Explore the North Highlands

Close to the Hotel

Lybster Harbour

Around 5 minutes

Follow the road down through the village to Lybster Harbour, once at the centre of the area’s herring industry. The harbour is home to a small visitor centre and café, with coastal views and nearby walking routes.

Hill O’ Many Stanes

Around 10 minutes

More than 190 small standing stones arranged in rows across a Caithness hillside. Their original purpose remains unknown, although the site is believed to date from the Bronze Age.

Grey Cairns of Camster

Around 15 minutes

Two remarkably well-preserved Neolithic chambered cairns set within the Flow Country. Wooden walkways lead from the roadside to the cairns, which visitors can enter with care.

Whaligoe Steps

Around 15 minutes

A historic flight of more than 300 stone steps descending between steep cliffs to a natural harbour once used by fishing boats. Sturdy footwear is recommended, particularly in wet or windy conditions.

Castles & Sites

Wick and Old Pulteney Distillery

Around 20 minutes

Explore Wick’s historic harbour and visit Old Pulteney Distillery, where single malt whisky has been produced in the town since 1826. Distillery tours should be booked in advance.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

Around 30 minutes

The atmospheric ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe stand on a narrow headland north of Wick. A coastal walk leads from the car park to the castle, with striking views over the surrounding cliffs.

John O’Groats and Duncansby Stacks

Around 45 minutes

Visit the famous signpost and harbour at John O’Groats before continuing to Duncansby Head Lighthouse. A clifftop walk leads to views of the dramatic Duncansby Stacks rising from the sea. (North Coast 500)

The Castle and Gardens of Mey

Around 50 minutes

The former Highland home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother offers guided castle visits, gardens, an animal centre and a tearoom. Opening is seasonal, so advance checking is recommended.

Dunnet Head and Dunnet Bay

Around 1 hour

Stand at the most northerly point of mainland Britain and walk through the surrounding RSPB nature reserve. Nearby Dunnet Bay has a wide stretch of sandy beach sheltered by dunes.

Dunrobin Castle

Around 1 hour 15 minutes

One of the Highlands’ most distinctive historic houses, Dunrobin Castle overlooks the Moray Firth near Golspie. Visitors can explore the castle, formal gardens and museum, with falconry displays held on selected dates.

Strathnaver Museum

Around 1 hour 40 minutes

Located in the former parish church at Bettyhill, Strathnaver Museum explores the history of the northern Highlands, including the Highland Clearances and the lives of the people who shaped the area.

Falls of Shin

Around 1 hour 45 minutes

A woodland walk leads to viewing platforms above the Falls of Shin. During the salmon migration season, visitors may see fish attempting to leap upstream.

Distilleries

Dunnet Bay Distillery

Around 50 minutes

Home of Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka, Dunnet Bay Distillery offers an introduction to spirits inspired by the landscape and botanicals of the far north.

Glenmorangie Distillery

Around 1 hour 30 minutes

Visit the home of Glenmorangie single malt beside the Dornoch Firth. Tours and tastings are available on selected dates and should be reserved in advance.