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The best time to see the Northern Lights

One of the advantages of the cottages Far North location and the absence of street lamps presents regular sightings of the Northern lights “Aurora Borealis”. With good timing you have a good chance of experiencing one of the world’s most magnificent natural phenomena: the Northern Lights. The Northern night sky dancing with red, yellow, green, blue and violet streamers, arcs and rays. The best time to see the Northern lights is in the months of October, November, December and January between 10 pm and 3 am. If you don’t see the Northern Lights, then at least you’ll see the stars – many, many more than you’ll see from anywhere less remote. The longer you look up, the more stars will appear!

The Northern Lights from Sea View Cottage (left) and in Caithness (Right)

Exploring Caithness and Sutherland Video

Fantastic Day Trips

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The RSPB Bird Sanctuary Reserve – Forsinard

Forsinard lies in the heart of the internationally important Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Comprising over 10,000 ha of ‘blanket bog’, the peatlands are best during spring and summer, with birds including golden plovers, hen harriers and greenshanks breeding on the reserve. The reserve is open at all times; visitor centre is open Easter to end of October, daily 9 am to 5.30. It is a must for all nature lovers and is easily reached from Helmsdale up the delightful strath of Kildonan either in by car, bike or train from Helmsdale station to Forsinard station.

The clock tower Brora, the grave yard Navidale bay and commando monument Berridale

The Kyle of Tongue “Clan Mackay Country”

A scenic run in your car takes you to the small North coast village of Tongue centre of the “Mackay clan territory” looking west over the Kyle of Tongue. Dominated by Castle Varrich and Ben Hope Scotland’s most “Northerly Munro” and Ben Loyal “Queen of Scottish Mountains” which provide dramatic backdrops.

The Golden sands of the Kyle of Tongue and North Coast

The Kyle of Tongue is a wildlife paradise – look out for seabirds, eagles, ptarmigans, otters, seals, red deer and enjoy whale and porpoise spotting. This area is still one of Scotland’s truly best kept secrets and there are few restrictions to your enjoyment. The area offers wonderful unspoilt game fishing with great yields in a long list of local lochs and rivers, particularly the Naver, Borgie Strathy, Forss and Halladale. Fabulous walking, hillwalking and mountain climbing (you can see the Orkneys from the summit of Ben Hope on a clear day!) This quiet location attracts lovers of the outdoors throughout the year from Hill-walkers and beachcombers to naturalists, fishers, Historians, geologists, photographers and artists. There are sensational beach, inland and forest walks, also cycle runs along a huge network of single track roads and unspoilt routes – tranquillity and timelessness itself and cycle routes, slipways to suit small boats and sailboards / windsurfing.

Dunnet heads famous lighthouse (left) one of the locals, a Puffin (centre) and John o’ Groats (right)

Caithness and Dunnet Head

While staying at Seaview Cottage, why sample the delights of Caithness and it’s pretty coastal Towns, Villages, Harbours and sandy beaches such as Wick, Dunbeath, Lybster (below right) and the beautiful sands of Keiss (right)

The Orkney Islands

You can also visit the beautiful Orkney islands. There are more than 70 islands in the Orcadian Archipelago of which 17 are inhabited and you can easily reach John o’ Groats by car in less than 60 minutes and take the fantastic maxi day tour of the Orkney’s via the JOG ferry (see below)

Access Orkney daily in the summer from John o’ Groats, or Scrabster (Thurso) throughout the year, choose from island-hopping, pottering around ancient sites and dreamlike beaches, spending time browsing in craft shops and galleries, sample wholesome cuisine and drink the world famous ale and whisky…Orkney has much to charm the visitor – historic attractions of global significance, diverse wildlife in a pure and serene environment, a rich cultural heritage, and the same traditionally warm and welcoming people you will find in Sutherland.

Orkney Ferries / Orkney Car Hire

For the day tripper on foot the fantastic JOG Ferry Tel 01955 611353. Operating from John O’ Groats to (Burwick) Orkney just 40 minutes crossing time this ferry runs every day through the summer from May to the end of September, you can choose from a variety of tours and the maxi day tour is fantastic value. You can also access Orkney (12 months/ all year round) from Scrabster (Thurso) via North link ferries, and you can easily pick up a hire car at Stromness (Orkney) from either Orkney Car Hire or Orkney Car rental.

The Falls of Shin & Salmon leaping

Within an easy day out are the Falls of Shin a truly wonderful experience for all the family. Open all year round and less than an hour’s drive south from Sea View Cottage, amongst spectacular Highland Scenery, it’s well worth the journey down the Coast. After heading west along the A949 and the banks of Beautiful Dornoch Firth, Bonar Bridge you arrive at the dramatic waterfalls, where it’s famous, natural Atlantic Salmon Leap can take your breath away.

The River Shin is one of the great Salmon rivers in Scotland, with the fresh, clear water – coloured slightly brown due to the natural peaty soil of the landscape – creating perfect conditions for the Atlantic Salmon, and other fish that thrive in a constant flow of fresh water. This most natural feature enthralls visitors lucky enough to witness the many Atlantic Salmon as they battle upstream at the Falls to return to their place of birth in Loch Shin and spawn the next generation. There are also countless river and forest walks, BBQ, gift shop, restaurant and a mini golf course.

 The dramatic falls of Shin, The beautiful Dornoch Firth and Bonar Bridge

Smoo Cave, Durness

No stay in the Far North of Scotland is complete without a visit to Smoo Cave near Durness, on the North Coast. This huge cave set into limestone cliffs is more than 200 feet long and 130 feet wide and 50 feet high at the entrance! The cave has been carved by successive episodes of high sea level over the past several hundred years. The huge entrance, the largest cave entrance in the British Isles is more than 15 meters high and leads into a chamber more than 60 meters long and 40 meters wide. The second chamber, containing the waterfall, is about 21 meters by 9 meters and can be viewed from a specially constructed platform, the third chamber is accessible only by a small boat.

The Smoo burn Allt Smoo drops nearly 25 meters into the second chamber down a vertical shaft, the Falis Smoo or chimney Smoo as the as the sink hole in the roof is called. The burn cascades into a deep pool with a depth of around eight meters. After heavy rain, the Allt Smoo is changed into a raging torrent that crashes into the underground lochan with a gigantic roar. The “blow hole” and waterfall can be observed from an observation point above the cave.

Wester Ross and Ross-shire

Just a couple of hours drive away – here to you can find riches beyond your wildest dreams here and Pictures that tell a thousands of words. Again within a day you easily can tour Wester Ross and the beautiful landscape of the north-west Highlands

So where do we start – should we tell you about the more famous attractions of Wester Ross such as Inverewe gardens, and the Victorian Spa town of Strathpeffer, or about the scenery, the mountains, or maybe the golf-course or the gardens. What about the traditional music, or the fishing, and the walking? Have you ever seen the sunsets, the wildlife, the birds, the history, genealogy. Or perhaps you prefer the sea, the sailing, a kayak trip, the beaches? Maybe you fancy the swimming pool, the sports centre, the cycling? Have you tasted the prawns, the mussels, the lobsters? Are you for a wee dram ?

The dramatic landscapes of Sutherland and Wester Ross

The Black Isle, The Dolphins & the Loch Ness Monster

Less than an hour South from Sea View you can reach and explore the magical Black Isle by the Moray Firth. It’s picture postcard seaside towns of Fortrose, Rosemarkie, Munlochy and Avoch are a delight to visit particularly Avochs ruined Cathedral.

Chanonry Point is certainly worth a visit as it is reputed to be one of the best spots in the UK to view Bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus from the land. The dolphins are often visible off Chanonry point, particularly on an incoming tide when they play and fish in the strong currents. Other wildlife, including porpoises and grey seals, can also regularly be spotted. European otters Lutra lutra are occasional visitors.

Try Nessie First – and if she’s not at home, check out  The Dolphinsat Chanonry Point near Fortrose on the Black Isle

If seeing the Dolphins at Chanonry point has wetted your appetite for unusual creatures why not venture another 20 miles inland to the West to Loch Ness in the highlands of Scotland.

The largest body of Freshwater in Britain, over 25 miles long, over a 1 mile wide and more than 300 metres deep. Home of Scotland’s best kept secret the “Loch Ness Monster” One of the most hotly discussed and controversial subjects to this day. In 525 AD the first recorded entry of a sighting was made by St. Columba. Modern day sightings ranging from the sensational 1934 R K Wilson “Surgeons” picture…recently suggested to be a hoax, but even more recently indicated to be a hoax theory within a hoax. To the genuine cine film sequence taken by Tim Dinsdale in 1960. There were also others like Roy Mackal and Robert Rines, plus a regular supply of Sonar and Radar readings picking up strong mid-water contacts in the Loch. here are also of course everyday people with nothing obvious to gain exept for the “loss of respect” from policemen, Monks, Bank Managers, Fishermen, Aero engineers and tourist’s with eye witness accounts and further photo evidence.

There have also been many hoaxers and show men to add to the confusion. Scientists alike, do not dispute that large creatures are living in the Loch, but cannot say exactly what they are, the Loch s fairly un-productive because of it’s deep dark peaty waters, visibility is virtually zero 3/4 metres down, a number of species of fish, such as Artic Char “once thought extinct” have adapted to hunting and feeding with out the use of eye sight and amazingly can be found living off plankton and smaller fish up to 100 metres deep in the Loch. Original calculations put the the tonnage of fish living in the Loch at around 3 tons, hardly enough to support a large creature! more recent surveys indicate an actual tonnage of over 25 tons. “Nessie” The Loch Ness Monster, draw your own conclusions.

The Black Isle (Smaller images) of Fortrose, Avoch and the Cathedral ruins

Golfing Holidays in Sutherland and Caithness

Quality links courses such as Brora a beautiful 18 hole Links course designed by James Brai and locally. Helmsdale has its own testing 9 hole course. Within 30 mins are another 4 courses in particular Royal Dornoch – another Links course made famous by Tom Watson and further a field further Championship courses such as Raey.

“Castle Ardvrech, Loch Assynt” “Local history” and Castle Varrich, Kyle of Tongue”

Fishing Holidays the River Helmsdale and River Brora

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Fishing is available and can be arranged on the River Helmsdale through the local Fishing Tackle Shop. The River Helmsdale has long been regarded as one of the most prolific and consistent rivers in the world for producing Atlantic salmon. If you are lucky enough to fish on this prime water you will have a chance of hooking a fish from the opening day of the season on 11th January. Fishing can be arranged on the River Helmsdale through the local Fishing Tackle Shop.

The lower River Helmsdale traditionally offers the best sport in springtime as temperatures are generally low. Productive pools over the years include the Flat pool, Lower Caen & Salscraggie, Kilphedir and Torrish. By the end of March and into April the Kildonan falls become productive. By early May the Spring run is in full flow and the upper beats score well. Sea trout & grilse are the next to arrive and early specimens can be caught in May but it is not until mid June before the run really to gathers pace. By late July the main run of grilse has have arrived and sport will be fast and furious throughout the river. The best sea trout fishing will generally be had on the Association water or the upper beats, The Woody, Suisgill & Dalharn will all give you excellent sport from dusk till dawn. By mid August most Helmsdale fish are in the system but good sport can be had right up to the last day of the season on September 30th. Although the river thrives from the luxury of having compensation water when required, spate water usually provides the best fishing towards the back end. If you do get the chance to fish this famous river be sure to take in all the advice of your ghillie and if you are fishing the popular association water, keep an eye on the locals! Unlike the big rivers of the world where casting long distances is important for success, the secret of the Helmsdale is in reading the water and knowing the lies which are often just under your rod tip!

Fishing permits for the River Helmsdale

Salmon Fishing permits are available for the River Helmsdale from early January to the end of September, the River Brora from early February to mid October and the River Berriedale from mid February to the end of October from just £8 per day / £28 per 7 days. The Brown Trout Season is from the middle of March until early October. Coarse fishing, Sea fishing and Rainbow Trout fishing are permitted all year round and no national rod licence is required in Scotland. Fishing permits of all kinds are available from Ronald Sutherland’s fishing shop on Dunrobin street, Helmsdale Tel 01431 821372 Mob – 07780 861466

Megan Boyd, Ronald Sutherland’s salmon flies

Have accounted for thousands of salmon all over the world now and have become highly sought after, come along and see them being tied on site and maybe even buy a few! Ronald’s 30 years fishing experience will also provide you with all the help & equipment required to catch fish locally and overseas by offering you advice & Tackle from quality brand names to suit every pocket. The shop is located on Dunrobin Street, Helmsdale Tel – Shop 01431 821372 Mob – 07780 861466 website www.helmsdalecompany.com

The Salmon and Trout rich River Helmsdale (fished by Prince Charles) and also within 20 minutes the rivers Brora and Berridale

Activities in Helmsdale and Sutherland

For the highly active there are a wide range of pursuits from Horse riding and Pony trekking, surfing, sail boarding, land yachting, kites & kite buggying, sub-aqua diving and sailing, places to climb and walk. For the less active and just in need of a rest the beaches are amazing and often you will find one all to yourself. The area has much to offer for those interested in History and archaeology. With a local guide leaflet you can follow trails or head for one of the many ancient monuments.

Train journeys and day trips from Helmsdale

The local railway station at Helmsdale offers a limited but efficient service of direct trains Northbound to Kinbrace, Forsinard (for the bird sanctuary) Thurso (for Orkney) and Wick (for castles & John o Groats) and in the Southbound to Brora (for sandy beaches) Dunrobin halt (for Dunrobin castle) Golspie (for Sandy Beaches) Dingwall and Inverness (for Loch Ness) taking in a wealth of lovely scenery ranging from Mountains and Lochs to sandy beaches and castles. More information at www.firstscotrail.co.uk

Views of the the famous river Helmsdale and its pretty harbour

The Locality of Helmsdale

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The village of itself offers a great choice of local restaurants and Inns particularly The Wayfarer Restaurant Tel: 01431 821457 La Mirage Restaurant a fine Fifty seater establishment. Lists sample menus and dining facilities. There is also the Bunillidh Restaurant – Seafood restaurant with a fantastic vegetarian menu. There is also Gilberts traditional tea-rooms open daily.

Tel (01431) 821090.

Helmsdale also boasts the fantastic Timespan Heritage Centre. The museum here gives an insight into the colorful history of Helmsdale and the surrounding area. There is also a gallery showcasing the work of international, national and local artists; an excellent cafe overlooking the riverside community garden; and a shop. The Timespan Heritage Centre also contains information about the gold rush of 1869, which focused on two tributaries of the Helmsdale River in Strath Kildonan. It is still possible to pan for gold. There is also a gallery showcasing the work of international, national and local artists. There are various art and craft shops offering a range of animal stoneware sculptures, specialising in wildlife and birds, designed and made by hand. Wild Tiles Mosaics, plus craft courses in mosaic, batik, and textile embroidery.

The Navidale House Hotel 1/4 mile from Sea View

The nearest Inn / Hotel is the Navidale House Hotel (currently closed) a former hunting lodge built by the Duke of Sutherland. The recently Refurbished Hotel enjoys some of the most spectacular views of any hotel in Sutherland and there is also easy access to the beach. The hotel is open 7 days a week to non residents offering FREE WIFI and quality range of food and drink and is just 1/4 mile from Sea View cottage

For the football fan there is Helmsdale United Football Club. By far the best source of other additional local information is the Helmsdale community web site.

The majestic Dunrobin castle and it’s gardens just 20 minutes in the car from Sea View Cottage

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin is the most northerly of Scotland’s Great Houses and is certainly one of the most majestic. It is the largest house in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms, and is one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating in part from the early 1300s.

The history of the castle is quite fascinating and has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry and latterly Sir Robert Lorimer. The castle has been used as a naval hospital during the First World War and from 1965 to 1972 as a boys’ school.

Instead of driving you can take a return train journey from Helmsdale station to Dunrobin halt or Golspie a most scenic 15 minute journey.

Exploring the North Coast 500 Video

Guest Book Sample

General Enquiries

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This is the Owners Direct Website – Sea View Navidale Sutherland

Hire charges only include all Heating, Electricity, Towels and Bedding (the outdoor Hot Tub is supplementary (£120 weekly) and must be booked in advance)

Pet Friendly – Yes this cottage is pet friendly by prior arrangement only, up to 3 clean well-behaved dogs are welcome. A supplement of £15 per pet per stay is required, please ask for further details.

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‘Property Reference ’25’

North Coast Sea View Cottage with Hot Tub