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Four & Five Star Quality
B&Bs in the Northern Highlands of Scotland
including Orkney - Caithness
Sutherland - Wester Ross
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Members on this page offer B&B accommodation in and around:
Black Isle (1)
Brora (2) - Wick (1) - Orkney (1) - Thurso (2) - Tongue (1)
Lochinver (2) - Ullapool (1) - Laide (1) - Torridon (1)
Please note that double/twin room prices are per person per night based on two persons sharing. To make enquiries or bookings, please contact the proprietor direct via phone, fax or email as detailed on the relevant entry. If you are outside the UK, first dial the appropriate international dialing code for your country (011 from the States for example), then dial 44 and omit the initial 0 of the number given in these pages, before dialing the remaining digits.
The main A9 road north of Inverness, crosses the Moray Firth by the Kessock bridge with spectacular views west into the mountains and east to the sea. On the Black Isle, which isn't an island at all, are places from where you can often watch the bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth. At the tip of the peninsula is Cromarty, once a busy fishing village but now very quiet with many of the original fishermens' cottages converted into holiday homes.
North again, over the Cromarty Firth by the bridge at the inland end, or the tiny car ferry from Cromarty, is a choice of either the main A9 road through Tain or the smaller A836. The A836 cuts the corner, going over Struie Hill with a panoramic view from the top, looking to the north down to Bonar Bridge. Then cross the Dornoch Firth to Dornoch itself, venue for golfing enthusiasts with its Championship course and a pleasant little town with its old cathedral and jailhouse exhibition, part of the castle, which is now a hotel.
Beyond Dornoch, the A9 travels northwards through Golspie, site of Dunrobin Castle built by the Dukes of Sutherland, through Helmsdale, where Scotland had its mini goldrush, to Wick. All along this road it is difficult not to gaze at the spectacular scenery of cliffs and rolling waves.
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Dunrobin Castle |
The A9 continues north to John O' Groats before disappearing into the sea at the boat slipway! A side road leads to Duncansby Head and from here a path leads over the cliff tops to a view of the Duncansby Stacks, spectacular rock formations just off the coast. Further west and another side road leads to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain.
This northern part of the Highland area is one of the last wildernesses in Europe. From the rolling moorlands on the east, the 'Flow Country', to the dramatic mountains on the west, this is the least populated part of Scotland. An ancient land, it has some of the oldest rock in the world - the Lewisian gneiss. Once high mountains, these rounded hills have been eroded and moulded by glaciers and time. This is the home of the golden eagle, the wildcat, the pinemarten and the red deer. Once it was home to many people in small communities until the infamous Highland clearances dispersed the population to all the corners of the globe.
The main road from Wick to Thurso cuts across this north-easterly corner of Caithness, before turning west along the "top" of Scotland toward the region of Sutherland. Sutherland was so named by the Norse inhabitants a thousand years ago when, to them, it was the south of their territory.
At Scrabster, near Thurso, is the departure point for car ferries to Orkney. The windswept Orkney Isles have some fascinating archaeological sites to discover from stone circles to once buried villages like Skara Brae.
West of Thurso is Melvich with a pretty bay, one of the small villages along this stretch of coast which leads to Durness. Explore Smoo Cave and some wonderful sandy beaches before maybe visiting Cape Wrath the sea-battered cliff top on the north-west corner. Access here can be restricted to certain times and days. The road now turns south to Scourie from where can be seen the island of Handa, a sanctuary for seabirds which can be accessed by boat from Scourie.
Along this road, the traveller passes mountains with wonderful names - Cranstackie, Foinaven, Arkle, Ben Stack, and Quinag before reaching the fishing village of Lochinver. Lochinver is dominated by the sugarloaf shape of Suilven which, seen sideways on, looks more like a reclining lion. The narrow winding side road follows the coast through inspiring scenery before going off to the delightful Achiltibuie with views of the Summer Isles or rejoining the main road on its way to Ullapool and Wester Ross.
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Lochinver |
Ullapool is the starting point for ferries to Stornoway on the Isles of Lewis and Harris and was, only a few years ago, the centre of an international fishing trade when literally dozens of huge factory ships, from as far away as Japan and Korea, would anchor in outer Loch Broom and process fish brought to them by trawlers. Restrictions to conserve fish stocks have put an end to this.
South of Ullapool, Laide looks out over the beautiful beach of Gruinard Bay and, whilst a side road nearby leads along a promontory to the fabulous beach at Mellon Udrigle, the main road continues to Poolewe. Here are the world famous Inverewe Gardens (National Trust for Scotland), perhaps the best known visitor attraction of Wester Ross, where sub-tropical trees and plants are to be found - on roughly the same latitude as St. Petersburg and Churchill on Hudson Bay! This northerly latitude provides long daylight hours in the summer - it is possible to have over 16 hours of sunshine - and the North Atlantic Drift ensures a mild climate in the coastal fringes.
Mellon Udrigle
A few miles south of Poolewe is Gairloch set around a beautiful beach and with stunning views to the Torridon Mountains and the Isle of Skye. Sharing these views, is Gairloch's superbly scenic 9-hole golf course. From Ullapool and Gairloch, are boat trips watching for seals, dolphins, shark and even whales. River and sea angling and freshwater fishing are available and local people can advise on the best spots. The award-winning museums of local life in Gairloch and Ullapool are worth a visit.
The mountains may not be the highest but they are certainly spectacular and include several Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet high) - Slioch (the Spear), Beinn Eighe, Liathach (the Grey One), Ben Alligin and An Teallach (the Anvil) all of which offer challenges for the serious hill-walker and mountaineer. For the less energetic there are low level and coastal paths to walk, island-strewn lochs to photograph, paint or just look at, rocky shores to explore and sandy beaches on which to relax.
From Gairloch the road winds south-east along the beautiful Loch Maree before dividing at Kinlochewe to go either east to Inverness or south, via the awesomely fissured mountains of Torridon to Shieldaig, Lochcarron and Kyle of Lochalsh.
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BRAELANGWELL HOUSE
Laura & Ronnie Strange
Balblair - Ross-shire IV7 8CT
Tel: 01381 610353 / Fax: 01381 610467
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 1 double (en suite)
- 1 twin (en suite)
- 1 double (priv.facs)
- Open March - December
- B&B 35 - 50 Pounds Sterling
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Our 1790 Georgian Country House is set in its small estate of ancient woodland and gardens. Elegantly restored to its former glory with billiard and ballrooms, conservatory and richly decorated candle-lit dining room. Play croquet on the lawn. Relax in the beauty, peace and tranquillity. 5 miles from Cromarty on the Black Isle.
Dogs accepted by arrangement
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GLENAVERON
Alistair Fortune
Golf Road - Brora - Sutherland KW9 6QS
Tel / Fax: 01408 621601
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 2 double (en suite)
- 1 twin (en suite)
- Open Jan - Dec
- B&B 28 - 32 Pounds Sterling
- Single: 35 - 45 Pounds Sterling
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Glenaveron is a luxurious Edwardian house set amid extensive mature gardens. Only a few minutes walk to the golf course and lovely beaches. Good restaurants close by. Glenaveron is an ideal base for touring the northern Highlands and for crossing to Orkney. Non smoking. AA 5 Diamonds.
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TIGH FADA Non-Smokers Haven
John & Ishbel Clarkson
18 Golf Road - Brora - Sutherland KW9 6QS
Tel / Fax: 01408 621332
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 1 double (en suite)
- 1 double (priv. facs.)
- 1 twin (priv. facs.)
- Open April - October (and on request)
- B&B 22 - 27 Pounds Sterling
- Single 27 - 40 Pounds Sterling
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John and Ishbel welcome you to their comfortable warm home in a super situation overlooking the golf course, sea and hills. Garden with croquet green, four hole pitch and putt, gate to golf course and beach. Complimentary beverages and home baking served in lounge. Welcome from Scots couple to warm comfortable home in superb situation. Large garden with croquet, pitch and putt, gate to golf course and beach. Complimentary tea/coffee and home baking served in lounge. Also self-catering apartment and bungalow with similar views.
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THE CLACHAN
Mrs. Elspeth Bremner
13 Randolph Place - South Road - Wick - Caithness KW1 5NJ
Tel: 01955 605384
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 2 double (en suite)
- 1 twin (en suite)
- Open Jan - Dec
- B&B 22 - 24 Pounds Sterling
- Single 30 Pounds Sterling
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A warm Highland welcome awaits you at "The Clachan", conveniently placed for day trips to the Orkneys. Discover John o' Groats, Castle of Mey, Dunnet Head or visit Caithness Glass. Evening meals available within a few minutes walk. "Welcome Host" certificate and AA 4 Diamonds.
Animal free house
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RICKLA
Jacky Anderson
Harray - Orkney KW17 2JT
Tel: / Fax: 01856 761575
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 1 double suite (en suite)
- 1 double/twin suite (en suite)
- Open Feb - Nov
- B&B 30 - 40 Pounds Sterling
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Orkney's only 5 Star serviced accommodation. Luxury en-suite rooms, have private lounges and panoramic views over lochs, hills and World Heritage Site. Discreet hospitality, individual breakfast tables, bedrooms with no shared walls: far from the madding crowd yet centrally situated only 15 minutes from Kirkwall.
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THE SHIELING GUEST HOUSE
Mrs Joan Campbell
Melvich - By Thurso - Sutherland KW14 7YJ
Tel: 01641 531256 / Fax: 01641 531256
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 2 double (en suite)
- 1 twin (en suite)
- Open April - October
- B&B 30 Pounds Sterling
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Finalist AA Landlady of the Year 2003-2004. AA Golden Egg Award. Award Winner Which? Good B&B guide. Spectacular views, great hospitality. Guaranteed peace and quiet.Visit Castle of Mey, RSPB Forsinard, Orkney Islands. Eat out nearby. Ideal base for touring.
Dogs accepted by arrangement
Scotland's Best certificate
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SHARVEDDA
Mrs Patsy Macaskill
Strathy Point - Strathy - By Thurso - Sutherland KW14 7RY
Tel: 01641 541311
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 1 double (en suite)
- 1 twin (en suite)
- 1 twin (priv.facs)
- Open January - December
- B&B 23 - 25 Pounds Sterling
- Single supplement
- Dinner, B&B 40 - 42 Pounds Sterling
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Modern family home on a working croft. A perfect paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Delicious meals using local produce, served in conservatory with panoramic views to Orkney and Dunnet Head. Ideal stopover for Orkney, or visiting Castle of Mey and RSPB Forsinard. Thurso 26 miles.
Animal free house
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CLOISTERS
Bob & Audrey Morrison
Church Holme - Talmine - by Tongue - Sutherland IV27 4YP
Tel / Fax: 01847 601286
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 3 twin (en suite)
- Open January - December
- B&B from 22.50 Pounds Sterling
- Single: 27.50 Pounds Sterling
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Built in traditional style to harmonise with the existing 19th century church (our home), Cloisters is situated in Talmine, four miles from Tongue. In the midst of wild coastal scenery, with stunning views over Rabbit Islands (Eilean nan Ron) to Orkney beyond.
Dogs by arrangement
Assisted wheelchair access to 1 bedroom
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VEYATIE
Dawn & Mel Chapman
66 Baddidarrach - Lochinver - Sutherland IV27 4LP
Tel / Fax: 01571 844424
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 1 double (en suite)
- 1 twin (en suite)
- 1 double (priv.facs)
- Open Jan-November
- B&B from 23 - 26 Pounds Sterling
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Relax in our very comfortable, modern bungalow set in a beautiful peaceful location. Panoramic views over Lochinver bay to the spectacular mountains beyond. Outstanding natural beauty; woodland, coastal & hill walks; white sand beaches and our warm hospitality - a captivating combination.
Dogs by arrangement
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DAVAR
Mrs Jean McBain
Lochinver - Sutherland IV27 4LI
Tel: 01571 844501
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 1 double (en suite)
- 1 twin (en suite)
- 1 family (en suite)
- Open March - November
- B&B from 23 Pounds Sterling
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A friendly welcome awaits you at Davar, in our well appointed new, purpose-built house, with magnificent views of the mountains harbour and bay. It is five minutes walk into the village.
Scotland's Best certificate
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BRAEMORE SQUARE COUNTRY HOUSE
Wendy and Ed Hughes
Braemore - Loch Broom - Wester Ross IV23 2RX
Tel: / Fax: 01854 655357
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 2 double (en suite)
- 1 twin (priv. facs)
- Open Jan-Dec
- B&B 28 - 30 Pounds Sterling
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Looking for a romantic stress-free break? Visit tranquil Braemore Square Country House, set in 46 acres of grounds with a mile and a half of river fishing. Ideal base for touring, walking or relaxing in beautiful Wester Ross and the Highlands. 10 miles from Ullapool.
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THE SHEILING
Annabell MacIver
Achgarve - Laide (near Gairloch) - Ross-shire IV22 2NS
Tel/Fax: 01445 731487
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 1 double (en suite)
- 1 twin (en suite)
- Open March - Oct
- B&B from 24 - 28 Pounds Sterling
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Very comfortable accommodation in modern bungalow in crofting village, amidst beautiful scenery with sandy beaches. Ideal for wildlife and outdoor activities. TV, tea/coffee-making facilities. Sometimes Continental Breakfast only is available (at reduced rate). Please check when booking.
Animal free house
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FERROCH
Gina & Peter Burt
Annat - Loch Torridon - Achnasheen - Ross-shire IV22 2EU
Tel/Fax: 01445 791451
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
- 2 double (en suite)
- 1 twin (en suite)
- Open Jan - Dec
- B&B 30 Pounds Sterling
- Dinner, B&B 45 Pounds Sterling
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Ferroch sits elevated on the side of a mountain giving spectacular views of beautiful Loch Torridon and its magnificent surrounding mountains. This former croft house has been lovingly restored and extended to a high standard, creating a home that is cosily domesticated and refreshingly uncomplicated.
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To make enquiries or bookings, please contact the proprietor direct via phone, fax or email as detailed on the relevant entry. If you are outside the UK, first dial the appropriate international dialing code for your country (011 from the States for example), then dial 44 and omit the initial 0 of the number given in these pages, before dialing the remaining digits.
Practical information including currency exchange rates, transport, driving times, maps, weather, etc. is provided to assist you on our travel info page.
This web site also has B&B listings in:
Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders - Fife, Angus & Stirling - Perthshire & The Trossachs
Aberdeen & Grampian Highlands - Inverness, Loch Ness and Nairn
West Highlands & Skye - Aviemore & the Cairngorms
Argyll & Loch Lomond - Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway
Key to Symbols:
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Private parking |
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Tea/coffee facilities |
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Vegetarian diets catered for |
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Special diets catered for |
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TVs in rooms |
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Lounge |
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Foreign language spoken |
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Basins in rooms |
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Payphone |
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Evening meals by arrangement |
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Central heating |
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Garden |
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Working farm |
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Golf nearby |
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Fishing nearby |
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No smoking |
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Child rates and facilities |
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Wheelchair accessible |
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Hairdryers |
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Credit cards accepted |
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Ground floor bedrooms |
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Agents commission given |
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Four poster bed |
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Please note that all details of establishments are as provided by the proprietors
who are solely responsible for the standards of their establishments
and for the accuracy of information displayed on this web site concerning them.
January 2005
www.scotlandsbestbandbs.co.uk/high-north.htm
Site designed by The Internet Guide to Scotland
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