The Spots You Actually Need To See in the Scottish Northern Highlands
25.07.2023 - 10:39
/ matadornetwork.com
The well-trodden western coast of the northern Scottish Highlands is a common road trip destination for visitors to the United Kingdom. But to escape the crowds flocking to the Isle of Skye, head to the east and north, where far fewer visitors venture and you can actually enjoy a bit of peace and quiet at the top of Britain. These five spots along the North Coast 500 route will make for an unforgettable road trip, that can be easily extended even further west should you want to continue the journey. You may even have the winding roads to yourself along the way, except for the occasional flock of sheep crossing the road.
Photo: Dunrobin Castle
The 189 rooms of Dunrobin Castle make it the largest in the Northern Highlands. The oldest parts of the buildings date back to the 13th century, and in its history, the castle has served multiple purposes, including its original role as a summer home for William, Earl of Sutherland, and more modern purposes that include as a boys’ school and a naval hospital during World War I. The tall and narrow spires, built in the style of the French châteaus, will make you feel like you’re visiting a place of childhood fairytales. This is furthered as you walk through the lavishly decorated rooms and into the castle gardens that were inspired by the ones in Versailles. The entire setting is historic, but its most significant wares are housed in the on-site Victorian Museum, including its collection of Pictish symbol stones and mounted animals. The room is set in the style of the early 1900s, so not only will you learn about Scottish history, you’ll actually feel it. Admission is 12 British pounds, and the castle is open from April through October.
Where: Golspie KW10 6SF, Golspie, UK
Photo: Benny Marty/Shutterstock
After Dunrobin Castle, it’s time to spend some time outdoors. Drive up north for a different kind of castle visit, the ruins of Sinclair Girnigoe. Although there’s no shortage of castle ruins in the Highlands, Sinclair Girnigoe is significant for its remote location on a cliff’s edge. Leave your car in the nearby field and walk the narrow path to the coast, where you can admire the rugged rocks and majestic waves as you wander through the remains. Far less is known about the history of this castle than of Dunrobin other than that two castles have occupied the area and they were attacked by cannon fire around the year 1680, so read the plaques posted around the site and add in a bit of personal speculation. This is a free attraction, though you’ll have to walk about half a mile from the car park. Sinclair Girnigoe doesn’t have the museum or the tea room of Dunrobin, though, so bring your own water bottle and anything else you’ll need for the walk in a backpack. The