Explore the Far Highlands: Why Caithness and Sutherland make the perfect winter getaway for peace and comfort
The remote beauty of land and sea in Caithness and Sutherland is just a drive or a train journey away but will feel a world apart, thanks to its secret ingredient – space.
Winter is a wonderful time to explore this land of wonder – breath-taking beaches, magnificent mountains, ancient castles and glass-like lochs. Not only can the light be at its best to showcase this incredible scenery, but you’ll also find it at its most peaceful.
And with luxurious, friendly and cosy places to stay your days of discovery can be followed by nights of comfort – eating the finest and freshest of Scottish produce and enjoying unrivalled hospitality.
Take time out
This is a place where you can “just be”. If your New Year resolution is to find more time for you, to discover more of your own country, or just to treat yourself to a post-Christmas pick-me-up; then you’ll find a wealth of wellbeing possibilities on a trip to Caithness and Sutherland.
There’s a peace and tranquillity you only get up here in the Highlands – those empty beaches, quiet roads which meander through spectacular glens or alongside lochs, rivers and waterfalls. The countryside and coast is also full of wildlife and of heritage, with places of historic significance and geographical importance throughout the area.
It makes the perfect setting for a romantic getaway – an ideal Valentine’s treat. And luxurious places to stay offering fine dining, spas and treatments or healing retreats and fine dining accompanied by locally-made spirits and indulgent chocolate it’s a place to spoil body and soul too.
So much space, history, wildlife and culture make the area perfect for spending quality family time together. Here children will be able to see the places where history happened, spot wildlife on land and shore and fill their lungs with fresh air, whether they are walking the UNESCO National trails, clambering on castle walls or searching for creatures in rock pools.
It’s so easy to get off the beaten track and enjoy everything from winter walks or wild swimming and cycling, to surfing, fly fishing and guided wildlife-spotting adventures. But if you want a less active holiday, there are plenty of places to enjoy the rustic charm of local inns and restaurants, hotels or self-catering cottages, to find time to wander around glorious castles or just to reconnect with nature by enjoying the view from the comfort of a comfy seat in front of a roaring fire!
And as it’s just a drive or a train journey away it’s an ideal location for a long weekend, a short break or a half term getaway.
Make the most of your time
Venture North, the destination management organisation, offers lots of suggestions for making the most of your time in Sutherland and Caithness so that you can fully explore the natural history, landscape, heritage and traditions of the region.
Cathy Earnshaw is Destination Strategy Manager for Venture North and leads the Tourism Recovery Strategy for Caithness and Sutherland. She said the area has attractions all-year-round for visitors “There’s so much for visitors to see and do in Caithness and Sutherland during this quieter time of year,” she said. “You can experience almost exclusive access and if you're very lucky you will see the magnificent aurora borealis.”
Venture North have devised a series of suggested themed itineraries to help visitors explore the area over the autumn and winter months, which are now available on the Venture North website.
To find out more about the area and to help plan and book your trip visit Venture North’s website here.