Scottish Highlands

[Lynne1995]

First trip ever to Scotland in April (we are not seasoned travellers due to having quite a lot of animals at home!). Coming up on the Caledonian Express to Inverness and then hiring a car. Staying a night at Gairloch, then the second night at Lochinver and a third in Thurso before heading back down the East Coast and back to Inverness for the fifth and final night.

Cannot decide where to stay for the fourth night on the East side (Coast or Inland?) on the way back towards Inverness? Can Anyone suggest anywhere - as scenic as possible! Just thinking that as most of the trip is coastal, somewhere more inland may be an idea.. Just Hubby and I so no children to take into account....... Any suggestions very welcome!

That’s a lot of driving everyday! Lairg is quite nice.

Dornoch - beautiful and on the A9 south - about 45mins north of Inverness.
Beautiful beach, Cathedral, golf course and few wee shops
One of my favourite places!

Dornoch is nice, as is nearby Golspie. Feels very different to North and West Coast.

I also like Strathpeffer, an unusual spa town, lovely area around for walking.

Alternatively for an 'inland' experience, how about somewhere between Aigas (the place with Beavers and Wildcats from BBC Autumn/Winter/Springwatch) and Cannich at entrance to Glen Affric - one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland.

As others have commented, you will be driving past all sorts with that mileage, do take the time to take a walk and loiter in these places - so much better than a grabbed photo from a car window.

Thank you for your messages! Will research all your suggestions. Take on board re the mileage but we are happy to have early starts and while we want to see as much as possible in the time we have we will try and take the time to appreciate it all too!

Agree with Dornoch but I have a love of Brora and also Tain. If whiskey is your thing I would recommend a trip to Glenmorangie near Tain.

The distances are vast but the roads are so empty it’s no bother. We did (and do) the the North Coast 500 every year before it became a thing.

I live in Scotland and have never done the sleeper but I hear it’s fantastic now.

You are in for a treat. Enjoy.

Wow! We enjoyed every minute of our NC500 trip - beautiful Scotland- particularly the West coast! Stunning scenery and so much more we want to see now….

Brilliant...!
Now, remember that 'The Highlands' amount to about half of England's counties in area and diversity. Soooo many places to see - the inner and outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, central Highlands and Cairngorms, Argyll, Galloway and Moray.
I have been in Scotland 14 years now - and still finding places to explore.