Things to Do

Brora is a charming coastal village in the north east of Scotland. With stunning beaches and beautiful Highland landscapes right on your doorstep, there’s plenty to see and do, no matter the weather.

So linger a little longer to explore everything that beautiful Brora has to offer!

www.discoverbrora.com

www.venture-north.co.uk

www.clyneheritage.com

The Highland region accounts for around 25% of the malt whisky produced in Scotland. They vary in style from sweeter, full bodied malts from the north, while southern region whiskys offer lighter and fruitier notes. Western malts are strong with peat, smoke and maritime notes while the eastern are dry and fruity. Discover which dram tickles your tastebuds!  

Clynelish distillery

At the edge of the village of Brora, Clynelish is the Highland home of Johnnie Walker. Founded in 1819, the distillery still uses the original distilling method. Spring water is taken from the Clynemilton Burn which runs over seams of gold embedded in the rocks of nearby hills. The result is a rich, waxy whisky carrying notes of tropical fruit and honey.

The tour, visitor centre and shop are all highly recommended. Great for a morning coffee or lunch – and the whisky based cocktails are a must!

After a meticulous renovation, production of the iconic small batch whiskies at the neighbouring Brora distillery commenced again in 2021. Bespoke tours and experiences available but by appointment only and advance booking is essential.

www.diageo.com

Other notable distilleries in the area are:

Glenmorangie – www.glenmorangie.com

Glen Ord- www.thesingleton.com

Balblair- www.balblair.com

Old Pulteney- www.oldpulteney.com

Wolfburn- www.wolfburn.com

8doorsdistillery- www.8doorsdistillery.com

Scottish Gins

There are many delicious Scottish gins to try. Dornoch Distillery Company is operated locally by Simon and Philip Thomson. Their award winning gin has made waves in the Scottish gin industry.

www.thompsonbrosdistillers.com

Dunnet Bay distillery – the most northerly distillery in the UK. Creating Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass vodka.

www.dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk

Small business from a family of Highland crofters near Lybster. Creating  Caithness Gin and “Crofter’s tears” gin and Caithness Raiders Rum.

www.iceandfiredistillery.com

Wildly crafted whisky, gin and rum produced on the rugged north coast at Thurso

www.northpointdistillery.com

Beer

Black Isle Brewery

On your way up to the Highlands from Inverness why not stop in to the lovely Black Isle Brewery for a tour and to pick up some sustenance? Great variety of beers to try.

www.blackislebrewery.com

Enjoy a taste of the most northern headlands with a flavourful selection of ales from John o’ Groats brewery.

www.johnogroatsbrewery.co.uk

Whilst no two Scottish beaches are the same, they are stunning, unspoilt and mostly uncrowded! We count ourselves lucky to have some spectacular ones on our doorstep. These are some of our favourites:

• Brora Beach- the Front Beach and the Back Shore
• Dornoch Beach and Embo
• Durness

There are some fantastic walks in the area too, showcasing the best of what the region has to offer.

Brora to Golspie

See seals basking on the rocks or the beach on this 11km coastal walk from Brora to Golspie with views over Dunrobin Castle.

Ben Bhraggie

This huge statue of the Duke of Sutherland dominates the skyline above Golspie for miles around. On a clear day the view makes the steep ascent worth it!

Doll Bridge to Loch Brora

Lovely woodland trail along the banks of the river leading to Loch Brora.

Brora Heritage trail

A short, interesting stroll around Brora highlighting the fascinating history of our village. Maps available in the golf club or Heritage Centre.

Big Burn

Charming inland circular walk to a waterfall in Golspie. Parking available.

John O’Groats coastal trail

This long distance walking route from Inverness to John O’Groats passes through Brora.

For further inspiration and details see

www.walkhighlands.co.uk

www.venture-north.co.uk

www.jogt.org.uk

(Please ensure suitable footwear, check weather conditions and pick a walk suitable for your ability.)

Sutherland Adventure Company

Experience the waters, hills, landscapes and culture of the area with the Sutherland Adventure Company. Paddleboard hire, lessons, bike hire and tours, guided walks and hikes, body board and surfboard hire, 8 person mega SUP hire and snorkelling.

www.sutherlandadventurecompany.com

Sam’s Bike Shed

Bike hire and repairs in Golspie. Delivery and collection service.

Tel: +44 (0) 7887 673688

Highland Wildcat Trails

Mountain bike trails on the slopes of Ben Bhraggie

www.highlandwildcat.com

Fishing on River Brora and Loch Brora

River fishing permits available from Linda’s cafe - 01408 621530. Boat hire for Loch Brora available from Cunningham’s store - 01408 621204

www.nc500fishing.com

NC500

Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, remote fishing villages, hidden gems and a wealth of unforgettable experiences the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most unforgettable road trips.

www.northcoast500.com

Connell Outdoor Pursuits

Archery, sea fishing, thermal imaging wildlife safaris, axe throwing and more!

www.connelloutdoorpursuits.com

Ecoventures boat trips

See dolphins on the ultimate wildlife watching adventure at the heart of the Moray Firth. Follow up with pizza at Sutor Creek.

www.ecoventures.co.uk

Chanonry Point

This narrow peninsula on the Black Isle is a great place to see the Moray dolphins.  

www.moraydolphins.co.uk

Birds of Prey at Falconry display at Dunrobin Castle is recommended

www.dunrobincastle.co.uk

Falls of Shin

See the salmon leaping (in season) at the Falls of Shin near Lairg. Woodland trails and café.

RSPB Forsinard Flows visitor centre

A nature reserve in the flow country – best visited in the spring or summer to discover the birds, flowers and insects who make this rare habitat their home.

www.rspb.org.uk

You can often see seals on the Brora to Golspie beach walk or around Loch Fleet. Also keep an eye out on your travels for Arctic Terns and other birds on Brora Beach  & Highland cows at Loch Brora.

Brora is a great base from which to explore all the Northern Highlands have to offer. Head along the coast in either direction or drive inland through the flow country and see what awaits you!

Durness- charming golf course and stunning beach

John O’Groats

Visit the famous start or end point of the Land’s End to John O’Groats challenges. The most northerly point of mainland Scotland is actually nearby Dunnet Head.

Whaligoe steps

Camster Cairns

Castle of Old Wick

Orkney- a visit to Orkney never disappoints. Fascinating history from Skara Brae to the Italian Chapel plus lovely walks and local food and drink. Worth a day trip or short stay.

www.orkney.com

Inverness- take time to explore what the capital of the Highlands has to offer

Loch Ness- enjoy the mysteries of the famous Loch or take a boat tour and see what you can spot!

www.visitinvernesslochness.com

The Flow Country - otherworldly expanse of bog landscape in central North Scotland.

Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, the flow country is a vast expensive of rare peatland- a unique environment of blanket bog across Caithness and Sutherland. A peaceful and inspiring drive.   

Blisss Spa a business partner at the Royal Marine Hotel offers a wide range of beauty treatments and complimentary therapies, including massage, reflexology and reiki

Contact  Blisss Spa Royal Marine on 01408 621111

Sutherland Adventure Company

Great local business offering all sorts of outdoor adventures on and around Loch Brora.

Paddleboard hire, lessons, bike hire and tours, guided walks and hikes, body board & surfboard hire.

www.Sutherlandadventurecompany.com

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Enjoy a great day out at Landmark Forest Adventure Park. Fun for all the family with rides, wildlife and a large variety of different attractions. Just off the A9 at Carrbridge  around 90 mins drive south of Brora.

www.landmarkpark.co.uk

Brora Rangers

Take in a game at Brora Rangers football club – the four time champions of the Highland league!

Skelbo Wood Sculpture Trail

A 2.7 km circular trail near Dornoch with wooden sculptures of animals along the route. Takes about 45 minutes to complete. 

Sutherland swimming pool in Golspie

Offering regular swimming, the pool also has a fun Aqua Run activity with a large inflatable

www.highlifehighland.com

Loch Ness

Hunt for the famous Loch Ness monster on a boat trip from Inverness

www.visitinvernesslochness.com

Take the famous Jacobite steam train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter films

www.westcoastrailways.co.uk