Wild Land
Mackay Country
Today, Durness and surrounding communities in the far northwest are still Mackay through and through. Mackays still inhabit this land and the descendants of the many who left these shores return each year to stand where their ancestors once stood.
Walking and Climbing
Durness lies in the heart of Mackay Country, packed full of natural wonders. Surrounded by spectacular mountains, a rugged coastline and stunning unpolluted beaches makes for a perfect escape.
There are few places in the world which offer more dramatic scenery.
Explore a wide range of walking routes in and around Durness
Mountains
For the more adventurous, some of the most enjoyable hill walking in Britain can be found in the Sutherland area. Unlike some of the more popular hills these are remote, quiet hills where you are less likely to meet another living soul.
The ridge of hills and mountains stretching south begins ½ km from Durness and includes the magnificent Foinaven (2,980 ft/ 908 m) and Arkle (2,583 ft/ 787 m), while to the east lie the spectacular Ben Loyal (2,504 ft/ 763 m) and of course Ben Hope (3,040 ft/ 927 m), the most northerly Munro.
Heights of Local Mountains
- Ben Hope: 3,040 feet / 927 metres
- Ben Loyal: 2,504 feet / 763 metres
- Arkle: 2,583 feet / 787 metres
- Foinaven: 2,980 feet / 908 metres
- Ben Stack: 2,366 feet / 721 metres
Northern Lights
Seeing the northern lights from the comfort of Croft 103’s outdoor bath is an experience not to be missed.
The darker nights of wintertime lend themselves towards witnessing dancing skies.
Beaches
Balnakeil
The sand dunes are a most obvious feature of the coast, they represent a large range of habitats and form a machair, grassland of the calcareous type initially stabilised by Marram Grass. The sandy bay is crescent shaped and facing west where bathing is safe from pollution, unspoilt and quiet. The area offers unparalleled sunsets.
Sango Bay
In the heart of Durness village, Sango Bay is always a delight and heaps of fun is to be had exploring rock pools and admiring ancient rock formations.
Ceannabeinne
Translated form Gaelic, Ceannabeinne means end of the mountains, and lies four miles from the Cottage. Perfection!
Sandwood Bay
The most remote beach in Europe and possibly the most written about by now!
Oldshore Mor
This beach is worth the 20 minute drive down through Kinlochbervie. A different feel from any other beach.
Polin Beach
Oldshore Mor’s neighbour great for a skinny dip.
Nature
As well as healthy seabird population, the Durness & Sutherland area enjoys a healthy wildlife population for everyone to experience and enjoy, often for the first time.
Watch for the eagle overhead the deer on the hill and listen for the haunting of the Greenshank. A famous seabird population on Handa Island deserves a day trip, as it is one of the most important seabird breeding colonies in the UK.
Corncrakes are effectively breeding in the area, once common and recently almost extinct it can often be heard – identified by its repeated rasping calls.
Prepare for the memorable sight of leaping dolphins or graceful whales, which frequent local bays daily during the summer months. Share the sad weary gaze of resting seals as you explore the magnificent landscape.
Rare wild flowers are found in abundance and many locations are protected by SSSI status.