admin posted 6 days ago
Updated: 18 February 2025
Alan & Yvonne from Ceol Mor Highland Lodges are back to share with you some of their favourite unusual and unique things to do in the Scottish Highlands.
We’ve been exploring some pretty unusual things to do in the Highlands, and our guests always seem to love them whether it’s a cool photo op for social media, a mind-blowing view, or a meal that’s just a little bit different. If you’re wondering where to find these hidden gems, in this blog post, we take you across the Northern Highlands, from coast to coast, and even the middle of the region.
First, a huge thank you for letting us share these amazing spots with you all as we love sharing fresh ideas for unique things to do.
Tucked away near Achmelvich beach (which should be your main reason for visiting), Hermit’s Castle is a bit tricky to find but worth the adventure. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the ground can be boggy, and the castle sits right on the edge of a small cliff so take care.
This eerie iron skeleton is perched atop a lonely hill overlooking the northern Highlands. Standing at 2.6m high, it’s both imposing and surreal. Designed by Kenny Hunter and cast by the Hargreaves Foundry, this unique piece of art has been standing since 2012. We’ve visited in both snowstorms and summer evenings, and the atmosphere totally changes with the weather.
To get there, head to Borgie Glen. Take the forest track that heads south off the A836, and about ¾ mile in, you’ll spot a car park on the left. From there, just follow the track up for a 15-minute walk to the top. It’s easy enough to fit in if you’re visiting Bettyhill or Tongue.
Located on the southern shore of Loch Glass, Culzie Lodge, also known as the Pink House, is a pretty striking sight, but up close, it’s a little weird. In the low season, the darkness of the surrounding landscape make it appear like a beacon. You may recognise it from BBC TV’s Traitors.
To find it, head through Evanton on the B817 and use Google maps. When you reach the gates of Eileanach Lodge, you’ll need to park up and walk the rest of the way. Parking is very limited as space by the gates is a turning circle. Before you get to the lodge, there are a few places where you could park, but don’t block passing spaces or forest access tracks. It’s a short, straight-forward 30-minute walk with great views. Walk past the lodge and take the right hand track at the junction. Look out for raptors and Scottish Crossbills! We were lucky enough to spot red kites and buzzards on our last visit.
The coastal village of Balintore on the Tain peninsula, is where you’ll find the Mermaid of the North sculpture. It’s an interesting spot to check out, though we’ll admit, she’s not the most attractive statue up close unless you have your beer goggles on.
Make a day of it by visiting the lighthouse and Portmahomack. Check out the sea and rocks around the lighthouse for birds, seals or even dolphins. We recommend visiting in late spring for the stunning gorse or in the summer to see the heather at its best. If you’re doing the Pictish Trail, add this unique spot to add to your itinerary
There’s plenty of parking in Balintore particularly round by the tennis courts, and the mermaid makes for a moody, atmospheric photo op, especially on a cloudy day.
Perched high above the Cromarty Firth and Alness, the Fyrish Monument offers stunning views and a fascinating history. Built in 1782, it was commissioned by Sir Hector Munro to provide jobs for locals during a time of hardship after they were cleared off the land where they had worked for many generations to make way for sheep farming. It was said that Sir Hector rolled stones from the top of the hill to the bottom, thereby increasing the workload and paying the labourers for the additional hours. The hike to the monument is fairly easy and well worth it.
Located in an old church in Inverness, Leakey’s Bookshop is the perfect spot for book lovers especially if you’re hunting for rare finds. They have got about 8,000 rare books! The place has a unique atmosphere and makes a great rainy-day stop. Afterwards, take a stroll across the river on the pedestrian walkway nearby.
If you’re a fan of geology or even just vaguely interested, Knockan Crag is a must-see. Located off the A835, it offers incredible views of some iconic mountains including the twin-peaked Corbett, Cul Mor. You can reach an even better viewpoint following a path lined with info boards and fascinating displays of rocks. We particularly love the big sphere of rock that seems to balance on the hillside. There’s a great walking circular walking path that will take you about 45 minutes if you stop to take in everything on the way. Elphin Tea Rooms is nearby which is perfect for a little break.
Just 15-minutes drive from us, Migdale and Ledmore Woods offer some lovely trails by the loch and through the woods, including one that takes you to a cairn overlooking the Dornoch Firth. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels which were released here several years ago and are celebrated with some wonderful wicker sculptures. And check out the beautiful hand-carved wooden benches along the way, many of which feature mystical creatures.
For something truly unique to do in the Highlands, check out the Downright Gabbler in Beauly. It’s an interactive food and history experience where you’ll be entertained with historical and cultural trivia while enjoying a tasty meal tailored to match the historical experience orated by your hosts. We had an afternoon tea here, and were totally enthralled. Just be sure to book in advance.
If you’re into wildlife and nature, the Forsinard Flows RSPB nature reserve is a really wild and remote spot you won’t want to miss on the A897 north of Helmsdale. Don’t let the fact that out is on an ‘A’ road fool you as this is a single track road with passing spaces the whole way. If you head north the first part of the journey is fabulous as you drive through the Helmsdale strath where we have often seen deer and all sorts of birds. The marine birds come inland here during breeding season so you could see a range of species. Forsinard RSPB Centre is surrounded by the Flow Country, a UNESCO site. This special and unique wilderness is a huge expanse of peat and bog set against a backdrop of great mountains to the west. Here, you can spot hen harriers and other raptors while learning all about the area’s rich ecosystem. If you want to experience a true wilderness in the Scottish Highlands, you need to put this on your list.
A local favourite for us, Raven’s Rock Gorge is just a short drive towards Altass and Rosehall on the A837. There are several trails through the pine forest, and the views of the gorge are stunning from the top path and you’ll get to see some amazing examples of Scots pine trees. Walk along the lower path to see the lovely burn running through the gorge and a carved bear guarding the picnic area. Keep an eye out for blaeberries (small blueberries) in the summer as they make the best jam or compote.
Lastly, we’ll leave you with Moine House, located on the north coast off the A838. A short walk from the car park, this abandoned house looks out over the Flow Country and the most northerly Munro, Ben Hope. We’ve visited several times and were amazed at the graffiti art inside which was really a little scary. Look through one of the windows and a creepy face is there looking back at you. There are info boards that tell you a bit about the house’s history and the local flow country. A real unique place to visit!
Thanks again to Alan and Yvonne who own Ceol Mor Highland Lodges. which look a fantastic place to stay on holiday if you want to explore the northern Scottish Highlands. We hope this list inspires you to discover some of these unusual and unique things to do in the Scottish Highlands! It has us.
Keep exploring, and don’t forget to share your unusual things to see and do with us in the comments below. Find somewhere to stay in our Scottish Highlands & Islands holiday accommodation listings.
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