away from the “crowds” and are highly recommended. The west of Sutherland is part of the North West Highlands Geopark – one of the UNESCO Global Geoparks – an area of international geological significance.
Discover and explore Northern Sutherland through the articles and links below.
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Northern Sutherland
Foinaven and Arkle
Northern Sutherland interactive map
Northern Sutherland select photo gallery
Beinn Leoid and Meallan a’ Chuail
Ben Hope – the most northerly Munro
The Foinaven and Reay Forest Mountains
Distinct Mountains of the Far North
Dun Dornaigil Broch and Strath More
Ard Neackie & Loch Eriboll
Loch Hope and the Hope to Altnaharra Road
Farr Bay, Bettyhill
Ceannabeinne Durness – Grey November Day but Still Beautiful
Ben Hope Summit Camp
