Feel the sand between your toes
Beaches & Coastline
Discover the breathtaking beaches of the North Highlands, where golden sands, turquoise shallows, dunes and dramatic backdrops await for you to explore all year round.
Whether you’re chasing waves, spotting coastal wildlife, or seeking peaceful solitude, our beaches are among the cleanest and most scenic in Scotland
Peedie Sands in Caithness, Photo by Colin Campbell
Auroras and Dark Skies
From majestic mountains silhouetted beneath a sky illuminated by the Northern Lights, to dramatic coastal viewpoints and lochs reflecting vibrant auroral glows, Scotland’s long, dark autumn and winter nights offer a stunning new perspective on nature’s beauty.
In the North Highlands, a night under our unspoiled dark skies feels like a quiet adventure. With no city lights to interfere, the stars shine sharp and endless, and when conditions are right, the Northern Lights dance overhead in vivid streaks of green and purple. The air is cool and still, broken only by the sound of wind, water, or the crunch of your boots. It’s the kind of night that reminds you there’s more out there, and that sometimes, all it takes is stepping into the dark to witness something extraordinary.
Waterfalls
With dramatic landscapes and cascading waters, few experiences are more invigorating than witnessing nature’s raw power as water rushes, flows, and tumbles over rocks surrounded by lush greenery.
The waterfalls of the North Highlands offer a perfect escape for wellness and reflection. Visit them in full force during winter snowmelt or after heavy rain to feel their energy and drama, or take a peaceful summer stroll when water levels are lower and the falls reveal a softer, quieter side.
Hills, Mountains, Peaks & Munros
Whether you’re aiming to bag a Munro or simply enjoy a leisurely wander, the mountains and hills of the North Highlands offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Bold peaks rise against vast skies, where rolling heather slopes meet towering crags, creating dramatic vistas and a sense of serene solitude.
The North Highlands is a perfect playground for walking, hiking, sightseeing, and immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the Scottish landscape.
While Caithness is often referred to as the lowlands beyond the Highlands, its sweeping, low-lying vistas mean you don’t have to travel far to find breathtaking views. In contrast, Sutherland boasts soaring peaks that rise from expansive moorlands, sea lochs that carve into rugged coastlines, and vast skies that stretch over silent glens, jagged ridges, and lofty summits.
With fewer crowds than other parts of Scotland, the North Highlands is ideal for those seeking peace, solitude, and a deep connection with nature.
Forest Trails
The northern forests of Caithness and Sutherland are enchanting landscapes, though they exist mainly in fragments and managed areas, as much of the region is dominated by peatlands and moorland. These forests feature a blend of ancient woodland and newer coniferous and broadleaved trees, including birch, ash, alder, and hazel. They also contain some of the last remaining fragments of Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest, such as the pinewoods near Alladale.
Let your imagination roam along quiet woodland trails as you listen for wildlife in the trees above, or feel the thrill of racing down mountain bike tracks for an adrenaline-fueled natural high at purpose-built trail centers, including the Highland Wildcat Trails in Golspie and the Balblair Trails near the Kyle of Sutherland.
Flora And Fauna
The flora and fauna of the North Highlands is shaped by its wild environment. In late summer, the moorlands come alive with the purple hues of blooming heather, while the Flow Country provides a haven for bog cotton, mosses, and lichens. Within the ancient woodlands, Scots pine and silver birch form the backbone of a fragile ecosystem, where native wildflowers flourish beneath the canopy. Insects like dragonflies, butterflies, and moths are essential pollinators in this environment.
This rugged region is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Majestic red deer roam the hills, while more secretive creatures such as otters, red foxes, grouse and pine marten inhabit the quieter corners. The area also supports a range of specialist bird species, including curlews and lapwings, as well as numerous invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles.
Explore Caithness and Sutherland
The scenery in the North Highlands is stunning at all times of the year, and you will experience various weather conditions and unique landscapes depending on when you visit.
The spring and summer months (April-September) have longer daylight hours, milder weather and calmer waters.
The cooler months of the autumn and winter (October – March) bring a chance to enjoy adventures in quieter surroundings, rich autumnal colours, crisp conditions for hiking, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights in our beautiful dark skies.
To keep yourself safe and to protect our scenery, nature and communities, please familiarise yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for access and safety guidelines.
If you are considering mountaineering, please consult Mountaineering Scotland for safety advice.
If you are not familiar with driving on roads in Scotland, please consult Road Safety Scotland.
Midges are tiny flying biting insects that thrive in windless, warm and wet conditions. They are commonly encountered in the summer months throughout the Scottish Highlands and particularly prevalent on the west coast.
To avoid midges, you can:
- Wear protective clothing – long sleeves and trousers help to protect your skin.
- Use a repellent such as Smidge.
- Use a midge net – useful if you are camping spending time in woodlands.
- Consult the weather forecast and change your plans if necessary.
- Avoid travelling during the peak months of June – August.
Yes, local operators in the North Highlands offer guided walks and nature tours allowing you to explore our landscapes safely with knowledgeable experts. Wellness activities including outdoor saunas, surfing and paddleboarding are also available throughout the year, weather permitting.
Booking your tour or outdoor activity ahead of time guarantees availability, allows time to plan around tides or weather conditions, and ensures you don’t miss out on the experiences that interest you most.