18 Mar Golspie, East Coast
Golspie is an attractive town off the main drag, and would be a congenial option for a day or two.
One mile north of town is mighty Dunrobin Castle, the largest house in the Highlands (187 rooms). Although it dates to around 1275, most of what you see today was built in French style between 1845 and 1850. One of the homes of the earls and dukes of Sutherland, it’s richly furnished and offers an intriguing insight into their opulent lifestyle. The house also displays innumerable gifts from farm tenants (probably grateful they weren’t victims of the Clearences).
Golspie is the starting point for some good walks. One trail leads north along the coast for 5 miles to Brora, passing the remains of the Iron Age broch (defensive tower) of Carn Liath about halfway along. The other trail climbs steeply above the village to the summit of Ben Bhraggie (394m), which is crowned by a massive monument to the duke of Sutherland that was erected in 1834 and is visible for miles around.
Golspie is a hidden gem with sights that are worth a visit on your Scotland tours.