These 365 steps lead down the cliff to a small harbour. A local lady used to look after them because she was convinced that God, being a fisherman, would come here one day. They are very steep and dangerous even in good weather, and are not well signposted, but worth a visit.

 

 

A great day out, especially for younger kids, about 1 1/2 hours traveling time from the cottage.

 

 

An absolute must for any chocoholic, they make the most unbelievable chocolate! Up on the north coast, it is quite a long drive from the cottage, but the scenery is fantastic.

 

 

You can do a day trip on foot from John O' Groats on the JOG Ferry (Tel. 01955 611353) This Ferry everyday throughout the summer and you can choose from a variety of tours, it is very good value.

You can also get a Ferry from Scrabster via North link ferries. The return car fare is quite expensive for just a day trip, but you can pick up a hire car in Stromness for a reasonable price. Orkney Car Hire  and Orkney Car Rental are both good value.

 

 

Located on the north side of Berridale Braes, on the A9. It is open daily all year round. Tel: 01593 751202

 

 

Located on the A9 just north of Golspie, parts of the castle date back to the 1300's. The house, gardens and Falconry displays are fantastic, well worth a visit. Opening hours and contact details can be found on their website.

 

 

Located in Golspie, if you have any interest in geology, minerals or fossils this is not to be missed. There is a fascinating exhibition of local geology and worldwide mineral specimens. There is also a shop specializing in stone goods.

 

 

About an hours drive from the cottage, it is one of the best places to see wild salmon. There is a childrens Activity park, walks a gift shop and restaurant. email: info@fallsofshin.co.uk

 

 

One of the most northerly distilleries, and only 11 miles down the road. Clynelish provides the malt whisky at the heart of Johnnie Walker Gold Label blend. Tours are run of the distillery, and there is a good selection in the gift shop. Children under the age of 8 are welcome, but not encouraged to take the tour. Tours run Monday - Friday during the summer season and Tuesday to Thursday throughout the winter. Tel 01408 623000, email Liz.Miller@diageo.com

 

 

Located 1 mile east of Durness. Access makes it not recommended for anyone with mobility problems. Boat trips can be made into the cave which is 200ft long, 50ft high and over 100ft wide. There is no need to book, just pay the man in hte boat. For more details, contact the local tourist office Tel 01971 511259

 

 

The closest beach to reach easily is at Crachaig, about a ten minute drive. There is a large sandy beach with rocky outcoppings which are great for rock-pooling. It is never crowded and dog friendly.

There are many other beaches, Brora, Golspie, and Dornoch all have sandy beaches, and there are lots of rocky and sandy coves further north that are well worth exploring.

The Strath of Kildonan was the location of the great gold rush of 1869. You can still pan for gold on the Kildonan Burn at Baile an Or. Gold panning equipment can be hired from Strath Ullie Crafts in Helmsdale.

 

 

The Helmsdale Fault, which runs from Helmsdale to Brora, provides the only opportunity to collect Jurassic fossils in the North of Scotland and is one of the most fascinating geological locations along the Scottish coastline. Some fantastic finds have been made from the Helmsdale boulder beds, including two dinosaur vertebra, giant corals and a fish jaw. www.helmsdale.ukfossils.co.uk

 

 

The RSPB center at Forsinard is well worth a visit, as is the Big Burn Walk half a mile up the coast from Golspie. It takes you through the woods to the Big Burn, which has several rapids and waterfalls that can be seen from an attractive woodland trail. There are many public footpaths which will enable you to explore the countryside and see the wildlife. It is well worth acquiring an OS map of the area which will show you the paths, and many other sites of interest which otherwise you may miss. These links are worth a quick look at too.

Walks in Caithness

Birdwatching in Caithness

Nature at Caithness.org