Out and About
FISHING AND THE LOCH
Each cottage has its own rowing boat on Loch Ascaig, less than a mile up a dirt track. The loch is known as one of the best in the area for its wild brown trout fishing and while most of the fish are around 1/2 lb , the record since 1981 has been 5.7 lbs. It is fly only and pensioners or disabled may use their own outboard motor.
The loch has a canoe, a kayak and a small sandy beach in a shallow area which is ideal for even the youngest of children to play. The track to the loch, and four miles beyond, is good for bicycling.
The River Friadh, pronounced Free, runs from its source to its mouth through Borrobol Estate and into the River Helmsdale. Walking from top to bottom, fishing for wild brown trout, makes a wonderful day's expedition. After a spate in later summer, it is worth fishing for salmon and sea trout. This is included with both the cottages as conditions are unreliable.
More trout fishing:
Badanloch Estate, Brian Lyall Tel: 01431 831232.
Achentoul Estate, Angus Ross Tel: 01431 831227.
Forsinard Hotel Tel: 01641 571221.
Strathy Lochs, Jack Paterson Tel: 07751 039283.
Tuition and guidance on wild brownie fly-fishing can be booked through Highland Wild Trout Fishing.
More salmon fishing:
River Helmsdale Association Water, tickets from Strathullie Crafts 01431 821402 or Helmsdale Tackle Shop 01431 821372.
River Thurso, Eddie McCarthy Tel: 01847 831591 or 07778 580382.
River Halladale, Willie Grant Tel: 07795 007833.
GOLF
Royal Dornoch
Brora Golf Course
HISTORY
Timespan Museum in Helmsdale, gives an excellent overview of the area.
Dunrobin Castle at Golspie - the seat of Clan Sutherland.
Strathnaver Museum, good local history on north coast.
Queen Mother's Castle of Mey near John O'Groats.
Numerous standing stones, remote settlements and ancient monuments, including a 2,000 year old broch on Borrobol.
WILDLIFE
The area is rare habitat for many wild birds, animals and flowers. There are over a hundred bird species on Borrobol itself, including the greenshank, dunlin and short-eared owl. Orchids and bog plants abound from late Spring and pine martins, badgers and otters are familiar residents as well as the commanding herds of red deer.
BEST BEACHES
Strathy near Melvich, north coast.
Torrisdale and Farr Bay at Bettyhill, north coast.
Loth near Brora, east coast.
Brora, east coast.
Dornoch, east coast.
RIDING
Highlands Unbridled based in Brora, takes people trekking and for picnic and beach rides in some of Sutherland's most stunning scenery.
Torrisdale Pony Trekking at Bettyhill Tel: 01641 521472
EATING OUT
The Quiet Piggy, at The Bridge Hotel in Helmsdale, uses local and natural produce Tel: 01431 821102.
The Captain's Galley in Scrabster, award winning fish restaurant on the working docks Tel: 01847 894999.
La Mirage, in Helmsdale, for local fish and chips.
Cote du Nord, local ingredients with French influence, near Bettyhill, Friday and Saturday evenings only.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
Gold panning at Baile an Or on River Helmsdale.
Clynelish Whisky Distillery.
Surfing on north coast - Tempest Surf in Thurso for equipment, Tel: 01847 892500.
Dunrobin Castle
Dornoch Golf Course
Ancient Broch on Borrobol
Castle of Mey
Strathy Beach
