Sutherland (Northern Highlands, Scotland)

The traditional home of the clan MacLeod set in Loch Assynt this lonely castle is surrounded by the loch meaning that access is a bit…wet but well worth the effort. All that remains is part of a tower of what must have been a large and impressive castle.

The most north-western town in Britain, Durness is a lovely (windy) small village with spectacular scenery and very friendly inhabitants.

Beautifully rugged beaches surround Durness (but are not recommended for swimming).

Boat tours of the nearby Cape Wrath are also available. Cape Wrath is a wildlife sanctuary but also naval test range.

A bit of a surprise, the Smoo Caves are a small cave system at the base of the cliffs in the middle of Durness. As a matter of fact, the road through the town goes right over top of the caves with the waterfall that falls into the caves to the right and the ocean and cliffs to the left.

In better weather you can take a small boat right to the base of the falls (not recommended for those with an aversion to closed, wet places).

The rickety old wooden viewing platform leading to the base of the falls.

The waterfall on the other side of the road.

A stately home just south of Brora on the east coast of Scotland, Dunrobin is set amongst wonderful scenery but is, in itself, quite spectacular.

Perched on the edge of the cliff the formal gardens spread out below it.

Tickets can be purchased for entrance to the house which is laid out as it would have been used in previous centuries complete with helpful museum guides strategically placed throughout the house.

The house has been used in the past by several members of the royal family and this connection is notable throughout.

Also on offer is a falconry display by a resident warden who runs a bit of a bird sanctuary for birds of prey.

For further information, please see:

• Durness Scottish Highlands - Community web site
• Smoo Caves