This is a place of global importance, both to geologists and to people who simply want to wonder at…read morethe forces that shape our planet. Peaceful as it looks today, Knockan Crag was the scene of immense upheaval in the distant past, and great geological debate not so long ago. In most places, you'd expect younger rocks to sit on top of older ones. Generally speaking, that's the case for the rocks in the wider landscape around here. To understand Knockan Crag, where the rock story gets more complicated, it helps to have a look at the broader scene.

An epic adventure through the Scottish Highlands with a Highlands Unbridled 3 day trek (Awesome…read moreAssynt). We were visitors from the US who planned our whole holiday around it, and will never forget it. Our guide was top notch, highly skilled with horse care and communication, and focused on both horse happiness and guest safety. I am a veterinarian and horse owner, and my observation is these horses are extremely well cared for and love their jobs. Each morning, they are ready to get on the road. Overnight accommodations were at lovely small inns. Guests help care for their horse and can expect up to 8 hours in the saddle each day. And every hour was something new and amazing to see. Recommended for confident riders who can handle rough terrain and have excellent balance in the saddle. I am 50+ and rode with my 18 year old daughter and it was an amazing ride for both of us. The owners work their tails off to make this happen, and I am so appreciative of them.

Yes. Do this. It's absolutely worth the drive out. These lovely people take very good care of their…read morehorses. And they take on riders very responsibly, matching them with horses that are best for their skill level, and making sure the ride is safe and enjoyable. The ride is beautiful, through the forest and to the beach and back. But they have a variety of different types of riding on offer, everything from a 1-2 hour trail ride to working holidays. But really. The people are lovely. The horses are really lovely and well taken care of. You won't regret your experience.

We were driving up in the North from East to West (John O'Groats - Thurso - Durness). On the way we…read morealso passed the Kyle Of Tongue Bridge over the Kyle of Tongue. Just before the bridge there's a small viewpoint. Some were even camping here (not sure that was legal). The place offers - besides a well deserved break - great views of the Loch and the mountains in the back (you can see Ben Hope and Ben Loyal for example). There is a small shore (stone and sand), if you want to go close to the water - our dog loved it! Just one thing: Pick up your litter. There is a litter box there - use it, unlike some other visitors. So, if you are on the way east or west in Northern Scotland, stop by here quick.

Not only is Ullapool one of the biggest towns around, it is also quite charming. The seafront is…read morenice, with green hills and mountains on the other side of Loch Broom. Together with the boats and sailboats it paints a nice picture. The area around the ferry terminal is less charming. But if you follow the seafront to the west, then you'll end up at a quiet nice seafront beach. It's a stoney beach, but nice for some views and a little walk. It's also dog-friendly. Our Bulldog enjoyed her freedom here. And there were only a handful visitors on this section. It's a nice and quiet place. Even in high season pretty relaxed. And walking along the seafront is a pleasant thing to do. A very picturesque place to see.

Completely and exactly what I needed…read more I spent last week on a last minute jaunt- I decided I was finally going to do the NC500, but I didn't just want to spend my time riding around taking pictures, I wanted to eat, and explore and do things that I love- and that was when I stumbled across the guys at "Kayak Summer Isles". I sent a query across on their site's contact form and the lovely Tim was quickly back in touch (They take a 40% deposit, completely fairly, as I wouldn't want to be lugging those big Canadian canoes around for no shows). We met at Stac Pollaidh car park with the others (and the chap who was taking drone footage of the antics to advertise holidaying in the highlands), and dragged the boats down to the beach in our old trainers. Tim provided dry bags for any extra layers or snacks too- but there was no need for either as it was a bloody lovely day and there was a lemon drizzle cake for landing on the sand at the end of the Loch. Tim was a perfect canoe companion- the nerd that I am (and travelling solo) landed me in the boat with the instructor- but we had lovely chats, and he had a lot of interesting things to say, along with making great hot chocolate using a camping kettle, and introducing us all to- and thrashing us all at- mölkky, a scandi throwing game which I am definitely a fan of now. Tim, and the other instructor, Will (who I didn't have the pleasure of meeting) are both totally qualified instructors- and I'm entirely jealous of them adventuring and living up in the highlands. I will most certainly be going back to the highlands, and I'll be planning to head out with these guys again- it was genuinely lovely, and in such a beautiful setting. You can rock climb with them too...

If you're looking for authentic links golf Tain is a must. Designed by Old Tom Morris himself in…read more1890, the course and surrounding area remain very similar to when he himself used to play here. I.A. Macloud has made improvements on 3 holes (I believe) making Tain gettable yet challenging. Sheep are visible (and audible!) on nearly every hole. The wind will test you on holes 16-18 but will also provide you with eagle opportunities on several holes. Tain is about an hour north of Inverness. Put it on your list!

What an amazing golf course. Beautiful with views of the sea from almost every hole, and feels…read morevery much as if greens, tee boxes, and a bit of fairway were simply cut into the natural landscape. A challenging but fair course (spend the £5 for the yardage book which is also a nice souvenir, and don't be afraid to leave your driver in the bag when looking at a blind shot into a narrow strip of fairway). With sheep and cattle grazing here and there as traditional grazing rights are still held over the land by local farmers, come here to experience three things in one: a sense of the authentic roots of the game in its native land, a fantastic golf course by modern standards, and a breathtakingly beautiful seaside links setting. On top of that, the members and staff were as friendly and hospitable as you will find anywhere in Scotland, which is saying something. And the restaurant is quite tasty with welcoming members and a beautiful elevated view of the tribulations of the 18th hole and the sea. In mid September on an excellent weather day, I had no one in front of me and the closest group two holes behind, which added to the peaceful and unique atmosphere. If visiting from the U.S. as I was, do yourself a favor and scratch a "name droppable" course off your itinerary in favor of this gem that is overflowing with character. Particularly if any of the courses on your list contain the name "Trump". And don't rent a cart unless you really need it -- you'll walk this course in 3.5 hours with a much better feel for the amazing spirit of the place than if you ride.

Best Golf in Scotland! I had a blast!…read more This is where golf was made! It has the best golf course any where in the country! It's the timeless setting that makes Royal Dornoch such a pleasing place to play golf. It's wild, isolated and, at the same time, absolutely beautiful; there's the blaze of colour in early summer when the gorse is in flower. The pure white sandy beach divides the links from the Dornoch Firth and it all feels very humbling. Formed in 1877, Royal Dornoch means exceptional standards and we always aim to exceed the expectations of our frequent visitors and loyal members. However, we aim to do this in a relaxed, informal environment, with an emphasis on traditional highland hospitality. It is not just the Championship course that presents golfers with the challenges of links-land. Our second 18 hole course the Struie is enjoyable and entertaining for the whole family at a modest green fee, and it can also test the lower handicap player. September 2023

My favorite golf course anywhere. Majestic views and…read moredaunting seaside golf await the tireless traveler. The crusty and hardened starters and personnel here are understood in the avalanche of unprepared and uninitiated golfers who descend upon the course from all points of the compass You may play here one day , but the memories of crisp iron play will accompany you to your earthly end of time.