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Bonar Bridge

The village of Bonar Bridge marks the beginning of the Kyle of Sutherland and is a beautiful spot to escape the busy coastal roads and enjoy the centre of Sutherland. Find wildlife, stunning scenery, outdoor activities and more around Bonar.
Bonar Bridge - Andrew MacLeod

Explore the Area


ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

EVENTS

THE Village

GETTING TO Bonar Bridge

LOCAL GROUPS


Bonar was the main fording point across the Kyle of Sutherland until 1812 when the first bridge was constructed and thereafter it was known as Bonar Bridge. The original bridge was destroyed in a flood in 1892 but rebuilt in 1893 and the current elegant bridge was opened in 1973.

A visit to the village will reveal a delightful array of local shops, cafes and restaurants surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Kyle of Sutherland. Outdoor-lovers will find walks and wildlife to their heart’s content and keen travellers will find the village perfectly situated to reach all corners of Sutherland within a short distance.

Our Heritage Map will help you discover sites to visit in and around Bonar Bridge and is available to download as an app so you can take your pocket-ready guide with you along the way.

VIEW HERITAGE MAP

Download Heritage App on Google PlayDownload Heritage App on Apple App Store

As you look to plan your trip to the Scottish Highlands, or if you are already here, we would encourage you to be a responsible visitor and respect our locals, landscape, history and wildlife for the benefit of all.


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


The Village

Bonar Bridge lies just inland from the eastern coastal route of Sutherland and is a hub for transport routes across the region, making it the perfect spot to base yourself when you explore the area.

Village Centre

The main street in Bonar Bridge follows alongside the Kyle of Sutherland and has a variety of excellent local shops, cafes and restaurants. There is parking available in the town or just across the bridge so you can get out and take in all the scenery and sights on offer.

Eating Out

Bonar Bridge boasts an impressive array of eateries for a small village, including a café, takeaway, hotel restaurants and bistro. Most are located on or near the main street of the village and within walking distance of nearby accommodation and parking. It is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. View our Restaurants and Bars listings for some ideas.

Accommodation

With so many options available in or around Bonar Bridge it won’t be hard to find an ideal spot to stay, relax and enjoy the area. Choose from local B&Bs, hotels, self-catering, glamping and more. Don’t forget to ask your accommodation provider for all their top tips to experience the area like a local. Search our listings for Accommodation ideas.

Local Shopping

Local villages make for great local shopping, so be sure to explore Bonar Bridge and keep an eye out for those special gifts as well as the essentials. Have a great chat with shopkeepers while you’re out and about and see what they recommend, such as local produce, local crafts or local interest pieces. Dive in to our Local Shopping listings for some shopping ideas.

Facilities

Bonar Bridge has a range of public facilities including: public toilets, Migdale Hospital, Creich Surgery and the Kyle of Sutherland Hub which includes a gym.


Getting to Bonar Bridge

Bonar Bridge is a central hub for transport across the region and is well-connected by public transport and road links.

Train

Ardgay Station is the closest rail station to Bonar Bridge, being just over the bridge and within easy walking distance of the village. Ardgay Station is part of the Far North Line and the station itself has cycle stands, car parking and local taxi services available. Please note taxis should be pre-booked.

Bus

Bonar Bridge has several bus stops within the village and a number of different services which travel to all corners of Sutherland.

The Far North Bus

> Route 806 Durness - Ardgay

> Route 805 Durness - Inverness

Stagecoach

> Route 62 Tain – Lairg – Golspie - Helmsdale

(X99 Route from Inverness will stop at Tain)

Car

Bonar Bridge sits on the crossroads of the A836 route with the A949 route. Following the A836 north will give you the option of exploring north, west and central Sutherland, while following it south will lead you to Ross and Cromarty and the coastal A9 route.

Following the A949 east will lead you to the coastal A9 route where you have the option of heading south towards Tain and Inverness or north towards Dornoch and Golspie. Journey time from Bonar Bridge to Inverness is approximately 60 minutes.

Bonar Bridge’s closest electric vehicle charging points are located in Ardgay, across the bridge, and at the Falls of Shin carpark approximately 10 minutes drive north.

Air

The closest commercial airport to Bonar Bridge is Inverness Airport. The nearby coastal village of Dornoch has a small airfield which may be used by private light aircraft.

Getting Around Bonar Bridge

Bonar Bridge is a lovely village to explore on foot so be sure to park up the car and take your time to enjoy the sights and shops. Bring your bike with you, or rent one from a local business, and immerse yourself in the quite country roads and beautiful scenery of the Kyle of Sutherland.

If you are travelling by public transport there is the option to explore a variety of different areas outwith Bonar Bridge by rail or bus, and there are local taxis available for closer excursions. If you choose to rent a car for the duration of your stay please consider choosing an electric vehicle to minimise your impact on the environment.

WalkHighlands is an excellent site listing walks around Bonar Bridge for you to explore.

Huli will create unique cycle routes tailored to you for Bonar Bridge.


Interest Groups in Bonar Bridge

If you are looking to learn more about Bonar Bridge these are some of the groups in the area:

Heart of Sutherland Tourism

The HUB - Kyle of Sutherland Hub

Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust

Bonar Bridge, Ardgay Golf Club

Kyle Chronicle

Bonar Bridge Football Club

Rotary Club of East Sutherland

Gearrchoille Community Wood Ardgay

Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society

Kyle of Sutherland Joggers


Find More in Bonar Bridge

Accommodation

Accommodation

Restaurants & Bars

Restaurants & Bars

Tour Operators

Tour Operators

Visitor Attractions

Visitor Attractions

Local Shopping

Local Shopping

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