Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kyle of Sutherland Trails
(
01408-634063;
www.forestry.gov.uk/cyclenorthhighland
)
Mountain bikers will find
two networks of forest trails around Bonar Bridge. From the car park below the Carbis-
dale Castle hostel, there's a red and a blue trail (suitable for intermediate riders) with great
views. At Balblair, 1 mile from Bonar Bridge off the Lairg road, 7 miles of black track
will test expert bikers.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Sleeping
Carbisdale Castle SYHA£
(
01549-421232;
www.syha.org.uk
; dm/s/d £21/26/52; mid-Mar-Oct; )
This
castle, 10 minutes' walk north of Culrain train station, was built in 1914 for the dowager
duchess of Sutherland, but is now Scotland's biggest and most luxurious hostel, its halls
studded with statues and dripping with opulence (advance bookings are highly recommen-
ded). Kick back in the super-elegant library room or cook up a feast in the kitchen; catered
meals (£12 for a three-course dinner) are also available. Mountain bikers coming off the
trails can shower here for a small fee. At time of research the hostel was closed for extens-
ive refurbishment, so it may or may not be open by the time you read this: check the web-
site.
HOSTEL
Getting There & Away
Trains running from Inverness to Thurso stop at Culrain (£15.20, 1½ hours, four Monday
to Saturday, one Sunday), half a mile from Carbisdale Castle.
Lairg & Around
POP 900
Lairg is an attractive village, although the tranquillity can be rudely interrupted by the
sound of military jets roaring overhead (Loch Shin valley is frequently used by the RAF
for low-flying exercises). Located at the southern end of Loch Shin, it's the gateway to the
remote mountains and loch-speckled bogs of central Sutherland.
