Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
which looks after its customers with good service and a wide-ranging menu of pizzas,
pasta, burgers and pub classics.
Information
The
tourist office
(
01862-810594; Castle St; 9am-12.30pm & 1.30-5pm Mon-Fri,
also 10am-4pm Sat May-Aug & 10am-4pm Sun Jul-Aug)
is next to Dornoch Castle Hotel.
Getting There & Away
There are buses roughly hourly from Inverness to Dornoch, with some services continuing
north to Wick or Thurso.
Golspie
POP 1400
Golspie is a pretty little village that has benefited over the centuries from the proximity of
Dunrobin Castle. There are good facilities and a pleasant beach: it's a congenial place to
spend a day or two.
Sights & Activities
Golspie is the starting point for some good walks. The classic local hike climbs steeply
above the village to the summit of
Ben Bhraggie
(394m), which is crowned by a massive
monument to the Duke of Sutherland, notorious for his leading role in the Highland Clear-
ances.
Dunrobin Castle
(
01408-633177;
www.dunrobincastle.co.uk
;
adult/child £9.50/5.50;
10.30am-4.30pm Mon-Sat, noon-4.30pm Sun Apr, May & Sep-mid-Oct, 10.30am-5.30pm
Jun-Aug)
One mile north of Golspie is magnificent Dunrobin Castle, the largest house in
the Highlands. Although it dates back to 1275, most of what you see was built in French
style between 1845 and 1850. One of the homes of the earls and dukes of Sutherland, it's
richly furnished and offers an intriguing insight into the aristocratic lifestyle.
In spite of its beauty, Dunrobin inspires mixed feelings among local people. The castle
was once the seat of the first Duke of Sutherland, notorious for his part in some of the
cruellest episodes of the Highland Clearances. The duke's estate was once the largest
CASTLE
