Day Trips Within Easy Reach

Experience a Different Pace of Life and the Warmest of Scottish Welcomes

Choose How You Wish to Fill Your Days

 

See the Sights!

Whatever takes your fancy, whatever you enjoy, you are sure to find something to get excited about.

We are more than happy to arrange activities, give recommendations or tailor an itinerary to your exact requirements.

Our sample day trips take in the charming towns of the Northern Highlands, exploring at leisure over the course of a day and experiencing hidden gems along the way.

Here are some suggestions, you won’t fit everything in of course, but then it’s just another reason to return…

 

Royal Dornoch, Local Pottery and Sandy Beaches

A drive to Dornoch takes just under an hour from Assynt House. Well worth a visit, with its cathedral, sandy beach and Royal Dornoch Golf course, a stunning links course which has been played on since the 16th century. https://royaldornoch.com/

The town of Dornoch is an enjoyable place to wander and enjoy some fine shopping for sporting clothes, cashmeres and Scottish gifts. Aspen Spa can greet you in Dornoch or Tain for hair appointments and high quality spa treatments. http://www.aspenspa.co.uk/

Browse the selection at The Carnegie Whisky Cellars or arrange a tasting https://carnegiewhiskycellars.co.uk/

A walk along the soft sandy beach of Dornoch can be enjoyed whatever the season.

Drive home past the famous ANTA Pottery and Tain Pottery studios, stop in Tain to visit their art gallery or glass works or visit Whisky Distillery Glenmorangie.

Loch Ness by Road or Sea

Charter a boat cruise on the famous Loch Ness stopping at the ruins of Urquhart Castle to take in its rich history.

Back on dry land, lunch at Dores Inn, a pub situated on the shores of Loch Ness. After lunch take a walk to the Falls of Foyers or enjoy visiting the City of Inverness.

Or take a scenic drive down through Drumnadrochit to Fort Augustus scanning for Nessie as you go.

 

The Black Isle, Legends and Seaside Villages

Assynt House looks out onto the peninsula of the Black Isle, here small seaside villages greet you with little artists’ studios, museums and some small shops and cafes. A different feel to the rest of the Highlands, The Black Isle has its own vibe.

Take a drive to Cromarty and take a trip on Ecoventrues RIB Boat to spot wildlife and dolphins https://www.ecoventures.co.uk/

Take a wander around the village or walk in the Fairy Glen. Lunch at IV10 is an excellent choice https://iv10.net/

On your drive back to Assynt House stop in at the Clootie Well, where the tradition of leaving rags tied to the trees as offerings to the spirits is an intriguing find.

Beer lovers might enjoy a visit to the Black Isle Brewery https://www.blackislebrewery.com/

Head North for Castles, stunning scenery and excellent eateries

Take a scenic drive over the Struie Hills, past the “Million Dollar View” overlooking the Dornoch Firth. Cross over the firth at Bonar Bridge and on to Shin Falls, one of the best places in Scotland to watch Salmon leaping, May to late Autumn.

A great lunch option is The Pier in Lairg, overlooking Loch Shin http://www.pier-cafe.co.uk/

Spend the day or an afternoon at Dunrobin Castle, the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland and the Clan Sutherland. Falconry displays and ornate gardens to be enjoyed as well as access to the castle itself.
http://www.dunrobincastle.co.uk/

 

Day trips at a glance…

  • Enjoy the golden sandy beaches of Dornoch and the Black Isle

  • A drive north to the beauty of Caithness and the Castle of Mey

  • Highland Shopping Heaven - Country shopping for cashmere and gifts in independent shops

  • Sample Scotland's national drink and visit some Whisky distilleries

  • Visit the West Coast and picturesque Ullapool

  • Dunrobin Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Fort George

  • Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

  • Explore the settings of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander books

  • Ross & Cromarty Art galleries

  • Boat cruises on the world famous Loch Ness

  • Dolphin watching boat trips in the Cromarty Firth

  • Exhilarating walks from our very doorstep

What the Press are saying about us…

 

“You'd be crazy not to take advantage of Graham's catering service for at least one night.”
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Conde Nast Traveller

 

“One of Britain's 10 best country houses to rent”
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The Sunday Times

“Visitors find themselves at Assynt House for many reasons, but need no excuse to come back.”
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The Scotsman

 

“Assynt House is a literal fairytale come to life.”
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Kayak

 

“Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with stunning grounds. The attention to detail is second to none. All staff and management provided excellent service and nothing was too much trouble.”

 

“Had an absolute dream of a weekend at Assynt House.”

“The location was superb with nearby hiking trails and world class golf courses.”

 

“The house was always kept in pristine condition and nothing was too much trouble for Elizabeth and Graham who organised the cleaning around our daily schedule amid the covid restrictions.”

Start planning a stay at Assynt House today…