Walks in Sutherland

Originally written for Walking World

To the west and south of Caithness in the far north corner of Scotland, lies Sutherland, a little known county, but one containing some of the most magnificent scenery in the world.  The name Sutherland comes from the Norse and the lieutenancy was under the rule of the earls of Orkney for generations. It was known as Suðrland (“southern land”) – from the point of view of Caithness and Orkney it is!

From coastal routes to the mountains of Ben Loyal and Ben Klibrek, Sutherland has it all. Part of the Cape Wrath trail is in Sutherland, and the whole of the north coast of Sutherland forms part of the burgeoning North Highland Way, a stretch of magnificent coastline of 114 miles from John o Groats in the east to Cape Wrath in the west. 

Sutherland is a county of two halves and they are distinctly different in terms of culture and history. The eastern seaboard along the coast from Inverness to Helmsdale offers one of the best train journeys in the world. Stunning scenery, tiny remote coastal cottages, the thrash of the Atlantic. To the landward side, masses of colour with gorse and heather in full bloom in the spring and hills just begging for you to walk them. It is not as mountainous as the north, but no less spectacular. The beaches are magnificent.

Walking terrain
The terrain in Sutherland varies. The County is vast and the terrain ranges from glorious long golden beaches, to forest tracks to the rugged mountains of the west. There is something for everyone from Munros to gentle strolls around beautiful tranquil villages such as Durness in the north and Brora in the East. The North West Highland Geopark has some great events and showcases the western end of the North Highland Way. We have released a book “North Highland Way: A Geological Perspective” which is available on Amazon. It is a geological walk along the north coast of Scotland. Written with the kind assistance of a member of the Long Distance Walkers Association and information provided by the British Geological Survey and Nature Scot, the book skims the surface of the geological offering in the far north. Including sourced from the North West Geopark and the Rock Route, it is thought that a geological walk over the Mhoine Path may provide a more challenging route. That is not to take away from the coastal route, but the geological route takes the traveller away from Loch Eriboll and the Sutherland Space Hub.

Where to stay
The area offers a wide range of accommodation from hotels and guest houses, to good quality bed & breakfasts and  hostels.

Maps
Ordnance Survey Land Ranger maps LR12 and LR10
Ordnance Survey Explorer maps 451 and 450