Activities and Attractions

Local activities and attractions in Bonar Bridge

Bonar Bridge marks the point where the Dornoch Firth becomes the Kyle of Sutherland and there is incredible scenery to enjoy in the area as well as an abundant variety of wild and plant life. The tidal causeway of the Kyle itself stretches across nearly half of mainland Scotland making it quite unique in its landscape and habitat.

An interesting series of stone and metal plaques set around a triangular cairn by the bridge on the southern bank of the Kyle of Sutherland tells the story of the building of three bridges at Bonar Bridge.

The Kyle of Sutherland is a popular site for local wildlife and some of the species that can be readily spotted are Atlantic salmon, sea trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, buzzards, osprey, grey seals, oystercatchers and otters.

The Dornoch Firth forms the boundary between Sutherland and Ross and Cromarty and is a designated national scenic area. It plays host to significant populations of birds such as osprey, bar-tailed godwit, greylag goose, wigeon, curlew, dunlin, oystercatcher and teal.

The rivers Oykel, Cassley, Shin and Carron all feed into the Kyle of Sutherland above Bonar Bridge and are renowned salmon fishing rivers. Cassley has a set of beautiful falls and the Shin has an impressive set of falls that are well-known for salmon-jumping at the Falls of Shin.

Bonar Bridge & Ardgay Golf Club is a 9-hole woodland-style course overlooking Loch Migdale and it is generally considered one of the most beautiful in the Highlands.

Loch Migdale lies close to Bonar Bridge and has a lovely walk to it. Look out for the remains of the man-made island close to the western shore upon which a crannog used to sit in the Iron Age. Migdale was also the site of the Migdale Hoard find.

Bonar Bridge forms one end of a 33-mile walk across Scotland from coast to coast, with the other end being Inverlael at the head of Loch Broom, south of Ullapool.

Ardgay is a village just across the bridge on the south bank of the Kyle in the county of Ross and Cromarty.

Nearby

East

Ledmore and Migdale Woods lie to the east of Bonar Bridge and have a variety of excellent walks through them, including one which takes in a viewpoint above the Dornoch Firth. They are also a site of recent reintroduction of red squirrels.

Spinningdale Mill is the ruined remains of an old cotton mill built in 1792-4 and gutted by fire in 1806. The ruin is picturesque but also dangerously unstable so caution should be taken.

Little Creich is a small settlement which has the remains of a chapel and graveyard. A standing stone faintly engraved with a celtic cross remains in a field next to the graveyard and local lore connects it with a battle in the 11th or 12th century between locals and Norsemen. This stone, called St Demhan's Cross, is part of the Pictish Trail from Inverness to Dunrobin Castle.

To the south of Creich lies Dun Criech, a small hill jutting out into the Dornoch Firth which gives both excellent views over the Firth and also plays host to the remains of a vitrified fort on its summit.

Skibo Castle sits east of Bonar Bridge and is a luxury site run by the exclusive members-only Carnegie Club. The Carnegie Links golf course has a limited number of public tee times available to non-members throughout the summer from May to October.

North

Balblair Forest lies to the north of Bonar Bridge and is well-known for its excellent mountain bike trails and forest walks.

The Falls of Shin are a famous waterfall where there is a viewing platform to watch the salmon making their annual journey upriver as they leap impressively over the falls. There is also a visitor centre and café along with woodland walks to enjoy.

Invershin is a small settlement and the location of the Shin railway viaduct which carries the Far North Rail Line across the Kyle of Sutherland. It was also once the site of a motte castle.

Carbisdale Castle was built for the the dowager Duchess of Sutherland in 1907 and has a fascinating story around its creation, provided a safe refuge for the King and Prince of Norway during World War II and served as a youth hostel from 1945 to 2011. It is not currently possible to visit the castle but there is a lovely walk which overlooks the castle and grounds as well as taking you by the site of the Battle of Carbisdale.

West

Croick Church is a church to the west of Bonar Bridge over the Kyle of Sutherland which has a poignant tale from the Highland Clearances when local residents were cleared from the land and set up a makeshift camp in the church grounds. These residents eventually left the area, like many others, in search of a better life.

The Balblair and Glenmorangie whisky distilleries lie just across the Kyle of Sutherland in the county of Ross & Cromarty.

Events

Annual events in and around Bonar Bridge:

Gala Week (or Salmon Week) in August

East of Bonar Bridge is the area of Dornoch

South of Bonar Bridge is the town of Tain

West of Bonar Bridge is the village of Ardgay

North of Bonar Bridge are the areas of Rosehall and Lairg