Sutherland has some of the most impressive beaches in Scotland. At the mouth of the Naver estuary lies Torrisdale Bay, a two mile stretch of deserted golden sand, which is pounded by north Atlantic rollers and entices surfers from across the globe. Within the estate lies the easily accessible Farr Bay, a small beach nestled beneath Bettyhill.

Further away from the Lodges, several beaches are worth visiting. Coldbakie Beach, positioned a steep drop below the road, is remarkably sheltered and has stunning views towards Rabbit Island and the Kyle of Tongue. To the East Strathy Bay has recently been named as one of the top ten beaches in Scotland and a 90 minute drive away lies the magnificent Balnakeil Beach in Durness.

Strahnaver has a rich history and The Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill displays the history of the north coast including the Mackay Clan and the Highland Clearances. Many historical sites such as brochs, standing stones, chambered cairns and Clearance Villages are easily accessible by car and foot, the Strathnaver Trail links and interprets 29 archaeological sites along Strathnaver dating back 6,000 years. Trail booklets are available at the Museum.

Day trips can be made to Orkney, John O’ Groats, Castle of Mey, Dunrobin Castle, and Cape Wrath.

Two useful websites on the history of the area are Undiscovered Scotland and Mackay Country.

Local trips for mackerel, pollock or lyng can be booked with Billy Mackintosh from Skerray Harbour.  For more serious trips including shark fishing there are numerous operators at Scrabster one hour away.

The northern coast of Scotland offers some of the best breaks in Europe. Surfers come from as far away as Australia and New Zealand to test themselves on the Thurso East reef break. Other popular breaks include Torrisdale at the mouth of the Naver and Farr beach in Bettyhill.

The water is clean, the scenery wild and rugged and Torrisdale, the nearest beach to Rihifail, can produce epic long hollow barrels peeling away from the river mouth at the eastern end of the beach, while countless other peaks often go un-ridden across the sandy bay. The surfing attraction of this area is the variety of bays and points which face numerous directions and ensure that any swell running usually results in a rideable wave. Both Torrisdale and Farr offer quality waves at low to mid tides on W-NW-N-NE swells and SW-S-SE winds. There are no lifeguards at either beach. Wetsuits are essential, as are hoods gloves and boots from October onwards.

Surf hire shop, Thurso – (01847 892 500)
Thurso Surf School – (01847 831866)
Surf Guru: Torresdale
Surf Guru: Farr
Magicseaweed: Thurso East

Lorna Mackay provides wonderful horse riding along the beach with Torrisdale Trekking.

Contact Lorna on 01641 521472 or torrisdale_trekking@msn.com

In addition to the golf course at Rhifail there is Reay golf course, a lovely course situated on the coast approximately 30 minutes drive from both lodges.  For those keen to explore further there are numerous links golf courses within 90 minutes, including Durness, Brora, Helmsdale and Dornoch.

William Mackay & Son, Thurso (01847 892 053) offers local meat with some of the finest beef available in the British Isles. Orders can be delivered either directly to your Lodge or to the Post Office.

Billy Mackintosh (01641 521836) can provide lobsters and other seafoods. You may also be able to organise to go out to the lobster pots themselves.

JPL Shellfish of Thurso (01847 895 026) provides a wide selection of good quality seafood

The Duchy of Cornwall has collected much of the best local produce into the Mey Selections available at the Castle of Mey under an hour from both Lodges.

Sport on the estate can provide the pot with salmon, trout, venison, pheasant, woodcock, grouse, snipe, pigeon, duck, and rabbit. Please contact George Lopes to organise. Foraging can also provide mussels from the estuary.

There are several local restaurants which can provide good quality food. Elizabeths Café and Crafts below Bettyhill has fresh fish and chips on Friday and Saturday evenings and afternoon teas and snacks throughout the week. There are several hotels within 40 minutes’ drive which have restaurants as well; Bettyhill Hotel, Borgie Hotel, Altnaharra Hotel, Tongue Hotel. The Craggen Hotel in Melness is well worth a visit.

Doctor, Armadale: A Herfurt,( 01641 541212)
Vet, Thurso: McGregor & Partners (01847 892387)
Garage, Tongue (01847 611264)
Garage, Tongue: Dave Allen (01847 611229)
Taxi, Bettyhill (01641 521442)
Swimming Pool, Bettyhill (01641 521 400)
Bettyhill general merchants Post Office and fuel station (s.e.malone@talk21.com or 01641 521 201), for post office, fuel and general supplies.
The Store, Bettyhill for general supplies, tide timetables and to purchase fishing permits. Contact Ray Cooper (01641 521207)