Balnakeil Bay

Balnakiel Bay is one of the most northerly beaches in Britain but for me the remote location at one of the most northerly points of the British mainland only adds to its charm. It's true that its is a long drive to get there but when you do, providing that the weather is fine, then you will not be disappointed. I've always considered the fine sandy beaches of north west Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands to be one of Britain's best kept secrets. These beaches rival those found in Cornwall, often dubbed "The English Riviera" but they have the added advantage of being virtually deserted even if you visit them on the hottest day of the year. ...  Read the complete review

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. And you can’t get much further away than the very north west of Sutherland where, as the Bonxie flies, the next stop is the Arctic Circle. So if you, too, like to occasionally pull on the walking boots and wander far from the madding crowds, come with me while I ramble (!). I headed north west with the specific intention of going as far as I could without falling into the sea. Thus I found myself guiltily savouring the comforts of a small hotel in the village of Durness, in north west Sutherland. North west of Durness, the road continues for only a mile and a half, then it’s on with the ...  Read the complete review