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Things to do in Sutherland, Scotland

Things to do in Sutherland - Dunrobin Castle

Catriona lives in Loth, Sutherland where she runs Culgower House B&B. She has taken some time out to give her suggestions for things to do in Sutherland, Scotland.

Things to do in Sutherland - Culgower beach

Culgower beach

About me

My husband John and I run Culgower House, a lovely, tranquil B&B between Helmsdale and Brora on the coast of East Sutherland. We live with our son Murdo, a varying number of chickens, sometimes pigs, and are in family negotiations about another dog.

Aerial view of Culgower House, Loth, Sutherland

Aerial view of Culgower House

How long have you lived here?

We headed back north in 2003, seeking an alternative to the fairly manic professional lives that we were living. I’m from Edinburgh and John’s family is from Ross-shire though we travelled and lived in many places both as children and adults. We’ve had great fun, and a few tears of frustration, restoring the house and garden to something close to its former glory.

Favourite beach

A toss up between two. Culgower beach, just a couple of fields away from the house, beautiful stretch of golden sand, often no-one else there, sometimes seals, views across the firth to the Moray coast, stunning whatever the weather. The other is Brora beach, park at the golf course and nip over the first green to the beautiful, sandy beach, fantastic views to the north.

Things to do in Sutherland - Brora beach looking towards Loth

Brora beach looking towards Loth

Best walk

Two, the first across the fields to the beach at Culgower, it’s so beautiful and quiet. The second is the Big Burn walk near Dunrobin Castle, through the woods to the waterfall then down the gorge, criss-crossing the burn on footbridges.

Things to do in Sutherland - Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle

Most special time of year where you live and why

Each season has its special attributes, but early spring is probably the favourite, walking on a blustery beach, looking back to hills with snow patches and seeing the trees begin to green.

Things to do in Sutherland – The one thing every tourist should do

Too many to choose, as a minimum try a castle (Dunrobin Castle in Golspie), a distillery (Clynelish Distillery in Brora), and a museum/art gallery (Timespan in Helmsdale).

View to the Moray hills in the twilight

View to the Moray hills in the twilight

Your best wildlife encounter

Watching dolphins play off the beaches in Brora and at Crakaig.

Favourite road or drive and why

The Glen Loth / Helmsdale loop. A couple of miles south of the house you can turn inland into Glen Loth which cuts north through the hills and then down towards the Strath of Kildonan. A tumble-down broch, occasional standing stones, a roofless croft house and stone sheep pens, red deer, buzzards and if you’re lucky an eagle. Hill, pasture, the Helmsdale river, the village, harbour and sea views all in one 26 mile loop, it just sums the area up.

Glen Loth - things to do in Sutherland Scotland

Glen Loth

Most loved view and why

Out of the windows at home, fields, beach, sea, sunrises.

Favourite place to eat and drink

La Mirage in Helmsdale, we love their huge portions of tasty fish and chips but if you can give 48 hours notice they produce a wonderful seafood platter as well. Wherever you eat, try a beer from one of the North Highland’s small breweries.

Holiday Scottish Highlands & Islands says…

Thanks to Catriona for sharing her tips on things to do in Sutherland. A fairy tale castle, dolphins, fish and chips and real ale – sounds like the perfect holiday to me.

Find out more about Culgower House B&B

www.culgowerhouse.com
www.instagram.com/culgowerhousebnb
www.facebook.com/CulgowerHouse
www.twitter.com/CulgowerHouse

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