Thistle Holiday Lets Guide to Golspie
Local Villages
The village of Brora is a stunning seaside village with
beautiful beaches on either side of the mouth of Brora
river. Within Brora, you will find a range of different shops to look around and a variety of different locations with different food and drink options. Brora is also known for its history! You can find out why our nickname is “the electric city” at the Brora Heritage Centre.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brora
The village of Brora is a stunning seaside village with
beautiful beaches on either side of the mouth of Brora
river. Within Brora, you will find a range of different shops to look around and a variety of different locations with different food and drink options. Brora is also known for its history! You can find out why our nickname is “the electric city” at the Brora Heritage Centre.
Golspie is on the east coast of Sutherland on the NC 500 route and has an award winning beach, an 18 hole Golf course, railway station and is located on the A9 bus route.
Golspie is on the doorstep of many different outdoor activities including a top class mountain bike track that has different levels from beginners to advanced cyclists, the renowned Sutherland Kart track and walks along Littleferry, a Scottish Nature reserve.
Golspie is also home to Ben Bhraggie with a beautiful walk leading up to the monument of George Leveson-Gower. Stunning views can be seen across the hills of Sutherland and out to the North Sea.
Dunrobin Castle is one of the most exciting and beautiful castles in Scotland which was once home to the Duke of Sutherland.
Golspie is also a 15 minute drive to Royal Dornoch Golf Course and the historic Town of Dornoch and surrounded by many high ranking golf courses.
Golspie has all the local amenities that you would want from a
small community village including plenty of food and drink options.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Golspie
Golspie is on the east coast of Sutherland on the NC 500 route and has an award winning beach, an 18 hole Golf course, railway station and is located on the A9 bus route.
Golspie is on the doorstep of many different outdoor activities including a top class mountain bike track that has different levels from beginners to advanced cyclists, the renowned Sutherland Kart track and walks along Littleferry, a Scottish Nature reserve.
Golspie is also home to Ben Bhraggie with a beautiful walk leading up to the monument of George Leveson-Gower. Stunning views can be seen across the hills of Sutherland and out to the North Sea.
Dunrobin Castle is one of the most exciting and beautiful castles in Scotland which was once home to the Duke of Sutherland.
Golspie is also a 15 minute drive to Royal Dornoch Golf Course and the historic Town of Dornoch and surrounded by many high ranking golf courses.
Golspie has all the local amenities that you would want from a
small community village including plenty of food and drink options.
Helmsdale is a picture postcard village on the north east coast of Sutherland, located on the A9 and along the NC500 route.
The village has amenities such as a grocery store, library, 9-hole golf course, Timespan museum and local history archive, pubs, restaurants and medical centre all within walking distance.
Helmsdale is known for its friendly and active community and the area is renowned for its beautiful scenery, the quality of fishing and availability of fresh seafood and crabs from the local fishing boats, making Helmsdale a popular holiday destination.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Helmsdale
Helmsdale is a picture postcard village on the north east coast of Sutherland, located on the A9 and along the NC500 route.
The village has amenities such as a grocery store, library, 9-hole golf course, Timespan museum and local history archive, pubs, restaurants and medical centre all within walking distance.
Helmsdale is known for its friendly and active community and the area is renowned for its beautiful scenery, the quality of fishing and availability of fresh seafood and crabs from the local fishing boats, making Helmsdale a popular holiday destination.
Sightseeing
You can’t visit Sutherland and not visit Dunrobin Castle! Once home to the Duke of Sutherland, this gorgeous stately home is full of traditional furnishings fit for, well, a Duke!
The castle is surrounded by extremely well-manicured gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles in Paris.
Another must see of Dunrobin Castle is its incredible falconry displays, so make sure you stop by at 11:30am and 2:30pm between the 1st of May to the 31st of October to watch the display of their beautiful hawks, falcons, and owls.
Dunrobin Castle also features a gallery, tearoom and gift shop!
56 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dunrobin Castle station
You can’t visit Sutherland and not visit Dunrobin Castle! Once home to the Duke of Sutherland, this gorgeous stately home is full of traditional furnishings fit for, well, a Duke!
The castle is surrounded by extremely well-manicured gardens, inspired by the Palace of Versailles in Paris.
Another must see of Dunrobin Castle is its incredible falconry displays, so make sure you stop by at 11:30am and 2:30pm between the 1st of May to the 31st of October to watch the display of their beautiful hawks, falcons, and owls.
Dunrobin Castle also features a gallery, tearoom and gift shop!
For those holiday goers looking for a bit more of a challenge, why not make the climb up to the top of Golspie’s famous Ben Bhraggie.
Not only is it a stunning back drop for the village of Golspie and any photos you take whilst climbing, it also provides simply incredible views from the top giving a birds eye view of Golspie, and the Dornoch firth.
If the weather is nice, the view will allow you to see all the way out to Portmahomack and to the lighthouse flashing across the sea.
Make sure to remember a sweet snack for when you reach the
Duke of Sutherland at the top!
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ben Bhraggie
For those holiday goers looking for a bit more of a challenge, why not make the climb up to the top of Golspie’s famous Ben Bhraggie.
Not only is it a stunning back drop for the village of Golspie and any photos you take whilst climbing, it also provides simply incredible views from the top giving a birds eye view of Golspie, and the Dornoch firth.
If the weather is nice, the view will allow you to see all the way out to Portmahomack and to the lighthouse flashing across the sea.
Make sure to remember a sweet snack for when you reach the
Duke of Sutherland at the top!
This iron age broch lies roughly halfway between Golspie and Brora, just off the A9.
The walls have been very well-preserved and at a height of 12ft, you can clearly see the layout to this day. This ancient sight is well worth the visit, bring the kids along to play in amongst the broch and spend the afternoon living in the iron age.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Carn Liath
This iron age broch lies roughly halfway between Golspie and Brora, just off the A9.
The walls have been very well-preserved and at a height of 12ft, you can clearly see the layout to this day. This ancient sight is well worth the visit, bring the kids along to play in amongst the broch and spend the afternoon living in the iron age.
Outdoor Activities
Come to Golspie to play a beautiful James Braid links course. Try not to be too intimidated with the Duke of Sutherland statue watching you from atop of the Ben Bhraggie hill. No matter the
season you will enjoy the scenic views from every point of this course, from the sea to the hills, to the quaint village of Golspie itself.
Afterwards, go in and enjoy a well-deserved drink in the club house!
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Golspie Golf Club
Ferry RoadCome to Golspie to play a beautiful James Braid links course. Try not to be too intimidated with the Duke of Sutherland statue watching you from atop of the Ben Bhraggie hill. No matter the
season you will enjoy the scenic views from every point of this course, from the sea to the hills, to the quaint village of Golspie itself.
Afterwards, go in and enjoy a well-deserved drink in the club house!
North of Scotland Kart club has been running for over 25 years
and the Club has flourished from a small karting track to the exceptional facility it is today. This track is the only circuit in the whole of Scotland to feature such significant elevation changes through the course of a lap. Members of the club can take full advantage of the facility outside of organised events.
This track also features a variety of different facilities such as camping facilities, electric hook-up, showers, on-site catering, 2 magnetic strips and so much more!
A day out to the North of Scotland Kart Club is sure to create a fun, family day out, even for children!
North of Scotland Kart Club
North of Scotland Kart club has been running for over 25 years
and the Club has flourished from a small karting track to the exceptional facility it is today. This track is the only circuit in the whole of Scotland to feature such significant elevation changes through the course of a lap. Members of the club can take full advantage of the facility outside of organised events.
This track also features a variety of different facilities such as camping facilities, electric hook-up, showers, on-site catering, 2 magnetic strips and so much more!
A day out to the North of Scotland Kart Club is sure to create a fun, family day out, even for children!
Highland Wildcat Trails is one of the longest freeride descents in the UK and located high up on Ben Bhraggie, Golspie!
This trail is certainly one you will not forget with its amazing views of Golspie and its surrounding areas and the monument near the summit in memory of the 1st Duke of Sutherland - known as 'The Wee Mannie' - is visible for many miles around.
Not surprisingly, it begins a climb as soon as you leave the car park (located under the railway bridge beyond the public car park in the village centre). However, this isn't just a grinding, exhausting climb. It zig-zags up and around the trees, with lots of interesting features and diversions, and it's so well made and nice to ride that you might even forget, in places, that you're climbing at all.
This is likely to be a ride that appeals all year round, with local sandstone providing a great base for much of the trail and very high quality surfaces that make it resilient and good to ride on, with a nice natural feel.
So why not give yourself a challenge this holiday and take a trip up to Golspie's famous monument!
Highland Wildcat Trails
Highland Wildcat Trails is one of the longest freeride descents in the UK and located high up on Ben Bhraggie, Golspie!
This trail is certainly one you will not forget with its amazing views of Golspie and its surrounding areas and the monument near the summit in memory of the 1st Duke of Sutherland - known as 'The Wee Mannie' - is visible for many miles around.
Not surprisingly, it begins a climb as soon as you leave the car park (located under the railway bridge beyond the public car park in the village centre). However, this isn't just a grinding, exhausting climb. It zig-zags up and around the trees, with lots of interesting features and diversions, and it's so well made and nice to ride that you might even forget, in places, that you're climbing at all.
This is likely to be a ride that appeals all year round, with local sandstone providing a great base for much of the trail and very high quality surfaces that make it resilient and good to ride on, with a nice natural feel.
So why not give yourself a challenge this holiday and take a trip up to Golspie's famous monument!
Highlife Highland
Take the 3 mile walk along the coast to Littleferry and enjoy the gorgeous views of Golspie beach, the golf course, and enjoy a stop of at the bird watching hut.
Once at little ferry you can look across the Dornoch Firth, this is the perfect place to bring your kayaks, paddle inland to see the seals basking on the sandbanks.
Littleferry is also the perfect day for a family day out with long grass to run around in, plenty of shells on the sand for everyone to collect and a tree swing you will be sure not to miss!
Littleferry
Take the 3 mile walk along the coast to Littleferry and enjoy the gorgeous views of Golspie beach, the golf course, and enjoy a stop of at the bird watching hut.
Once at little ferry you can look across the Dornoch Firth, this is the perfect place to bring your kayaks, paddle inland to see the seals basking on the sandbanks.
Littleferry is also the perfect day for a family day out with long grass to run around in, plenty of shells on the sand for everyone to collect and a tree swing you will be sure not to miss!
Local Shops
The Golspie Stone Shop is not one to miss!
This shop is packed full of beautiful rocks, minerals, crystals, and fossils sourced from all over the world from a variety of reputable suppliers. These specimens, whenever possible, are individually handpicked by the owner, ensuring a high quality and good value product.
With a children’s section in store, this is a perfect wee place to bring the kids to help them explore the beauty of crystals, minerals, and fossils, whilst being an educational day out for everyone.
They have also got a variety of different books and guides to everything instore, so whether you’re a passionate crystal collector, or enjoy them for their beauty, you will be sure to find what you’re looking for.
If by chance, there's something they don't have in stock, they are more than happy to try and order some in for you.
Golspie Stone Shop
Main StreetThe Golspie Stone Shop is not one to miss!
This shop is packed full of beautiful rocks, minerals, crystals, and fossils sourced from all over the world from a variety of reputable suppliers. These specimens, whenever possible, are individually handpicked by the owner, ensuring a high quality and good value product.
With a children’s section in store, this is a perfect wee place to bring the kids to help them explore the beauty of crystals, minerals, and fossils, whilst being an educational day out for everyone.
They have also got a variety of different books and guides to everything instore, so whether you’re a passionate crystal collector, or enjoy them for their beauty, you will be sure to find what you’re looking for.
If by chance, there's something they don't have in stock, they are more than happy to try and order some in for you.
Lindsay & Co, Golspie is an amazing wee shop which has been running since the 1840's and has grown into a local favourite!
This home and hardware shop has everything that you could need from basic supplies for tourists staying in the area, to a wide range of hardware, home accessories, and so much more!
Be sure to check out this local favourite, located on Main Street, Golspie. You will be sure to find everything you are looking for!
Lindsay & Co Golspie
Main StreetLindsay & Co, Golspie is an amazing wee shop which has been running since the 1840's and has grown into a local favourite!
This home and hardware shop has everything that you could need from basic supplies for tourists staying in the area, to a wide range of hardware, home accessories, and so much more!
Be sure to check out this local favourite, located on Main Street, Golspie. You will be sure to find everything you are looking for!
Food scene
Are you looking for that perfect sweet treat to top off your next walk around Golspie?
If so, we know the perfect place for you! Capaldi's of Brora has opened up a beautiful wee pink shop on Main Street, Golspie! Capaldi's has a wide variety of award winning ice-cream, in almost every possible flavour you could imagine!
Make sure to follow them on Facebook for all of their sweet updates, and mouth-watering photos!
Capaldis Brora Ice Cream
34 Main StreetAre you looking for that perfect sweet treat to top off your next walk around Golspie?
If so, we know the perfect place for you! Capaldi's of Brora has opened up a beautiful wee pink shop on Main Street, Golspie! Capaldi's has a wide variety of award winning ice-cream, in almost every possible flavour you could imagine!
Make sure to follow them on Facebook for all of their sweet updates, and mouth-watering photos!
Poppy's is a local, family run business, which excels in providing a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Poppy's serves a full range of delicious homemade dishes, available for sit in or takeaway.
Whether you are looking for a quick coffee and cake, or a delicious homemade meal, Poppy's is the place for you!
Make sure to check their Facebook page for all of their delicious specials!
Poppy's Coffee Shop
Main StreetPoppy's is a local, family run business, which excels in providing a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Poppy's serves a full range of delicious homemade dishes, available for sit in or takeaway.
Whether you are looking for a quick coffee and cake, or a delicious homemade meal, Poppy's is the place for you!
Make sure to check their Facebook page for all of their delicious specials!
The Coffee Bothy is a child friendly cafe in Golspie located behind the local Co-op. They serve a variety of different breakfasts, lunches, and delicious home baking, so you will be sure to find something you like. All teas and coffees are Fairtrade and good quality. The Coffee Bothy is known for sourcing as many local ingredients as they can, their eggs are all free range, some from Kirkton but the majority from Caithness Free Range Eggs. All their meat is from local butchers and salads, when in season are from local suppliers.
Be sure to stop by and fill your sweet-tooth in the Coffee Bothy when visiting Golspie!
Coffee Bothy
2 Fountain RdThe Coffee Bothy is a child friendly cafe in Golspie located behind the local Co-op. They serve a variety of different breakfasts, lunches, and delicious home baking, so you will be sure to find something you like. All teas and coffees are Fairtrade and good quality. The Coffee Bothy is known for sourcing as many local ingredients as they can, their eggs are all free range, some from Kirkton but the majority from Caithness Free Range Eggs. All their meat is from local butchers and salads, when in season are from local suppliers.
Be sure to stop by and fill your sweet-tooth in the Coffee Bothy when visiting Golspie!
The Trawler Restaurant and Fish and Chips shop, on the North East coast in the Highlands, is situated in the beautiful coastal village of Golspie in Sutherland.
Founded in 1964, The Trawler is a popular restaurant and takeaway, which has built an excellent reputation locally for the quality of its food. We are the 100th Fish and Chip Shop in the UK to have received the Fish and Chip Quality Award from the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) for our tasty food. We also prepare many European cuisine and seafood dishes to our own high standards.
All our food is fresh and cooked to order so it is well worth the wait.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trawler Restaurant
Main StreetThe Trawler Restaurant and Fish and Chips shop, on the North East coast in the Highlands, is situated in the beautiful coastal village of Golspie in Sutherland.
Founded in 1964, The Trawler is a popular restaurant and takeaway, which has built an excellent reputation locally for the quality of its food. We are the 100th Fish and Chip Shop in the UK to have received the Fish and Chip Quality Award from the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) for our tasty food. We also prepare many European cuisine and seafood dishes to our own high standards.
All our food is fresh and cooked to order so it is well worth the wait.
Golspie Larder has become a very popular shop in the village, known for stocking health foods, allergy foods, no waste products, and it has its own refill station for all your household essentials.
Golspie Larders refill station is great for anyone who is concerned about buying and throwing away household product bottles. With their own reusable bottles and refillable products, you will not need to worry anymore!
They also serve hot and cold drinks, as well as, a variety of different hot food, cold foods, and sweet treats to take away.
Golspie Larder
Golspie Larder has become a very popular shop in the village, known for stocking health foods, allergy foods, no waste products, and it has its own refill station for all your household essentials.
Golspie Larders refill station is great for anyone who is concerned about buying and throwing away household product bottles. With their own reusable bottles and refillable products, you will not need to worry anymore!
They also serve hot and cold drinks, as well as, a variety of different hot food, cold foods, and sweet treats to take away.
Consejos para la ciudad
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Bus Services
Golspie is in the centre of the A9’s Stagecoach bus route, with busses running north and south bound throughout the day.
South bound busses will take you as far as the city of Inverness, with stops including Dornoch and Tain. Busses going South will stop opposite the Bank of Scotland in Golspie, as well as next to the local Nisa shop.
North bound busses will take you up to Wick and Thurso, with stops between a variety of different towns and villages. North bound collection points include The Stags Head Hotel and outside the Bank of Scotland.
Timetables can be found on the Stagecoach website.
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Train Services
Golspie train station is an unstaffed station located on station road, Golspie that has a waiting room located inside the Station building.
Golspie has a variety of different train times for both north and south bound journeys, that will all provide excellent views from your carriage whilst on your journey.
Train timetables can be found on the Scotrail website or at the station.