West Sutherland – for Outdoor Romantics looking to getaway to the Highland Hills

Day 1 – Get Cosy on the North West Coast

Start your Romantic Highland Getaway on the stunning North West Coast of Sutherland. Getting away from it all can mean different things to each of us, and for some there is nothing better than the escape and relaxation of the outdoors and adventure. With stunning scenery, an abundance of wildlife and unique luxury accommodation to take you right into the heart of the wilderness. You’ll find everything you need for an outdoor romantic break in the north of Scotland.

Sometimes we’d like to cosy up with our partner in splendid isolation or maybe your heart’s desire is for time together in the company of others, either way, you’ll enjoy relaxing into the comfort of the boutique Kylesku Hotel. This peaceful haven oozes charm and luxury, and you can decide how much, if at all, to interact with the outside world. Although you’ll definitely want to dine; their menu offers ultra-local Scottish produce, carefully crafted into mouth-watering dishes to tempt your palate.

Wrap up in warm woollen blankets, and immerse yourselves in each other, in the splendour of this wonderful location in the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy wildlife and stunning Highland sunset views from your window, walk and explore the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, and enjoy the soft west-coast light, even just from the doorstep, this is a photographer’s paradise.

Day 2 – Fly Fishing Experiences in Highland Lochs

Really experience what a romantic Highland getaway is all about, and get out onto the hillside and into the lochs to find some of that untamed Highland Beauty, and try something new. Stewart Yates from Assynt Fly Fishing can tailor your experience to your skill level and preferences, ensuring to help you authentically experience the true untouched North Highland wildlife.

Day 3 – Couple’s Hiking in Highland Hills

Now it’s time to lace up your boots and take to the hills, these mountains are some of the most astonishingly beautiful in the world. Quinag and Ben More Assynt are only a short distance from Kylesku Hotel, or if you’d prefer to explore on lower levels to sea level, the Inchnadamph Bone Caves and Ardvreck Castle have a wonder of stories to tell. That’s not even mentioning all the idyllic white sandy beaches that are scattered almost carelessly scattered around the Sutherland coast, for a longer low level walk that rewards with picturesque beaches, Sandwood Bay certainly won’t disappoint! No matter where you opt to stroll, we guarantee that you’ll find the North West Highlands offer the perfect selection of romantic walks to embrace nature, enjoy each other’s company and really getaway from it all.

Day 4 – Coorie Up with Incredible Food & Drink

Time to cross counties, head north for the untamed beauty of Caithness, and while you’re on route, why not stop off at the Varrich Bar & Restaurant in the Tongue Hotel for a lovely lunch made with local ingredients, which you can enjoy by the roaring log burner. Maybe even with a glass of wine in hand if you’re lucky enough not to be designated driver!

Caithness – for the Cosy Romantic looking to experience a true Highland Coorie Getaway

Time to check into your accommodation for the next couple of nights. You’re at The Crofter’s Snug, handily close to either John O’Groats or Thurso, but you feel like you could be on the very edge of the Universe. Picture the scene, you’re on the far north coast of Caithness, looking out over the Pentland Firth towards Orkney. The night sky is alive with billions of stars, and you’re wrapped in a blanket by the outdoor firepit, warming mug of hot chocolate in hand, hoping the Aurora Borealis might appear. Can you think of a more romantic way to getaway from the busyness of daily life, than stargazing and northern lights hunting in the Highlands of Scotland? Behind you, with logs glowing in the wood-burning stove, is your warm and welcoming home for the next couple of nights, a cosy and perfectly appointed Shepherd’s Hut.

That hot chocolate in your mug? You’re enjoying it with the last of the batch of hand-made chocolates you made that afternoon at CC Chocolatier in Bower. You chose your favourite fillings and flavours; they chose theirs. CC Chocolatier make personalised wedding favours, and you wonder whether you might ask them to make some for your own nuptials… but you’re getting ahead of yourself. You’ve not plucked up the courage to pop the question, yet!

Day 5 – Explore Highland Heritage from Castles, to Whisky to Craft

Tomorrow your morning starts with some local history and discovery. In the Spring and Summer months you can enjoy a wander through the spectacular Castle and Gardens of Mey. Stroll through the beauty of the walled gardens together, and be amazed by the splendid grandeur of the interior of what was once the Queen Mother’s former residence – did we mention that you could even host your dream fairy tale wedding here?

Next stop is John O’Groats and, once you’ve taken a few selfies at the world-famous fingerpost, you’ll be heading out along the clifftops from the lighthouse at Duncansby Head to the wild and dramatic Duncansby Stacks, holding hands to make sure you don’t blow away!

Afterwards, the plan is to drop in at 8 Doors Distillery. The UK’s most northerly mainland distillery in the Highlands, which offers whisky tasting and tours – the ideal couples experience. why not opt for the Tales & Tipples Experience, where you can coorie in with a drink and hear iconic local tales and the story behind 8 Doors Distillery, or if you fancy your own company and taking in those coastal John O’Groats sights, then maybe you’ll getaway from the crowd and head straight for their romantic whisky lounge, to warm up by the fire over a dram with a fine Highland view. Just the two of you.

Still on the agenda is a visit to Lindsey Gallacher’s jewellery workshops in Thurso. You’ve been working on your own designs in anticipation of this trip, and are looking forward to each creating a special piece which will be a lasting memory of your time together in North Caithness. While your here don’t forget to visit some local shops around the town, treat your other half to something special to remind them what they mean to you.

Day 6 – Escape to Romance in Wick

After a cosy couple of nights on Caithness’s dramatic North Coast it’s time for a change of scene, over to the East. You’ll be heading over to your new residence of Wick for a fun-packed couple of nights of romantic exploring, but a visit to Caithness isn’t done properly till you’ve visited Dunnet Bay Distillers, so why not make the stop off on the way. Here, Rock Rose Gin is a firm favourite among local and visiting gin fanatics. From their express tour to cocktail workshops, you’ll find something to take both your fancies – whether a gin drinker or not, they are well stocked with their own Holygrass Vodka and Mapmakers Rum. Then curl up on the sofa with a drink in hand, in front of the roaring log burner and just enjoy each other’s company. Oh and don’t worry if you don’t want to drive, you’ll get a 10% discount from your experience if you take the bus.

After arriving in Wick, it’s time to check in for ‘The Best Hotel Experience’, according to the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards 2022, on the shortest street in the world. Mackays Hotel on Wick’s 1 Ebenezer Place (it’s only 2.06m long!) used to be a temperance hotel, but the range and quality of the fine and rare whiskies in Murray’s bar laughs in the face of that chapter of its past. And after a few drams you’ll be laughing too!

From a check-in that includes tea, home-made shortbread, and the local paper, through to carefully prepared breakfasts and wonderful fine dining in No 1 Bistro, make sure you have booked your table for two, every detail is carefully thought through. You’ll be cocooned in just enough generous Highland hospitality to make you yearn to return but given enough seclusion to enjoy each other’s company in perfect peace.

While you’re here, you’ll want to explore the romantic stories of this part of the Caithness coast. See the dramatic ruins of the Scottish castles that once stood proudly on these cliffs, such as Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, and visit the famous Whaligoe Steps, carved perilously into the steep cliffs near Lybster. Caithness Seacoast Tours offer a glimpse of all of this, telling Caithness’s story from the perspective of the sea. It’s an unforgettable experience to share, giving you memories to last a lifetime.

Day 7 – Discover Nature together on the East Coast

The East Coast adventures don’t stop for day 2 in Caithness. Head south and visit the tranquil surroundings of Forse of Nature. You and your other half can explore the beauty of the grounds hand in hand, from woodland to walled gardens, learn more about the history of this special place (which is also another potential wedding venue to add to the list!). With all that exploring you must have built up an appetite, time to enjoy a delicious hot meal in the café, made with local produce grown on site.

Then it’s back to Wick for an evening of relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. Take a sunset walk down the Harbour before tucking into your final delicious meal at Mackays, maybe even washed down with a prosecco or two before heading to bed for a good night’s sleep to set you up for travelling home in the morning.

Retreat, enjoy, rediscover this corner of the Scottish Highlands. Whether it be a honeymoon, Valentine’s day retreat, anniversary break or just a romantic weekend. Take this time to rediscover each other. There’s space, time, and the freedom to explore on your perfect Highland romantic getaway in Caithness and Sutherland.