Self Catering Sutherland Beechwood Cottage Kyle of Tongue North Coast   Tel 01729 851181 Texts welcome to 07885 211787 Lines Open to 10.30 7 days BUNGALOW SLEEPS 6 TRADITIONAL DETACHED SEASIDE LOCATION BEDDING & TOWELS NO PETS TV / DVD CD TUMBLE DRYER WASHING MACHINE PUB / INN NEARBY NO SMOKING FRIDGE / ICEBOX Car Parking Enclosed Garden Off road Parking

 

 

The coastal village of Tongue centre of the "Mackay clan territory" looks west over the Kyle of Tongue. Dominated by Castle Varrich and Ben Hope Scotland's most "Northerly Munro" and Ben Loyal "Queen of Scottish Mountains" which provide dramatic backdrops. The kyle of Tongue is a wildlife paradise - look out for seabirds, eagles, ptarmigans, otters, seals, red deer, and much more. Enjoy whale and porpoise spotting in the Kyle of Tongue. This area is still one of Scotland's truly best kept secrets and there are few restrictions to your enjoyment.

The area offers wonderful un spoilt game fishing with great yields in a long list of local lochs and rivers, particularly the Naver, Borgie Strathy, Forss and Halladale. Fabulous walking, hill walking and mountain climbing (you can see the Orkneys from the summit of Ben Hope on a clear day!)

This quiet location attracts lovers of the outdoors throughout the year from Hill-walkers and beachcombers to naturalists, fishers, Historians, geologists, photographers and artists. There are sensational beach, inland and forest walks, also cycle runs along a huge network of single track roads and unspoiled routes - tranquility and timelessness itselfand cycle routes, slipways to suit small boats and sailboards / windsurfing.

 

 

 

Cold or Warm?.. ..Rain or Shine? You may be "surprised"

Scotland's Weather Forecast...

 

 

 

The Locality of the Kyle of Tongue

The kyle of Tongue is ideally placed for touring Sutherland and Caithness. Within walking distance of your holiday cottage are Hotels, Bank, General stores, Petrol Garage, Church of Scotland, Health Centre, Post Office, Beautiful beaches, Loch and river fishing, Sea fishing along extensive coastline permits and boat hire, Golfing is available at Durness and Reay. Horse riding / trekking and a swimming pool are available in this area.

The Strath of Kildonan (Smaller images) of Berriedale, Helmsdale and Dunrobin Castle

 

Cape Wrath, Kyle of Tongue, John O'Groats

 

The areas of Caithness and Sutherland form Scotland's northern wilderness offering superb panoramic mountain views and stunning scenery.

The coastline is fringed with spectacular beaches of silver sand, soaring cliffs and deep caves and the scenery varies from wild cliffs and tiny islands to lonely moorland and Miles of beautiful remote clean sandy beaches, sheltered, between outcrops of harsh unyielding rocks. You will find Majestic castles like Dunrobin, Old Wick and Girnigoe, dozens of ancient monuments, quality tweeds and woollens, Whisky Distilleries such as Clynelish Distillery. Plus tree-lined twisting roads and foaming rivers.

Local museums offer insights into the clans, the crofting and seagoing activities with many archaeological sites in the surrounding glens and straths giving proof of the strength and heritage of the Northern Scots reveal much from prehistoric times, the Viking influence, the troubled and turbulent times of the Highland clearances with underlying folklore and Gaelic culture.

Dunnet heads famous lighthouse (left) one of the locals..a Puffin (centre) and John o' Groats (right)

 

Activities in Caithness and Sutherland

 

 

For the highly active there are a wide range of pursuits from Horse riding / Pony trekking, Surfing, Sail Boarding, Land Yachting, Kites & Kite Buggying, Sub-Aqua Diving and Sailing, places to climb and walk. For the less active and just in need of a rest the beaches are amazing and often you will find one all to yourself. The area has much to offer for those interested in History and archaeology. With a local guide leaflet you can follow trails or head for one of the many ancient monuments.

It is an ideal place to explore the solitude of the highlands, to watch the varied wildlife and birds, or enjoy a spot of fishing or golf. The spectacular mountain scenery is formed from some of the oldest rocks in the world, Lewisian Gneiss. Sutherland...a vast area of outstanding natural beauty. much feared by the ship masters of old, none more so than Cape Wrath itself.

 

 

Golfing, fishing and activities

 

Championship golf courses such as Raey and many others. Salmon leaping at the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre and places where you can fish for salmon and trout. Also falconry Displays and an abundance of wildlife, excellent leisure pursuits, from HORSES RIDING/PONY TREKKING, SURFING, SAIL BOARDING, LAND YACHTING, KITES & KITE BUGGYING, SUB-AQUA DIVING and SAILING.

 

Photos Copyright © Doug Houghton

 

Orkney Ferries / Orkney Car Hire

A day trip to Orkney from the Kyle of Tongue is highley recommended. For the day tripper on foot the fantastic JOG Ferry Tel 01955 611353. Operating from John O' Groats to (Burwick) Orkney just 40 minutes crossing time this ferry runs every day through the summer from May to the end of September, you can choose from a variety of tours  and the maxi day tour at just £37 is fantastic value.  You can also access Orkney (12 months/ all year round) from Scrabster (Thurso) via North link ferries. Return Adult fare from just £24 ( Return car fare from £80 and perhaps a little expensive for just a day trip) however you can easily pick up a hire car at Stromness (Orkney) from either Orkney Car Hire or Orkney Car rental from just £32 per day.  

Dunrobin Castle

To the south there are a number of recommended day trips including Dunrobin Castle, the most northerly of Scotland's Great Houses and is certainly one of the most majestic. It is the largest house in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms, and is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating in part from the early 1300s. The history of the castle is quite fascinating and has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry and latterly Sir Robert Lorimer. The castle has been used as a naval hospital during the First World War and from 1965 to 1972 as a boys' school.

 

The majestic Dunrobin castle and it's gardens an easy day trip from the Kyle of Tongue

 

The falls of Shin, Salmon leaping and Loch Shin

 

Another easy day trip are to the Falls of Shin a truly wonderful experience for all the family. Open all year round and amongst spectacular Highland Scenery, it's well worth the journey down the Coast. and along the A949 and the banks of Beautiful Dornoch Firth, Bonar Bridge you arrive at the dramatic waterfalls, where it's famous, natural Atlantic Salmon Leap can take your breath away. The estate is owned by Mr Al Fayed...see him for yourself as he graces the entrance courtesy of a genuine Madam Tussaud's waxwork. The River Shin is one of the great Salmon rivers in Scotland, with the fresh, clear water - coloured slightly brown due to the natural peaty soil of the landscape - creating perfect conditions for the Atlantic Salmon, and other fish that thrive in a constant flow of fresh water. This most natural feature enthralls visitors lucky enough to witness the many Atlantic Salmon as they battle upstream at the Falls to return to their place of birth in Loch Shin and spawn the next generation. There are also countless river and forest walks, BBQ, gift shop, restaurant and a mini golf course. To the North of the falls lies Loch Shin One of Scotland's most picturesque & best kept secrets is found in Sutherland. Loch Shin is over 18 miles in length. Just like Loch Ness it is believed to be the home of deep mysterious creatures.

 

 

Forsinard lies in the heart of the internationally important Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Comprising over 10,000 ha of 'blanket bog', the peatlands are best during spring and summer, with birds including golden plovers, hen harriers and greenshanks breeding on the reserve. The reserve is open at all times; visitor centre is open Easter to end of October, daily 9 am to 5.30. It is a must for all nature lovers and is easily reached via the North Coast Road and the delightful strath of Kildonan.

Your accommodation

 

Living Space watch TV or relax and settle into a good book in the comfortably furnished living room, this room is warm and well lit with a colour TV / VCR, lovely electric fire and distant mountain views.

 

The kitchen / Dining area is fully equipped with all the necessary modern equipment including a Dining table and 6 chairs; cooker; oven; microwave; fridge; toaster; kettle; washing machine; tumble dryer; iron and ironing board, Other essentials such as glasses, crockery, cutlery and a corkscrew are also provided for your convenience.

 

Bedrooms There are 3 bedrooms, 1 x Double bedroom and 2 x Twin bedrooms all with ample hanging and drawer space. All rooms are double glazed with full central heating The Bathroom features a standard size relaxing bath with overhead shower, toilet and wash basin

 

 

 

Local  area information

The village of Tongue (1/4 mile) has village store, petrol station, garage, post office, two hotels, bank, church, medical centre, craft shops. Horse Riding and Trekking is available at Torrisdale sands and Bettyhill. Golf is available at Durness (31 miles west) and Reay (east 34 miles). Swimming Pool: Pool, Jacuzzi and gym at Bettyhill (13 miles). Sailing... there is a slipway and harbour for small boats and sailboarding at Kyle of Tongue. Museums: Skerray Crofting Museum and Strathnaver Heritage Museum. Fishing: - The area is famous for its range of loch, river and sea fishing. Permits and boat hire on lochs available for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and numerous sea varieties. The foothills of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope within 5 miles "fantastic views of Ben Loyal from the comfort of your cottage" Access to Cape Wrath (35 miles).

Unspoilt golden beaches, abundant wildlife, numerous, seaside, hillside and countryside walks... on your door step or just round the corner.

Further information available on this area available at www.caithness.org

 

Cold or Warm?.. ..Rain or Shine? You may be "surprised"

Scotland's Weather Forecast...

 

 

"This has been the best holiday ever! The area is beyond imagination. The quietness is priceless. The wildlife- views etc are superb. The house suited us perfectly. Everything we needed was here and beautifully clean. The memories of Tongue will stay with us and we will be back! Thank you." Fred and Vanessa, Cheshire, England Click here to read some more customer stories

 

 

Your Accommodation	Local area information
Booking & Hire Charges	Activities & information
Travel Directions	Up to date local events

 

 

 

The best time to see the Northern Lights

 

One of the advantages of the cottages Far North location and the absence of street lamps presents regular sightings of the Northern lights "Aurora Borealis". With good timing you have a good chance of experiencing one of the world's most magnificent natural phenomena: the Northern Lights. The Northern night sky dancing with red, yellow, green, blue and violet streamers, arcs and rays. The best time to see the Northern lights is in the months of October, November, December and January between 10 pm and 3 am. If you don't see the Northern Lights, then at least you'll see the stars - many, many more than you'll see from anywhere less remote. The longer you look up, the more stars will appear!

 

Availability

 

Your Accommodation	Local area information
Booking & Hire Charges	Activities & information
Travel Directions	Up to date local events

 

How Much?

Scale of (7 day) weekly hire charges

 

Rental rates are for the cottage...not per person

 

Hire charges also include all heating, electricity, bedding and towels

 

Low Season £310	Mid Season £360	High Season £495

 

Northern lights" special Winter Breaks, Short Breaks and Weekend Breaks available, November, December

and January 3 nights fully inclusive for just £210

 

Special short breaks also available in February and March "subject to availability"

 

Pet Friendly

 

Really sorry this cottage is not Pet Friendly

 

It is recommended that you consider insurance which includes cancellation cover

 

Availability Calendar

 

 

Telephone 01729 851181 Texts to 07885 211787   cottageinfo@self-catering-scotland.com   List 3

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