Altnaharra - A small hamlet in Sutherland

Altnaharra might not be on everyone’s itinerary, being almost as inland as you can get in the northern Highlands. There are two groups it does attract however – walkers and fishers, keen to bag one of several surrounding Munros or a salmon or trout for their dinner!

Ghillies, organised by the local hotel, can offer you advice and tuition on the best spots in the area. The exhilaration of pulling a salmon from the glistening, peaty waters of a Highland river is on the bucket list for many – and fishers come from far and wide to experience this.

Ben Hope and Ben Loyal, two of the north’s most iconic mountains, lie in easy reach to the north of Altnaharra. Ben Kilbreck, Ben Amine and a multitude of smaller hills lie even closer, so walkers are spoiled for choice here. This really is the land of expansive Highland scenery, and away from the coast, you’re likely to get the hills to yourself!

Few deviate from the coastal route and come to Altnaharra, but the walking and fishing opportunities it provides are excellent and you’re guaranteed peace and quiet to enjoy it!