Strathnaver Trail
Walk from Bettyhill to Altnaharra across Sutherland that encounters 29 archeological sites. Moderate difficulty and very interesting!
This long walk along Strathnaver is an opportunity to both enjoy the countryside as well as an encounter with this land's rich history and archaeology. During the trail you will encounter iron and bronze age remains as well as the now silent settlements that were cleared during the notorious clearances.
The walk itself is not too arduous although the ground underfoot can be soft and boggy. Good walking shoes or boots are a necessity as is protection from Scotland's least welcome inhabitant, the dreaded midge. The walk itself is well signposted although we recommend that you take a map, preferably an ordnance survey map which provides wonderful detail of what you are passing through.
It is extraordinary to think that this landscape was once heavily populated as it is now so bare and silent. You will see four or five ruined settlements that were once home to many families before the clearances. The land seems so inhospitable, it seems amazing that so many could scratch a living from it. There are brochs, old churches and battlefields to explore.
The best way to plan your walk is with two cars so that you can drive back to the starting point. The good news is which ever way you start there is a bar at the end where you can sit and discuss what you have seen.
This is probably one of the most remarkable historical walks and yet one of the least visited. YOu will only encounter a few other people during it so you can really enjoy both the past and the remarkable landscape around you dominated by Ben Loyal and Ben Hope.
Difficulty Level
ModerateDuration
4-5 hoursOrdnance Survey
10Useful Websites
Farr Beach, Bettyhill
Magnificent beach to West of Bettyhill with long sandy stretch. Super clean. Not so easy to access unless you know how!
Strathnaver Museum
Interesting little museum in Bettyhill that chronicles the histories of the very far north of Scotland from the Norse through the clearances to the present day. Espeical focus on Clan Mackay and local Gaelic customs.
Bettyhill Swimming Pool
Community run leisure centre with swimming pool in centre of Bettyhill on the North Coast.
Strathy Beach
Another lovely beach between Thurso and Tongue. Popular with surfer crowd. Pure sands and accessible with short walk.
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!
Skinnet Beach near Talmine
Beautiful beach on the Kyle of Tongue on its western side near Talmine and Tongue.
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
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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
Other Cottages
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John Naver's, nr Thurso - Sleeps 4-5
This spacious former croft has been modernised and refurbished to a good standard and offers you a wonderful holiday home set in a small crofting area of Bettyhill, on the Invernaver Nature Reserve. This charmin... -
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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Crossroads, Strathy, Sutherland - Sleeps 6
In a beautiful location on the spectacular North coast, this lovely detached traditional croft house provides the perfect opportunity to explore the area. Approximately 10 minutes walk from the .... -
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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Rhianchaitel Croft House near Bettyhill - sleeps 6
Croft house situated in Bettyhill can sleep six people in three bedrooms. -
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 ... -
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. -
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... -
Old Grumbeg Cottage near Altnahara on Loch Naver - Sleeps 4
This charming, whitewashed cottage is near the village of Bettyhill in the Scottish Highlands and can sleep four people in two bedrooms. Six with sofa bed. No Pets.