Day 1

Luxury Discovery on the North West Sutherland Coast

The first region on your North Highlands itinerary to explore is the stunning West Coast of Sutherland, where you’ll experience the stunning luxury on offer.

After a breathtakingly scenic drive along the North Coast 500, check into your home for the next couple of nights at Kylesku House at Unapool, where no corners have been cut to offer pure Scottish luxury. Each bedroom is individually designed in style to meet all your needs during your stay. Enjoy the roaring fire in the lounge just waiting for you to coorie up beside on those colder nights, and overlook glistening lochs and dramatic mountains across the Assynt Landscape. Pure highland bliss.

First on your itinerary is a journey of discovery, a luxury invitation to explore the wild beauty that makes this corner of the North Highlands so extraordinary. Lace up your walking boots and venture to the coast towards Lochinver for Achmelvich. You’ll be greeted by stunning landscapes, ancient geology and silver sands. Once you arrive at Achmelvich Beach, which is a favourite stop on anyone’s North Coast 500 Itinerary, take a breathtaking stroll along the coastline to find the lesser known, but just as stunning, beach at Alltan’abradhan. This short walk is only a 6km return route, but you’ll feel as if you’ve walked into a completely different world. This hidden cove is completely secluded, and chances are you’ll find yourself alone in complete solitude surrounded by heather covered hills and crystal-clear waters. Breath. Take it all in. Right now, this space is all yours.

After your afternoon of discovering hidden gems, it’s time to head back to Newton Lodge to get ready for dinner, tonight you’ll be dining in a truly authentic gourmet Highland style. With an AA Rosette for culinary excellence, The Glebe Kitchen at Eddrachilles Hotel is not to be missed for any foodie. Here you will enjoy panoramic views of the Badcall Bay, and if you’ve opted for seafood, this spot is exactly where your food has just landed into. Choose from the Table d’hôte menu that’s strong on fresh local produce. But remember it’s no secret how good the food is here, so booking is essential! Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for too. You’ll not want to leave, we promise.

Day 2

Coastal Flavours & Artisan Finds in Sutherland

Make your way up the coast to continue to take in the beauty of the West. You’re making your way to Oldshoremore, but Kylesku Hotel Restaurant is not to be missed. Stop in for lunch on route, langoustines, crabs, oysters, mussel, or fresh lobster – any of these float your boat? You’ll find them all freshly sourced and lovingly prepared by the chefs here, who love the challenge of cooking whatever their suppliers deliver that day! This helps to ensure the freshest, best quality, seasonal fare reaches your plate. Do yourself a favour and make a reservation.

After an unforgettable meal, it’s time for a touch of retail indulgence. You might wonder where to find your shopping fix along the rugged northwest coast of Sutherland, but here, it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. This is a place where craftsmanship thrives, and every creation tells a story of the land and its people.

A visit to Oldshoremore Retreat‘s Craft Shop offers the perfect opportunity to discover the region’s artisanal spirit. Step inside this charming shop to explore a thoughtfully curated collection of handcrafted pieces, each made by local residents. From textiles and ceramics to artworks inspired by the surrounding landscape, every item reflects the beauty and authenticity of the Highlands.

Take home more than just a souvenir, take home a piece of Sutherland’s story, while supporting the talented makers who keep its heritage alive.

Now you’re heading inland to visit Dornoch on Sutherland’s East Coast, your charming home for the next couple of nights. For this leg of your itinerary , you’ll be residing in the Royal Golf Hotel Dornoch offering the height of comfort and luxury throughout your stay, a true gem in the North Highlands.

Day 3

Golf, Boutique Shopping & Highland Elegance in Dornoch

After a good night’s sleep to rest and recharge, you’ll have woken up to a view of the stunning greens of the Royal Dornoch Golf Club just 50 meters from your hotel room. Today you’ll find out exactly why these special links are hailed as some of the finest in the world.

After a therapeutic yet exhilarating day of rounds on one of the best courses known to man, you might want an evening of taking it easy. If you’ve still got a bit of a shopping bug, why don’t you pop into one of Dornoch’s independent and unique small shops or boutiques? Tartan Creations stocks authentic highland gifts, handmade by owner Yvonne from exclusively designed tartans. Or visit The Jail Dornoch, which stocks all things from clothes, jewellery to local craft to suit everyone’s wish lists, just ask one of the ‘Jail Birds’ and they’ll be happy to help you find what you’re looking for.

Day 4

Castle Heritage & Royal‑Inspired Luxury in Caithness

Today you’ll be leaving the town of Dornoch and making your way North to follow the rugged yet beautiful headlands of Caithness. But while you’re on the road, why don’t you take a sneaky peek at how the other half once lived? While travelling on the North Coast 500, Dunrobin Castle is not to be missed. With its icing-sugar towers, 189 rooms, and beautifully manicured gardens, is a world apart from real life. There are falconry displays and, of course, a tearoom. Drop in for an hour, and you’ll find you’ve spent the whole day.

Keeping to the theme of stately homes, the next stop on your itinerary is at the Castle of Mey, you’ll be staying in luxury fit for Royalty for the next couple of nights at the Granary Lodge, offering some of the most exclusive accommodation in the North Highlands. Take in views between the Royal Castle and the Pentland Firth. No luxury has been overlooked; the breakfasts are as delicious as the rooms are sumptuous. For an extra special occasion add a bottle of Highgrove Champagne or arrange for a private tour of the Castle. That’s only on offer when the royal residents are away, of course!

Day 5

Distillery Indulgence & Spirit Experiences of the North Highlands

Today you might want to arrange a driver, because you’ll be touring and tasting some of the best whisky and spirit distilleries in the North Highlands. There’s a saying here, that if you don’t like whisky, it’s just that you’ve not tasted the right one yet. It never ceases to amaze that although every whisky the world contains the same three ingredients, malted grain, yeast and water, each expression from each distillery has a distinct flavour and temperament. It means there is one you’ll love, at least one.

A great place to start your tasting journey is North Point Distillery at Forss in Caithness. There’s so much more to this distillery than just the spirits to come from it, they really pride themselves on the People, Place and Story behind what’s in your glass. There isn’t much they don’t know about, and there are a few wee rare gems for connoisseurs. Book a tutored tasting, and leave feeling informed and inspired.

Maybe you’re more of a gin or vodka fanatic, don’t worry, we’ve got that too. Make your way to Dunnet Bay Distillery to find out the stories behind local favourites such as Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka. You can even get hands on in a cocktail workshop during the summer months.

What better place to finish than the end of the road – literally! Make your way to John O’Groats to visit 8 Doors Distillery, choose between the Behind the Scenes Tour where you can learn all about the distilling process and the story behind the distillery, or get stuck in and try the real deal on one of the tasting experiences, no matter what you opt for we can guarantee you’ll learn lots while having a fantastic time.

From indulgent North Highland luxury stays and exquisite dining, to serene escapes and unforgettable drams, every moment of this itinerary invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly connect with nature, with craft, and with yourself. Whether you leave with treasures from local artisans, memories of world-class cuisine, or simply a renewed sense of calm, one thing is certain: the North Highlands will stay with you long after you’ve gone, calling you back to its quiet opulence and timeless charm.