Tongue
Charming village on North coast beside Ben Hope and the sea.
The road east from Durness runs around Loch Eriboll on its way to the lovely little village of Tongue. A causeway runs across the beautiful Kyle of Tongue, but a much more scenic route is the single-track road around its southern side, with great views of Ben Hope (3,041 ft) looming to the southwest. The village of Tongue is overlooked by the 14th-century ruins of Varick Castle, and there's a great beach at Coldbackie, two miles northeast.
Phone code: +44 (0)1847
Travel Directions to Tongue
Castles Nearby
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Tongue House / House of Tongue
Built in 1678, it is the Scottish home of the Countess of Sutherland. Formerly the seat of the Clan Mackay, the house sits on the site of the clan's previous home. It is said to have been burned by Cromwell's army in 1656, while pursuing the Chief of Mackay. It was rebuilt by the Mackays several years later. But in 1829, Tongue House and the majority of the Mackay Estate had to be sold to pay off debts owing to the Sutherland family.
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Caisteal Bharraich Castle Varrich
Dramatic ruin visible from Tongue in the Far North. You can walk across and back for a drink in a local bar. The castle is located on a prominent rise overlooking the Kyle of Tongue,
Nearby Ancient Monuments
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Dun Dornaigil
Impressive, well preserved broch that stands almost 7 metres tall with distinctivetiangular lintel about the entrance. On small road south of village of Alltnacaillich
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Rosal Township
Once substantial township entirely cleared in the Highland Clearances. Eery and tragic evidence of how this event transformed this land and landscape.
Local Visitor Attractions
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Strathy Beach
Another lovely beach between Thurso and Tongue. Popular with surfer crowd. Pure sands and accessible with short walk.
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Coldbackie Beach
Lovely strip of Sand on Kyle of Tongue that is well protected from the sea by the surrounding capes. Just off A836 and safe to swim. Very quiet!
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Bettyhill Swimming Pool
Community run leisure centre with swimming pool in centre of Bettyhill on the North Coast.
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Skinnet Beach near Talmine
Beautiful beach on the Kyle of Tongue on its western side near Talmine and Tongue.
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Weaver's Cafe & Gift Shop
A small Gift Shop, Cafe and B&B with en-suite rooms, conveniently situated on the A836 near Tongue. Great gifts for visitors and a nice wee Cafe
Walks
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Discover Ancient Kyle of Tongue
Brilliant day of walking that explores the many ancient and prehistoric sites around the Kyle of Tongue in Sutherland.
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Strathnaver Trail
Walk from Bettyhill to Altnaharra across Sutherland that encounters 29 archeological sites. Moderate difficulty and very interesting!
Local Pubs
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Ben Loyal Bistro Bar
Hotel with attached restaurant and bar that serves local produce and has views across the Sound. There is a restaurant and also bistro bar.
Local Restaurants
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Tongue Hotel Restaurant
Hotel (4 *) with restaurant serving local produce. Also there is a public bar. Brunch through to dinners available. Children's menu available.
Tongue Events
Tongue Hotels & Accommodation
Tongue Hotel
The Duke of Sutherland shooting lodge transformed into a four star hotel in remotest Sutherland in Northern Scotland.
There are cheaper options, such as the excellent-value Rhian Cottage, Tel. 01847 611257, jenny.anderson@ tesco.net also Novar Cottage, see below
There's also a good SYHA Youth Hostel, Tel. 01847 611789, website - open mid-Mar to late Oct, beautifully situated at the east end of the causeway; and a couple of campsites: one is at Talmine, Tel. 01847 601225, 5 miles north of Tongue by the beach; and the Kincraig Camping and Caravan Site, Tel. 01847 611218, just to the south of the village.
Also at Talmine is the lovely 19th-century Cloisters, Tel. 01847 601286, website
Hotels near Tongue
Featured
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Novar Cottage Tongue Sleeps 6
Bungalow style cottage on the north coast of Scotland that sleeps 6 (max) with wonderful views west towards the Kyle of Tongue. Set in own grounds with decking for the sunsets.
- Sleeps: 6
Tongue Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Northern Lights Croft Cottage near Tongue - Sleeps 2
Very charming small 1 bedroomed fisherman cottage in Tongue on far north coast of Scotland. Sleeps 2. No Pets/No wifi. -
Ben Loyal View Cottage near Tongue - Sleeps 6
Detached cottage is located near the village of Tongue. Sleeps six people in three bedrooms.
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Talmine cottage, nr Tongue, Sutherland - Sleeps 5
Talmine is a small hamlet, one of several in this peaceful fishing and crofting community which look north east across the picturesque Tongue Bay. This traditional stone croft house is in a ....
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Naver Cottage, nr Bettyhill - Sleeps 4
Within easy walking distance of the beautiful River Naver and woodlands, this croft house which has been renovated to the highest standards offers very comfortable accommodation in a secluded setting. Visi... -
Four Winds, nr Thurso - Sleeps 3
This cosy detached cottage enjoys wonderful views along the coast towards Dunnet Head and across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Isles. A warm Highland welcome is assured in this unspoilt area which boasts the ...