Located in one of the last truly wild landscapes in Europe, Burnside House and Knockan Crag Cottage are in the pretty hamlet of Elphin in Sutherland, surrounded by working crofts, stunning mountain scenery and wildlife. Leave your cares behind and discover the wild highland country that refreshes the soul. Set in beautiful surroundings with plenty of home comforts, this is the place for you!

Elphin walks

“Cul Mor path”
Turn right out of the drive, and just before the left turn to Knockan Crag there is a small path to the right. The path will take you to the top of Cul Mor Mountain (the path stops short about half way up so make sure you take a map) For a short walk this is a good path. Dog friendly but look out for deer.

“Knockan Crag”
Turn right out of the drive and the Crag is 1 mile on the left. An interesting trail with plenty of information as you go. Dog friendly

“Loop Path”

Turn left out of the drive then immediately right. The path is at the end as you go round the loop. NOT dog friendly as there are sheep everywhere but good for low level wilderness walking. (Can be very wet)

“Stac Poly”

This is a very impressive looking mountain with a jagged skyline, 10 mins drive from Elphin on the road to Achiltibuie, set amongst the Inverpolly reserve. A car park with info board is the starting place and it should only take you a couple of hours with a good path to the top. It’s well worth it for the stunning views.

“Bone Caves”

Turn left out of the drive; go as far as Ledmore Junction (the first T junction you get to). Turn left and about five minutes down the road there is a SMALL sign “bone caves”. There is a car park on the right and it’s only a couple of hours there and back. Wellies are always good in wet weather. Dog Friendly and worth taking a torch for the caves.

“Achmelvich beach”

Turn left out of the drive and then left at Ledmore Junction towards Lochinver. Just 1 mile before Lochinver – about 30 mins drive from Burnside –turn right towards Drumbeg and follow this road until you see a sign for Achmelvich beach on the left. It is a beautiful white sandy beach, which is also a good start for coastal walks. Great for rockpool rummaging! Sometimes there are sheep around so it’s best to keep the dog on the lead.

“Culag Woods”

Turn left out of the drive, left at Ledmore Junction to Lochinver. Drive through the village till you see a left turn by the Royal Bank of Scotland (incidentally, this is the last bank in the North West) up this road past the primary school where you will see a small parking area on the right. The woods are a must for children, take a picnic, there is lots to see – giant nests, willow houses, play areas and a great beach with a barbecue and benches if you want to bring charcoal and burgers!

Local Towns and villages

Ullapool

20 minutes south of Elphin.
For buying food  there is Tesco supermarket open 7 days a week – follow the Free car park signs. There is also Coastcutters.
There is a good leisure centre that has a climbing wall and a swimming pool.

For eating out - just 5 mins drive from Burnside is The Altnacealgach Inn, where a warm welcome awaits you, with good food and drink available. In Ullapool, there is a Chinese take away next to Tesco; an Indian – in season only; two fish and chips shops both are good. The Seaforth is good for pub food and has a nice restaurant upstairs. Ceildh Place is nice but expensive – best go for lunch. It has a good bookshop there too. Friate café is great for kids as it has a play area. The mountain man shop is full of out door gear and has a café upstairs which has good basic food.
There is a hardware shop that sells all sorts of stuff and a bookshop nextdoor

Lochinver

30 minutes north of Elphin.

For buying food there are couple of shops.

For eating out there is the Larder restaurant that is well known for its pies. There is also the Caberfaidh pub and Culag Hotel that are popular with locals and fishermen. There is the Inverlodge Hotel, which is nice for a special dinner or even just a coffee. It is a smart 4Star shooting/fishing hotel with great views over Lochinver Bay.
Take time to visit the tourist information centre with its excellent natural history displays and talk to the Rangers about any free guided walks – all abilities.
There is a very good shop that is well hidden on the harbour that sells superb very fresh fish and giant prawns. Drive through Lochinver and bear round to the right past a left turn and then take the next left. Mackay Bros is on the right. If the shop is shut you may find David will sell if he is preparing fish next door.

Drumbeg

Pretty spot, very windy road to get to with some awesome views. There is a nice tea shop there.

Durness

1 hour and 15 minutes north. Superb long white sandy beaches. Great for walking on the dunes and along the northern coastline. Lookout for puffins on the cliffs and dolphins and whales in the summer. It has a peculiar craft village that was built for the army and is now run by artists and hippies! The drive is also very interesting.

Lairg (east) Shin falls.
Great for watching the salmon leap and there is also a Harrods there! The estate is owned by Al Faed. Very good outdoor childrens’ play area and top class café/restaurant at surprisingly good value.

Enjoy your stay

Simon and Siew (pronounced “See You”)