Day 1

A Caithness Distillery Tour

Your culinary holiday starts in the North, where your first taste of North Highland Food and Drink takes the form of an immersive distillery experience. Dive into the true spirit of Caithness by sampling the whisky, gin and beer that comes from this land.

Firstly, enjoy a truly authentic Scottish whisky tasting tour at 8 Doors Distillery at the very tip of Caithness in John O’Groats. Choose from a selection of tours or tasters where you can learn all about the history and heritage of the area, and the story behind the distillery. Afterwards, make your way through to the whisky bar to enjoy a dram or two with stunning coastal views across the Pentland Firth.

Whisky not your tipple? Don’t worry, we have something for everyone in our wee corner of the world. You can opt for Dunnet Bay Distillery for a true North Highland gin experience. Their artisan craft gin, Rock Rose, is award winning and undeniably one of the best in Scotland. Take part in a distillery tour or get stuck into a cocktail class.

Now that you’ve tried it, it’s time to buy it! At Bin Ends Wick (and Thurso) you’ll be met by staff with over 20 years of experience – essential, if you’re going to be able to make the right choice from their product range of over 150 blended and malt whiskies, 20 beers, and 300 ports and wines. Bin Ends guarantees a retail experience that showcases the very best whisky, gin (and any other spirit you can think of!) to come from the top distilleries in the Scottish Highlands.

After a long day of trying some new tipples and hearing the tales behind them, it’s time to check into Mackays Hotel Wick, on the shortest street in the world. This warm and welcoming escape ticks all the boxes for any foodie exploring the North of Scotland.

From food to drink, Mackays offer the perfect luxury foodie retreat for anyone visiting the North Highlands. Take yourself through to the whisky bar where you’ll find a find selection of malts and blends to wet your whistle – over 500 in fact! Don’t worry if you’re not too sure where to start, co-owner Murray will be happy to offer his suggestions in what you’ll be best suited to. Or if there’s a bigger group of you, you could book in for a private Highland Cocktail Masterclass, which can be tailored totally to your own preference. Now you’ll really know how to impress at your next soirée with all your new bar techniques!

You must be hungry by now. Mackays’ in-house restaurant No. 1 Bistro massively prides itself on ensuring the freshest local ingredients are used in all their dishes. Offering hearty breakfasts, to filling brunches to delicious evening meals. The quality of food, service and surroundings will leave you feeling not just satisfied, but nourished too, and maybe even ready for seconds (it’s never too early to start planning a return visit).

Day 2

Artisan Chocolates in Bower & Fine Dining at Glenmorangie House

Rise and shine, it’s time for breakfast! If you’re staying at Mackays, you’re in for a treat with their hearty and carefully crafted morning menu, perfect for setting you up for a day of more Highland culinary exploring.

But if you’re hitting the road early, consider a stop at Mr Eddy’s at Ferry View Campsite near Canisbay. This quirky spot offers an all-day breakfast menu where you can build your own plate, tuck into a classic breakfast roll, or indulge your sweet tooth with homemade porridge or pancakes. And the best part? You’ll be enjoying it all aboard a converted bus, complete with a cosy fire. It’s the ideal place to refuel before another day of tasting your way through the North Highlands. Comforting, memorable, and just a little bit magical.

Round off your Caithness culinary adventure with a deliciously indulgent experience at CC Chocolatier in Bower. Here, you’ll be welcomed by Mandy, a passionate chocolatier who will guide you through a hands-on artisan chocolate-making workshop in her professional kitchen. Learn the art of crafting your own sweet creations, experimenting with flavours and designs, perfect to gift a loved one, or simply to treat yourself. You can even combine the workshop with a sumptuous afternoon tea.

Following yesterday’s exploration of local drams, this chocolate experience offers the perfect contrast, a sweet and memorable way to conclude your Caithness chapter. And once you’re home, why not savour your handmade highland chocolates with a whisky pairing? A delicious reminder of the flavours and warmth of our North Highland Food and Drink.

Time to make your way south, where your next Scottish foodie delight awaits. Check into tonight’s accommodation, an exquisite gourmet retreat that epitomises Highland luxury. Nestled in the heart of Fearn, Glenmorangie House welcomes you with open arms and effortless elegance. From the moment you arrive, every detail whispers sophistication, and every corner tells the rich story of Glenmorangie’s heritage.

Often described as a sensory playground, this boutique hideaway is designed to indulge and inspire. The experience is deeply personal, and that philosophy extends beautifully into the dining room. Guests gather around a communal table in a truly unforgettable setting, where conversation flows and flavours shine.

Each evening, the menu is an artisan celebration of the food and drink of the Highlands, crafted daily to showcase the freshest seasonal produce. Expect a culinary journey that’s as thoughtful as it is indulgent, where every bite reflects the essence of the region and every meal leaves you feeling nourished, delighted, and deeply connected to the land.

Day 3

A Freshly Landed Seafood Experience in Kylesku

After a refreshing night’s sleep in your unique and flavour-inspired room at Glenmorangie House, its time to make for the West Coast of Sutherland, where the next part of your trail of North Highland food and drink awaits, with a heavy focus on the delights to come from our oceans and heather-covered hills. Prepare to indulge in the very best of the West.

Your first delight is the Kylesku Hotel, perfectly positioned just across from the striking Kylesku Bridge, a stone’s throw from the North Coast 500. The Kylesku Hotel Restaurant is where the tasting experience of Highland seafood truly comes alive. Whether it’s lobster, smoked salmon, scallops, or crab, the catch is as local as it gets, with some of it landed mere metres away in the very loch you’ll gaze upon as you dine.

Each dish is a celebration of freshness and tradition, thoughtfully paired with a local malt whisky, craft beer, or ale to elevate the experience. With its breathtaking views and unforgettable flavours, this is more than a meal, it’s a moment to savour.

Day 4

Award Winning & Scenic Dining at Badcall Bay

Your final stop on your North Highland Food and Drink journey brings you to the tranquil shores of Badcall Bay, where Eddrachilles Hotel awaits. Though it’s the last on your itinerary, it’s far from least. Owners Richard and Fiona offer a warm welcome and a gourmet dining experience that’s anything but ordinary.

Take in the sweeping views over the bay and across the Minch. If you spot boats docking, they could be delivering the day’s fresh shellfish. Then settle into the Glebe Kitchen, the hotel’s intimate restaurant housed in the oldest part of this former manse. These stone walls have long witnessed the preparation of fine Highland produce.

The seasonal dinner menu showcases the best of local produce, crafted with care by a skilled kitchen team. Even the handmade plates, sourced from nearby Lochinver, reflect the attention to detail. It’s no wonder this hidden gem has earned awards like the AA Rosette for its outstanding food and service.

Come, enjoy, savour. You need to experience our North Highland Food and Drink to really appreciate the hard work, art, and delicacy behind it. Try your hand at making your own or buy some to take home. Then you’ll be able to enjoy a taste of the far north of Scotland, wherever you are.