What are the opening hours?

Monday 6am - 8pm Tuesday 6am - 8pm Wednesday 6am - 8pm Thursday 6am - 8pm Friday 6am - 8pm Saturday 6am - 6pm Sunday 6am - 6pm

https://www.facebook.com/433578097000356/

Scotland's Route 66, Wick (2026)

14/09/2024

May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rain fall softly upon your fields until we meet again, And may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Thanks One and All, it twas a Blast.

11/11/2023

A HIGHLAND STORY
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THE LOCH AND THE U-BOATS
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Loch Eriboll is named after the village of Eriboll on its eastern shore.

Today it is part of the Route of the NC500, where many stops to take photos of this picturesque place.

Many are not aware as they drive or cycle around the Loch that in 1945 this was a place of War and the scenery was slightly different.

The surrender of German submarines in Loch Eriboll was one of the strangest episodes at the end of World War II.

Locals were sworn to secrecy, and it has often been assumed that only “two or three” crews gave themselves up in the sheltered inlet.

No fewer than 33 U-boat commanders surrendered in the space of 12 days in the 10-mile-long loch.

In two weeks, from May 10 to May 25, 1945, it turned into the biggest single gathering of the German submarine fleet anywhere in the world.

The surrendered vessels were responsible for sinking or damaging 59 merchant ships and 14 warships — 300,000 tonnes of Allied shipping.

Fifteen U-boats were brought under convoy from Norway by Canadian warships, and all were disarmed within hours.

Explosives and other armaments were dumped over the side and they were then re-routed to locations including Lochalsh in Wester Ross, where the crews were arrested.

As part of Operation Deadlight, the U-boats were scuttled in the Atlantic, with 121 of the 154 U-boats that surrendered being sunk
in deep water off Lisahally, Northern Ireland, or Loch Ryan, in the west of Scotland, in late 1945 and early 1946.

Loch Eriboll was chosen because of its isolation and deep anchorage. It also limited any opportunity for a last show of defiance from the U-boat commanders.

The crews were happy to surrender in Scotland; it was the Russians they were worried about. They just didn’t want to give up on them.

It is also believed that the crews dumped stuff over the side. And it is believed that the loch’s seabed is littered with explosives and armaments to this day.

Looking now at the Loch, it is strange to think what went on all those years ago; now, it's peaceful and scenic, a far cry from those days when it was littered with German U-Boats.

Want to know more? There is an amazing Book by David M Hird called The Grey Wolves of Eriboll.

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THE BOOK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grey-Wolves.../dp/1904445322

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LOCATION

https://goo.gl/maps/jQfLQAC87tYXExex8

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11/11/2023

THE HIGHLANDS IS GREAT IN ALL WEATHER
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LANGRIDGE HIGHLAND HOME
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The Highlands is a great place to be, and not just in the Summer.

Langridge Highland Home is certainly a place to be any time of the year, with accommodation available all year round.

There are many reasons why winter is the perfect time to visit the Scottish Highlands. You can enjoy the beauty and diversity of the region without the crowds, experience some of the unique and festive events of the season, warm up with some of the finest whiskies in the world, play golf in a different and challenging environment, stargaze and see the northern lights, hike from sand to snow, and ski on some of the best slopes in Scotland.

And Langridge Highland Home is one place certainly worth considering.

This charming and cosy cottage offers comfortable and spacious accommodation for up to six guests, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen.

This pet-friendly accommodation offers stunning views of the mountains and the sea loch and a cosy and comfortable home from home.

Langridge Highland Home Garve is located in the small village of Badcaul on the southern shore of Little Loch Broom.

From here, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Wester Ross, with its rugged peaks, wild moors, and golden beaches.
You can also explore the nearby attractions, such as the Falls of Measach, the Inverewe Gardens, and the Gairloch Museum.

The bungalow sleeps up to six people and has everything you need for a relaxing stay. A spacious living room with large patio doors opens to the back garden, where you can admire the views or watch the wildlife.

There is also a well-equipped kitchen, a dining area, a bathroom, and two bedrooms: one with a double bed and one with a double bunk bed with a single above.

Langridge Highland Home Garve is dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along and enjoy some walks in the countryside.
There are plenty of trails to choose from, whether you want to hike up to An Teallach or Sail Mhor, or stroll along the shores of Little Loch Broom or Gruinard Bay.

You can also dip in the loch or the sea if you are adventurous.
If you want to experience some local culture and cuisine, you can visit some of the nearby villages and towns, such as Aultbea, Poolewe, and Gairloch.

Here you will find shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes that offer local produce and specialities. You can also visit some of the local attractions, such as The Perfume Studio and Restaurant in Aultbea, where you can create your own fragrance or enjoy a delicious meal, or the Gairloch Wildlife Cruises, where you can spot dolphins, seals, whales, and seabirds.

Langridge Highland Home Garve is a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.

You will be surrounded by nature and tranquillity and feel refreshed and rejuvenated by the end of your stay.

If you are interested in booking this accommodation, visit their website at https://www.langridgehighlandhome.com/ or contact them at 07968801269.

So what are you waiting for?

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of the Scottish Highlands at the Langridge Highland Home!

06/11/2023

IN THE NEWS
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APPLECROSS INN TO CLOSE
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The award-winning Applecross Inn will close on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays every week until the end of January.

Judith Fish, who has run the business for 35 years, has decided to cut back three days after another bruising year for the hospitality trade.

It comes into effect today, November 6th.

Judith awarded an MBE for her services to Applecross and tourism in the Highlands in 2018, said: “It really hurts me; it’s the first time in 35 years we’re doing this.

“I know there will be people about looking for food on those days. And you’re letting them down because you’re the village inn.”

The Applecross Inn has earned countless awards and has become one of the best-known watering holes on the entire NC500.

Let us hope things will look better in the next 12 months for businesses across the board, and such actions will become a thing of the past.

APPLECROSS INN : https://applecrossinn.co.uk

01/11/2023

PLACES STOP IN 24
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KIRKTON FARM Nr THURSO
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This is one magical place for all the Family.

Stop by and get up close and personal with animals that live on a Highland Farm.

With reviews like:

"What a fantastic tour of your beautiful farm!
It was a dream to meet and be close to my favourite highland cows.
They were magnificent!
Thank you for such an informative and fun visit.
Really enjoyed learning about farming in the highlands.
Such a beautiful area, and the buggy ride was brilliant!
One of the highlights of our Scottish adventure! "

Farm Buggy Tours is a definite stop for all Families of all ages.
Travelling with kids, then give them a trip with fun adventures and memories that will last.

Too Easy to Highly Recommend this Place; it's brilliant.
Go on make a memory in 24

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CHECK THEM Out

http://www.kirktonfarmholidays.co.uk/

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31/10/2023

IT'S A MUST STOP
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THE TRAWLER GOLSPIE
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As we travel North, one of our favourites for years is the Trawler Fish and Chip Shop on the Main Street in Golspie.

This is more than an award-winning chipper; it has now been voted the Best Fish and Chip Shop in Scotland in the 2023 Scotland’s Business Awards.

The shop is conveniently located on the main street of Golspie, close to the beach, the golf course, and the Dunrobin Castle. You can easily combine your visit with some other attractions in the area or relax and enjoy the scenery.

We highly recommend stopping here and sampling this award-winning Chipper; you certainly won't regret it.

Check out our Quick Bite Map:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?mid=17aPxAiDzAxM5aaYiUrgWcGwj42EOBF7t&usp=sharing

27/10/2023

WHERE TO SNAP THAT SHOT IN 2024
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The entire route from North to South, East to West, is blessed with some amazing places you just have to take photos of.

Many people say that whilst travelling the route, they are knocked out; every corner presents yet another breathtaking view, and they are not far wrong.

We have heard that when planning a route, many don't take into consideration places worth a visit, 'Just' for 'that photo opportunity.

Here we list our choices, and if you feel we have missed some, please tell us your Top Spots, and if you can include Photographic evidence, then even better.

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HIGHLAND COOS
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Everyone that visits and sees our Highland Coos, can't help but fall in love with them.

They are all over the place, from the middle of the road to places like Robertsons Larder and Farm Shop, just north of Inverness.

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GLEN DOCHERTY
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Glen Docherty is a glen between Loch Maree and Kinlochewe to the west and Loch a'Chroisg and Achnasheen to the east.

Looking down Glen Docherty, you'll catch your first sight of the stunning Loch Maree, a magnificent freshwater loch dotted with more than 60 islands that contain some of the last fragments of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.

It is a 20-minute detour from Achnasheen and worth every inch of the drive.

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THE BEALACH NA BA
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One of the driving highlights of the route is the infamous winding mountain pass road known as the Bealach na Bà, which means Pass of the Cattle in Gaelic.

From Tornapress to Applecross has to be the best drive around the route.

Once you are at the Summit, there is a large Car Park and plenty of stunning views (weather permitting )

From the Bottom to the Top and down the Other side, it is a stunning view and another.

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BEACHES
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All around the route are stunning beaches.

Some have miles and miles of sand and Sand Dunes.

Others make you think you are actually in the Caribbean.
With beaches like Achmelvich Beach, and Dunnet Sands, Clachtoll Beach, Sandwood Bay Beach, Oldshoremore Beach, Sandside Bay Beach, Clashnessie Beach, Mellon Udrigle Beach, Gruinard Beach, the list is just endless, and the photos are stunning.

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KNOCKAN CRAG
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Heading a little south from Loch Assynt and the North Coast 500 passes by Knockan Crag, a National Nature Reserve which is notable for its outstanding geological features.

This whole area is just stunning.

Knockan Crag holds the key to an amazing story of colliding continents and scientific intrigue.

The low cliff of Knockan exposes rocks that set the scientific world ablaze in the 19th century, with the discovery that a slice of old rock sits on top of much younger ones.

At Knockan crag, you can bridge 500 million years of history with your bare hands.

And it is not just the rocks that will knock your socks off; it is simply stunning.

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ARDVRECK CASTLE
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My 2nd Favourite Castle on the Route and certainly one not to be missed.

Ardvreck Castle is a ruined castle dating from the 16th century which stands on a rocky promontory jutting out into Loch Assynt.

You can also visit Calda House, a short walk alongside the road.

It is worth bearing in mind that Ardvreck Castle is only a fragment of its former glory.

The walk to it is enjoyable, and the views from the nearby island on which it stands are utterly beautiful, taking in some of the best mountain landscapes in this area.

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CLASHNESSIE FALLS
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This is just one of the great Waterfalls that are on the route.

Some are truly spectacular, like Rogie Falls and the Falls of Shin.

Situated close to Clashnessie Bay, the superb beach to walk along makes this a definite place on anyone's list.

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SMOO CAVE
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What about possibly the one place everyone stops at?

Smoo Cave, situated in the Fab Durness, is a definite place and has great photo opportunities all around this area.

Smoo Cave boasts one of the largest entrances to any sea cave in Britain at 50 ft high and is floodlit inside.

It was formed by a burn that runs down into the rear chamber and erosion caused by the sea.

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DUNCANSBY STACKS
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Heading right up to the far northern tip of Scotland, near John O’Groats, you’ll find Duncansby Head.

This is the most north-easterly point of Scotland.

Here, you can view the incredible huge sea stacks just a ten-minute walk from the parking lot, but walk further around for even better shots.

It is also a popular wildlife viewing area for whales and seabirds, so ensure your camera is always close by.

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SINCLAIR & GIRNIGOE CASTLE
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By far my favourite Castle on the route.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is located about 3 miles from Wick on the east coast of Caithness.

It is considered to be one of the earliest seats of Clan Sinclair.

It comprises the ruins of two castles: the 15th-century Castle Girnigoe and the early 17th-century Castle Sinclair.

Within Walking distance, you also have the fabulous Noss Head Lighthouse, where you can get fantastic accommodation...

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WHALIGOE STEPS
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The Whaligoe Steps, all 330 of them, descend a cliff face to one of the least accessible harbours you could imagine, whilst inland is the Cairn O Get, a very well-preserved chambered cairn.

Whaligoe Steps are very steep with unprotected vertical drops into the sea; great care ...

There is no signpost at the roadside for Whaligoe Steps, but the entrance is basically opposite the Signpost for Cairn O Get on the A99

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DUNROBIN CASTLE
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Dunrobin Castle is a stately home in Sutherland, in the Highland area of Scotland, and the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland and the Clan Sutherland.

It is located 1 mile north of Golspie and approximately 5 miles south of Brora, overlooking the Dornoch Firth.

It has been the most visited attraction on the Route since the NC500's conception.

It is a great place for all the Family and has great opportunities for photographs.

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There are hundreds of places for taking great photos; these are just a few of the Best places to capture memories from the route.

We hope you capture your memories and that looking back will make you return to our land again...

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23/10/2023

5 STAR STOPS ON THE ROUTE
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STOREHOUSE EVANTON
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If you are travelling on the Route, you might be wondering why it's worth stopping at the Storehouse near Evanton, north of Inverness.

The Storehouse is a family-run farm shop and restaurant that offers a variety of local products, fresh food and stunning views of the Cromarty Firth.

Here are some reasons why you should visit the Storehouse on your next trip.

- You can enjoy a delicious meal made with fresh ingredients from the farm and other local suppliers. The menu changes daily, but you can always find something to suit your taste, whether you prefer a hearty breakfast, a light lunch or a traditional afternoon tea. You can also try some of the homemade cakes, scones and pies baked on-site daily.

- You can browse the shop and find quality products from the Highlands and beyond. You can buy meat, cheese, eggs, honey, jams, chutneys and more from the farm and other nearby producers. You can also find gifts, crafts, books, toys and clothing from local artisans and businesses. You can even order a hamper online and deliver it to your door or pick it up at the store.

- You can relax and enjoy the scenery of the Cromarty Firth and the surrounding hills. The Storehouse has a spacious outdoor seating area to soak up the sun and watch the wildlife. You might spot seals, dolphins, otters, birds and even whales in the water. You can also walk along the shore or explore the nearby woodland trails.

- You can learn more about the history and culture of the area. The Storehouse is located in a historic building that dates back to 1740. It was initially used as a granary and later as a store for goods shipped to and from the firth. You can see some of the original features of the building, such as the stone walls, wooden beams and iron hooks. You can also read about the stories of the people who lived and worked here over the centuries.

The Storehouse is more than just a place to eat and shop. It's a place to experience the best of what the Highlands have to offer.

Don't miss this opportunity to discover a hidden gem in the heart of Scotland.

After all, It's More than Just a Storehouse

CHECK THEM OUT: https://thestorehouse.scot

Scotland's Route 66

14/09/2024

11/11/2023

11/11/2023

06/11/2023

01/11/2023

31/10/2023

27/10/2023

23/10/2023

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Monday	6am - 8pm
Tuesday	6am - 8pm
Wednesday	6am - 8pm
Thursday	6am - 8pm
Friday	6am - 8pm
Saturday	6am - 6pm
Sunday	6am - 6pm