Local Area: Things to do and see
Cornhill cottage is situated in the Kyle of Tongue Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The scenery in the area is truly stunning: there are pristine white beaches, amazing cliffs, mountains, and lochs all within easy reach. The photos on this website show you just some of the places we have enjoyed. Here are some ideas for sights to see and things to do. If you want more information please contact us.
Beaches
There are many lovely, clean sandy and often deserted beaches within a few minutes of the cottage, those at Talmine, Skinnet and Midfield are the closest. To the east Coldbachie beach is dramatic, and further away to the west the stunning beach near Rispond is used by surfers.
Walking
Routes are numerous and varied, and there are walks to suit all abilities. You can walk directly from the cottage around the Kyle, west along the coast to Port Vasgo and Midfield, and south to Loch A’Mhuilinn. Ben Loyal and Ben Hope are both easily reached by car, and Ben Kilbreck, Foinaven, Cranstackie, a little further away, are still easily achievable in a day. There are easy routes to Castel Varriach, around Lochan Hakel, and to the deserted clearance village at Slettel. Several local walking guide books and maps are available at Cornhill.
Wildlife
The wildlife is so special that we have provided a special page of photos to inspire you. This page is located under the Photos tab.
Places to visit
To the west: Smoo Cave, Balnakeil Craft Village, Fairad Head, Cape Wrath lighthouse. To the east: Strathnaver Museum (and excellent café), Strathy Lighthouse, Dunnet Head, Castle of Mey. Orkney can just about be done in a day trip, but an over night stay gives more time.
Places to eat
Local hotels have suffered significantly during COVID and it is unclear when they will reopen in 2022. Ben Loyal Hotel and Tongue Hotels (10 mins drive) do good food, and should be opening in spring 2022. Please contact them for current information.
The Craggan Hotel (5 mins walk) is likely to be closed throughout 2022.
www.thecraggan.co.uk www.benloyal.co.uk www.tonguehotel.co.uk
The Weavers Cafe at Rhitongue is a great place for lunch or tea after a good walk. You can find them on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Weavers-Gift-Shop-Cafe/117101385095778
The Store Cafe at Bettyhill is a hidden gem. Its a community cafe, that's worth seeking out. Food is simple and hearty, and the people are warm and welcoming. https://www.facebook.com/thestorebettyhill/
Fishing
Fishing is available on local lochs and rivers. Permits are required of course. More information can be found at local hotels, where boats and gillies can be hired.
Geology
North Sutherland is home to the oldest rocks in Europe – the Lewisian Gneiss is 3000 million years old! Heading west from Cornhill over the Moine towards loch Eriboll you enter the Northwest Highland Geopark – part of a global network of areas defined by outstanding geological features. Have a look at www.northwest-highlands-geopark.org.uk for more information.
Archaeology
The area is rich in archaeology. The Dun Dornaigil Broch is one of the best preserved brochs in the north of Scotland and well worth a visit. A look at the map will show lots of hut circles, and of course for the best ancient remains a trip to Orkney is an absolute must.
Supplies - NOTE: changes in 2018
There is a good post office shop two minutes walk from the cottage, and another similar shop 5 miles away in Tongue. However, the larger food shop, petrol station and bank in Tongue have closed in 2018. The nearest fuel is now 20 miles away in Bettyhill to the east, or 30 miles to the west in Durness.
