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Fishing

The house itself is situated opposite the beautiful Kyle of Sutherland and the area is a haven for anglers. The Kyle of Sutherland Angling Association's pristine water extends for some 14 miles from the Creich pool, to the east of Bonar Bridge, westwards to where it is joined by the rivers Cassley and Oykel.  The Kyle has four feeder rivers which are amongst the most prolific Salmon Rivers in the Highlands, the Carron, Shin, Cassley and Oykel, all of which are top class Highland fly fisheries.  It is, therefore, little wonder that the Kyle is such a popular fishery. Visiting anglers also have the opportunity to fish four Highland hill lochs, Laggan, Laro, Cracail Mhor and Buidhe for wild Brown Trout. Day tickets are available locally for Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout fishing.

Brown trout fishing is available by arrangement at lovely Loch Migdale, 3 miles north of Bonar Bridge, where boats may be hired and a ghillie is available.

Non- anglers will yet be enchanted by a trip to nearby (5 minutes) Falls of Shin. It is one of the best places in Scotland to see wild Atlantic salmon battling their way up the falls on their annual journey to the spawning grounds at the head of the River Shin. The salmon can be seen from early May until the end of October from well designed and maintained viewing platforms. The Falls also boast an attractive visitor centre, licenced restaurant and Harrods gift shop.

Golfing

Bonar Bridge has its own 9-hole course, generally considered one of the most beautiful in the Highlands. A blend of heath and moorland, the narrow tree-lined fairways require straight driving, while the small, hard-to-read greens will confuse even the most gifted of players. The surrounding heather-laden terrain provides a wonderful backdrop to this easy-walking course, with unforgettable views down to Loch Migdale and the hills in the background. 

Approximately 15 miles away will find you at Royal Dornoch, arguably one of the top ten courses in Great Britain if not the world. An outstanding links course, it comprises some 6500 yards of bunkers, sandhills, hummocks, knolls and swales bordered by the Dornoch Firth with views of the mountains of Sutherland and the Moray coast. An 18 hole course where golf has been played since 1616 - a must for the dedicated golfer!

Both courses welcome visiting players.

Cycling

One mile from Bonar Bridge is Balblair, part of the Kyle of Sutherland trails. With stunning views over the Kyle and out to the West the trails at Balblair offer both a fun Blue route for competent bikers and challenging Black Route for experienced riders. The Blue Route is a perfect trail if you want a quick spin. If you are an experienced mountain biker who is up for a challenge then have a go at the Balblair Black Route. There is plenty to test even the most experienced cyclist, timber trails and lung-busting uphill sections. Not for the faint hearted, but the view from the top of the hill at the mast is well worth the effort.

A further 3 miles will find you at Carbisdale. With excellent views over the inner Dornoch Firth and Bonar Bridge, a beautiful lochside picnic bench and secluded woodland scenery, the trails offer challenging cycling for competent mountain bike riders. The Blue route is a great introduction, with optional rock features, wonderful views and technical descents such as 'Goldie Rocks' and 'Hissing Sid'. The red route has some technical features, such as 'Little Red Riding Wood' and 'What Big Teeth' along with forest road sections. The viewpoint is a perfect place to regain your energy for the descent ahead.

Walkers

This is a wonderful area with a wealth of scenery and walks for all ages and abilities.

Balblair forest is noted for its excellent views over the Kyle of Sutherland towards Carbisdale Castle in the west, and the Dornoch Firth and Struie Hills in the east. As you climb further up the hill, this forest walk takes advantage of the best of these viewpoints.

At Carbisdale, the area comprising the former castle grounds is now owned by the Forestry Commission (Scotland). Several different pathways are available and at the highest point on the walk (120m) there is a lovely, secluded lochan; further on, an informative viewpoint overlooks and provides information on, the site of the Battle of Carbisdale (The last stand of the Earl of Montrose, 1650).

Ravens Rock Gorge is a 15 minute drive , a magical place and one of our best kept secrets. This walk skirts the edge of the spectacular Allt Mor (big burn) as it runs through a gorge under the canopy of  old silver fir, spruce and beech. A series of suspended walkways take you to viewpoints over the gorge and surrounding forest.

Skelbo forest walk close to nearby Dornoch is an ideal place for a gentle family walk with lovely forest views, amusing hidden wood carvings,  - or simply a place to enjoy a picnic beside the pond.

A further lovely walk can be found 3 miles to the north of the village around Loch Migdale and the Fairy Glen.

Not to be overlooked - the fabulous award winning beaches at Dornoch and Embo where miles of golden sands and dunes stretch past the mouth of Loch Fleet nature reserve.

Sightseeing

Individual tastes and interests will vary but there are plenty of options here.

Castles - locally Carbisdale (now owned by the SYHA) - Dunrobin 20 miles away in Golspie (a visit includes twice daily Falconry displays):  Inverness Castle, Urquart Castle and Cawdor around Inverness.

The Orcadian Stone Museum and shop at Golspie - a fascinating half day trip!

The 13th Century Cathedral in Dornoch is well worth a visit, not only for its splendour, history and original features, but American visitors will be interested in the three new stained glass windows in memory of Andrew Carnegie.

Tain Through Time museum and exhibition is a local centre featuring archives of local, regional and national significance. Of special interest is the Clan Ross and Balnagowan castle story.

We have several distilleries in the area: Glenmorangie, Balblair, Dalmore, Clynelish in Brora and Old Pultney in Wick. All have guided tours usually followed by a 'dram'.

Or for beer lovers a tour and tasting at the Black Isle Brewery at Munlochy may appeal. An added point of interest on the Black Isle and on the road to Cromarty, from where you can take an exciting trip to view the bottle-nosed dolphins, is the 'Clootie Well', a truly unique site - an ancient tradition of votive offerings to cure all ills!