Remote & Rugged: Scottish Highlands Adventure

They call Inverness the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’ for a reason. After welcoming you on board, we head North towards some of Scotland’s most stunningly rugged and remote regions. Are you prepared? Got your camera? Scarf? Walking shoes?

Because today we’re even traversing along some of Scotland’s famous NC500 Route. 

Our first host is someone (or thing) far from shy. She’ll thunderously greet you, ready to entertain and marvel, to show you why she’s beloved. Situated on the aptly named Black Water river, Rogie Falls is waiting to impress you. Enjoy a view worthy of your camera on the new suspension bridge and breathe in the fresh forest air that surrounds you. 

Speaking of impressive… we continue North to our next destination which is sure to both thrill and inspire you.

Ever wondered how glacial meltwater can affect a landscape, creating deep gorges? Us too. Corrieshalloch is one of the most spectacular gorges in Britain. Make sure you have good walking shoes for the short (yet steep) walk to a Victorian suspension bridge.

All the better so you can have yet another incredible view over crashing waterfalls below. Designated a National Nature Reserve, be on the lookout for the rare species of cranefly or the species of ferns that grow in the microclimate of the gorge. 

Time for something a little different but equally as lovely – we stop in the village of Ullapool, known as the ‘Gateway to the Outer Hebrides’. With a strong fishing heritage, why not grab a quick snack of locally sourced seafood? Or maybe perusing the craft shops is more your thing. But don’t get too comfortable because the Highlands are calling you out again

After a quick visit, we’re off to Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve.

Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is where the rocks come to life… or it seems that way. From stunning sculptures to poetry carved into rockfaces, it’s a breathtaking spot to be sure

No visit to Scotland is complete without a ruinous castle. As you explore the quiet history of our next stop, Ardvreck Castle, try to imagine what it might have been like for the MacLeods clan living there in the 15th century, overlooking the mysterious Loch Assynt. As you gaze out over the loch, keep an eye out for the missing daughter of the MacLeod’s, Eimhir, also known as the ‘mermaid of Assynt’. The legend goes that instead of marrying the brute to whom she was betrothed, Eimhir plunged into the caverns of the loch and made a new home beneath the water’s surface.  

It’s time for a wee break so we head to the small fishing port and resort of Lochinver on the west coast of Scotland. Enjoy the beautiful mountain views and white sandy beaches as you perhaps munch on one of their legendary pies for lunch. 

I bet you weren’t prepared for a trip to the Caribbean while visiting Scotland? That’s how stepping onto Achmelvich Beach feels. Water as clear and blue as a crystal, sand as fine and white as snow. Enjoy a wee stroll, because no matter the weather this is a beautiful spot.