Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES
Ferrycroft Visitor Centre
(
01549-402160;
www.highland.gov.uk/ferrycroft
;
10am-4pm Apr-Oct; )
On the
opposite side of the the river from the town centre, this visitor centre has displays on local
history, wildlife and a tourist information desk. A short walk leads from the centre to the
Ord Hut Circles and Chambered Cairns
, a collection of prehistoric roundhouses and
tombs.
VISITOR CENTRE
WATERFALL
Falls of Shin
(
01549-402231;
www.fallsofshin.co.uk
;
10am-5pm year-round, 9am-7.30pm Jul &
Aug; )
Four miles south of Lairg, the picturesque Falls of Shin is one of the best places
in the Highlands to see salmon leaping on their way upstream to spawn (June to Septem-
ber). The shop and cafe complex features an exhibition on salmon, as well as a bizarre kil-
ted waxwork of Mohamed Al Fayed, who owns the surrounding Balnagown Estate. A
short and easy footpath leads from the centre to a viewing terrace overlooking the water-
fall. There are waymarked forest trails here, as well as a geocaching trail, an adventure
playground and minigolf.
SLEEPING & EATING
Lairg Highland Hotel££
(
01549-402243;
www.highland-hotel.co.uk
; Main St; s £42-46. d £82-100;
HOTEL
)
The heart of the town, this friendly hotel offers surprisingly modern, stylish rooms that
vary in colour scheme and size. It welcomes solo travellers, walkers and cyclists, with a
good lock-up cycle shed out the back. The attractive dining area offers up pub classics and
a selection of Indian curries. There are discounts in low season, and for multinight stays.
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Trains from Inverness to Thurso stop at Lairg (£15.20, 1¾ hours) four times daily Monday
to Saturday, and once on Sunday. Four buses run Monday to Saturday to Tain via Bonar
Bridge and Ardgay (some stop at the Falls of Shin). Three buses run Monday to Friday to
Helmsdale via Rogart and Golspie.
