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The Northern Highlands leave a big impression; with a dramatic landscape, it is a place to escape too, a place to discover
the natural world and a long human heritage.
The countryside surrounding the cottage is abundant with wildlife. The bird life is fantastic; buzzards
can be seen frequently from the kitchen window, as well as the occasional deer in the garden and sometimes even a dolphin
or porpoise out in the Firth. If you wander a littlle further a field, there are otters, seals, salmon leaps and nesting
ospreys. At the right times of year you can watch puffins off the cliffs at Dunnets Head, hear the deer roaring at each other
across the hills or watch the aurora borealis.
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| The hills surrounding the cottage are home to a host of wildlife |
Contrary to popular belief, the east coast of Sutherland boasts one of the lowest rainfalls in the UK, and
is blessed with a lower midge-count than the west coast (although for the midge haters, Avon's skin-so-soft is definitely
useful!)
There are hundreds of miles of meandering roads to explore, and without the traffic that many people have
to contend with everyday, driving or riding will once again become a pleasure. The scenery is spectacular, and if touring
is your thing, most of the Highlands are reachable in day trips from the cottage.
I have listed a small selection of things you could do and places to visit, most with contact details, but
there are many more. There are also some general links at the bottom of the page.
Sporty Things
Places to Go and Things to Do
History and Heritage
Local Amenities
The nearest amenities are located in the village of Helmsdale, only a couple of miles away from the croft.
There are three restaurants: La Mirage, a fantastic fish and chip shop. Gilbert's cafe who have a good selection of home-cooked
food, and a new restaurant associated with the Bridge Hotel is the Quiet Piggy. The Belgrave Hotel, Navidale House Hotel and
the only pub; the Bannockburn all serve excellent meals.
There are a number of small shops, where supplies and souveniers can be purchased. A McCall's store in Trentham
Street, and in Dunrobin Street you will find the Spar, A. R. MacLeod & Sons, a true old world hardware shop where just
about anything can be bought. There is also the Rose and Thistle, which is great for bits and pieces. The community centre
serves as a library which also has internet access should you need it. And if you wander down to the harbour you will find
Strath Ullie Crafts, which is also the tourist information centre.
Links
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