Scotland's Extreme North West

Bidding farewell to bustling city life, we leave our cares behind and head north through rolling hills and glens, pausing only to enjoy some leisurely refreshments and admire the views.

Winding our way further through the spectacular Highland scenery, our journey finally brings us to the very north-west tip of Scotland and our home for the next three nights.

Standing proudly above a charming fishing harbour, the family-run Kinlochbervie Hotel offers the warmest of welcomes to travellers.

A hearty breakfast sets us up for the day ahead as we prepare to explore the many hidden treasures that await in Assynt.

Lying a short way to the south of our highland home, this vast moorland landscape sweeps majestically as far as the eye can see, its gentle swells and shallows dotted with hundreds of small freshwater lakes and ponds known as lochans.

Heading west, the landscape changes dramatically as we are greeted with the salty spray of the wild Atlantic seas crashing against imposing cliffs and sea stacks.

Winding our way downwards to beautiful Achmelvich Bay, kick off your shoes and feel the fine white sand between your toes as you stroll along this pristine beach.

After working up an appetite, it’s time to sample the delights of Lochinver, a busy harbour village nestling on the shores of the loch that shares its name.

Take a seat and watch the world go by while enjoying superb views of the unmistakable Suilven mountain. Rising imposingly above the surrounding landscape, this snow-topped 2,389ft peak is famous for its remarkable outline and leaves a lasting impression as we turn and head for another delicious dinner in our hotel.

A morning walk along one of Scotland’s finest beaches awaits us this morning, but first, save room at breakfast for the delights that await us later!

The distinctive white sands of Oldshoremore are formed from sandstone and millions of tiny seashells, surrounded by rolling dunes of gently whispering machair grass.

After taking a stroll, we travel through beautiful countryside to the village of Durness and the ancient graveyard of Balnakeil. Here, we pay our respects at the final resting place of Gaelic poet Rob Donn, with its stunning views along the coast.

Our next stop is nearby Cocoa Mountain, where you can savour its award-winning chocolatiers’ many gooey gourmet delights, including the famous hot chocolate.

Thoroughly refreshed, we follow in the footsteps of settlers 6,000 years ago when we explore Smoo Cave with its vast entrance and vantage point overlooking a dramatic waterfall and blowhole.

After hugging the banks of Loch Eriboll, our next destination is the old crofting village of Tongue, descended from the Old Norse people who lived here 1,000 years ago and who named the land after its distinctive shape.

With the wind at our backs, we meander home and say goodnight, fully rested and refreshed.

Our final day dawns with another excellent breakfast before bidding farewell to our harbour home and starting the journey southwards.

Our route home sees us pass many fascinating Highland landmarks, including the handsome stone arches of Laxford Bridge, built in 1834 by the Dukes of Sutherland.

Skirting the icy depths of Loch More and its bigger brother, Loch Shin, keep your eyes peeled for birds skimming the glass-like surface in the shadow of the jagged peaks of Ben More Assynt and Ben Klibreck.

Lunch awaits us in “the crossroads of the north” as we arrive in Lairg, a peaceful village nestling on the southern banks of Loch Shin. Famous for its annual lamb sale and hydro-electric dam, the area is also renowned for its dramatic falls, where hundreds of salmon can be seen leaping their way upstream during their epic migration.

The second impressive span of the day awaits us in Bonar Bridge, with the elegant Thomas Telford creation that gave the town its name.

After a stop in the picturesque royal burgh of Tain, we make our way southwards towards Inverness and through the Cairngorms National Park. By mid-evening, the familiar city lights finally hove into view as we return to our starting point.