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Four & Five Star Quality Scottish Bed and Breakfast Homes in the Northern Highlands & Islands of Scotland |
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Members on this page offer accommodation in and around:
Garve (1) - Tain (1) - Dornoch (2)
Brora (1) - Wick (1) - Orkney (1) - Thurso (1)
Lochinver (1) - Laide (2) - Lochcarron (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 route, by road and rail, northwards from Inverness to the west coast passes through Garve (Birch Cottage) a quiet little place in the middle of lovely scenery. A few miles away is Strathpeffer, a Victorian Spa town with a rather refined air of gentility. North of Inverness, on the Black Isle, which isn't an island at all (!), 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 sea of 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 (Aldie House) or the smaller A836. This cuts the corner, going over Struie Hill with a panoramic view from the top, looking to the north. Then cross the Dornoch Firth to Dornoch itself (Highfield House, Parfour), venue for golfing enthusiasts with its Championship course. Dornoch is a pleasant little town with its old cathedral and jailhouse exhibition, part of the castle, which is now a hotel. It's latest claim to fame, however, is that it was chosen by the pop singer Madonna as the location for her 'Highland Wedding' in December 2000, attracting the attention of the world's media.
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.
From the Dornoch Firth, the A9 continues northwards through Golspie, site of Dunrobin Castle built by the Dukes of Sutherland, through Brora (Tigh Fada) and then Helmsdale where Scotland had its mini goldrush, to Wick (The Clachan). The A9 continues north to John O' Groats before disappearing into the sea at the boat slipway. From here (and Scrabster) you can sail over the Pentland Firth to the islands of Orkney (Rickla) which have dozens of fascinating archaeological monuments.
Back on mainland Scotland and near John o'Groats, visitors can view the Duncansby Stacks, spectacular rock formations just off the coast. Further west, a side road leads Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain. 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 in the south of their territory. West of Thurso is Melvich (The Sheiling), one of the small villages along this stretch of coast leading to Durness where you can visit Smoo Cave and some wonderful sandy beaches. The road cuts off before Cape Wrath the sea-battered cliff top on the north-west corner and turns south to Scourie. From Scourie can be seen the island of Handa, a sanctuary for seabirds.
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Along this road, the traveller passes mountains with wonderful names - Cranstackie, Foinaven, Arkle, Ben Stack, and Quinag before reaching the fishing village of Lochinver (Davar). 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. |
 Lochinver |
South of Ullapool, Laide (The Old Smiddy and The Sheiling) looks out over Gruinard Bay and, whilst a side road nearby leads along a promontory to the beach at Mellon Udrigle, the main road continues to Poolewe and the world famous Inverewe Gardens (National Trust for Scotland), perhaps the best known visitor attraction of Wester Ross. Here 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.
A few miles from 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 superb 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.
Mellon UdrigleThe 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 (Shore House) and Kyle of Lochalsh.
BIRCH COTTAGE
Mrs Hazel Hayton
Station Road - Garve - Ross-shire IV23 2PS
Tel: 01997 414237
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A warm friendly welcome awaits you at this traditional Highland cottage, modernised to a very high standard, with every comfort provided and all rooms en suite. Ideal base for touring, walking, golfing and fishing. Extensive breakfast menu. Pets welcome. 'Welcome Host' certificate.             
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ALDIE HOUSE
Chris & Charles de Decker
Tain - Ross-shire IV19 1LZ
Tel: 01862 893787 / Fax: 01862 893787
Click to view web site with more details & photos
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Chris and Charles provide a warm welcome to their 19th century Victorian house, set in 6 acres of beautiful gardens and woodland. The house offers complete tranquillity and is an ideal centre for golfers. This oasis of peace is perfect for touring the north of Scotland.      Scotland's Best certificate |
HIGHFIELD HOUSE
Jane & Stephen Dooley
Evelix Road - Dornoch IV25 3HR
Tel: 01862 810909 / Fax: 01862 811605
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
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Highfield House stands in an acre of private woodland garden, at the edge of the beautiful cathedral town of Dornoch, in the northern highlands. High standards of accommodation and comfort, in a very informal atmosphere, are assured in our luxurious home.
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PARFOUR
Mrs Sandy Young
Embo Street - Dornoch IV25 3PW
Tel: 01862 810955 / Fax: 01862 810955
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
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"Parfour" built April 2000. Traditional Scottish home with panoramic views to Dornoch Firth. A warm welcome awaits you in our luxurious rooms. Ideal situation for golf, fishing, walking, touring and Orkney ferries. Discounted fee at Royal Dornoch with B&B accommodation.
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TIGH FADA Non-Smokers Haven
John & Ishbel Clarkson
18 Golf Road - Brora - Sutherland KW9 6QS
Tel / Fax: 01408 621332
Email:
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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.
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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
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A warm Highland welcome awaits you at "The Clachan", conveniently placed for day trips to the Orkneys. Why not discover John o' Groats, Dunnet Head or visit Caithness Glass? Evening meals available within a few minutes walk. 'Welcome Host' certificate and 4 AA Diamonds Selected.
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RICKLA
Jacky Anderson
Harray - Orkney KW17 2JT
Tel: 01856 761575 / Fax: 01856 761880
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
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Luxury, en suite, accommodation in the Neolithic heartland of Orkney. Panoramic views over lochs, hills and the World Heritage Site. Far from the madding crowd yet centrally situated and close to several restaurants. Non-smoking, private dining tables, bedrooms with no shared walls. Unobtrusive, discreet hospitality. STB 5 Stars. 
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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
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Spectacular views. Fantastic breakfast in splendid dining room overlooking Melvich Bay. Very high standards in comfort, food and hospitality. Walking, golfing, fishing. Short drive to RSPB Forsinard and Orkney ferry. Eating out establishments nearby. AA 4 Diamonds. Award winner 'Which? Best B&B'. Scotland's Best certificate |
DAVAR
Mr & Mrs David McBain
Lochinver - Sutherland IV27 4LI
Tel: 01571 844501
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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 |
THE OLD SMIDDY GUEST HOUSE
Kate & Steve Macdonald
Laide - Ross-shire IV22 2NB
Tel: 01445 731425 / Fax: 01445 731696
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
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AA National winner 1999 Best Breakfast award. Taste of Scotland winner 1999 Best Small Residence. Unwind in our unpretentious little haven of genuine hospitality, near sea and hills, where you can appreciate delectable, traditional and inventive cooking.
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THE SHEILING
Annabell MacIver
Achgarve - Laide (near Gairloch) - Ross-shire IV22 2NS
Tel/Fax: 01445 731487
Email:
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A warm welcome awaits you in our modern bungalow, situated in a small crofting village on the Gruinard peninsula, amidst beautiful scenery with sandy beaches. Ideal for wildlife and outdoor activities. Very comfortable accommodation with TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
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SHORE HOUSE
Douglas & Maureen Gray
Ardarroch - Kishorn - Strathcarron - Wester Ross IV54 8XA
Tel: / Fax: 01520 733333
Email:
Click to view web site with more details & photos
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Beside Loch Kishorn, over the sea from romantic Skye, is Shore House - a very special place in a land of mountains, glens and beaches and your base for hill-walking, fishing, golf, touring and watching Highland wildlife. Experience the best food from Scotland's larder.
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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
Aberdeen & Grampian Highlands - Inverness, Loch Ness and Nairn
West Highlands & Skye - Aviemore & the Cairngorms
Argyll & Loch Lomond - Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway
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.
March 2001
http://www.scotlandsbestbandbs.co.uk/high-north.htm
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