Local Information

The nearest villages of Bonar Bridge and Argay are only a few miles away. There is an excellent butcher and other shops supplying basic provisions.

The nearest town, Tain is about twenty minutes away where there is a supermarket and a wide selection of high quality shops. Always worth a visit in Tain is the countryman's paradise Winky Macleod's where you can buy everything from a frying pan to Swarovski binoculars, rifles and everything for the fisherman. For those that like pottery there is both Tain Pottery and a short distance to the south west Anta Interior Designs.

To the North is Dornoch, Golspie and Brora, all of which provide fabulous shopping and a visit to the 'Jail' at Dornoch is always well worth it.

So you thought you could get away from 'Tesco' but for your information there is one at Dingwall (30 miles) and another at Inverness (40 miles)!

Whether a fisherman or not Braelangwell offers something for everyone. Walking in the Strath is outstanding and provides magnificent views and frequent sightings of golden eagle, deer, buzzards, peregrine to name but a few and perhaps even an elusive otter.

The east coast is only a short drive from the Lodge and a visit to Dornoch Beach is a must for old and young alike. A drive to the west coast is highly recommended for its awe inspiring beauty and now that the roads are much improved it is an easy day trip.

For those who enjoy bird watching a week at  Braelangwell offers endless opportunities to see many species, often at very close quarters. The mud flats of the Dornoch Firth provide an ideal environment for many varieties of duck and wading birds. A visit to Handa Island combines the beauty of the west coast with the fascination of its unique sea bird population. A visit to Dunrobin Castle will enable you to  experience Andy Hughes' exhilarating falconry display and even the possibility of flying these magnificent birds yourself.

Dolphins, porpoises and even whales can seen in both the Cromarty and Moray Firths. A day trip to Cromarty via the ferry can frequently reward visitors with sightings from both the ferry and the beach. Perhaps the most enjoyable way of having the possibility to see these beautiful animals is to book a fishing trip with John Mackenzie. The Scorpion, which sails out of Portmahomach takes up to 10 people, the fishing is diverse and plentiful, the scenery stunning and the outing highly recommended.

 

The area abounds in history and for those who enjoy their national heritage you will not be disappointed by any of our local historic towns, all of which are within easy reach.

To the north is Dornoch and Golspie and a visit to both of these historic towns can be combined with a walk on the beach, a bout of retail therapy, a round of golf or a visit to one of Scotland's most magnificent castles - Dunrobin.

To the south is Tain, Portmahomak and Cromarty, the latter two being steeped in unspoilt and beautifully preserved history. Portmahomak also boasts one of the finest restuarants in the north of Scotland, if out and about the Oyster Catcher will provide you with a meal to remember and at very reasonable prices - booking ahead is essential

To the south west and in an ideal place to stop if on a trip to the west coast is the wonderful 19th Century spa town of Strathpeffer which still retains its Victorian characteristics from its architecture to its street lighting.

 

There are many interesting and diverse historical sites to see, again within easy reach of Braelangwell. In Strath Carron itself is the lovely little church at Croick which figured prominently in the Clearances at Glencalvie.

Beautifully restored to its former glory Dunrobin Castle (25 miles) has been the ancestral home of the Dukes and Earls of Sutherland since the 13th century. Redesigned by Sir Charles Barry in the French style and later by Sir Robert Lorimer in the Scottish Renaissance style Dunrobin resembles a fairytale illustration and appeals to all ages. Just to the north lies the small seaside town of Brora and one of Scotland's most northerly whiskey distilleries Clynelish.

To the south and easily 'do-able' in one trip is the Glenfiddich Distillery which is just on the northerly side of Tain. A few miles to the south is Fearn Abbey, although largely rebuilt it still retains many of its ancient features and is a memorable place to visit. Going on a bit further towards Portmahomak is the Tarbat Discovery Centre. Recently opened to the public the centre houses the finds of Scotland's only Pictish monastic settlement beautifully displayed in the restored Tarbat Old Parish Church.

For those interested in military history is Culloden Moor (7 miles to the west of Inverness) the site of the final battle for the succession of the throne which had been raging since 1688 and 10 miles to the north of the battle field is Fort George, a massive grass topped artillery defence concieved just after Culloden and intended to put an end to future uprisings.

Although few and far between the gardens of highlands are quite exceptional and although two of the four mentioned are a good day's driving distance they are non the less well worth a visit.

Dunrobin (26 miles) has been totally restored to its former glory and looking down on the gardens is a memorable site, whilst looking up at the Castle is truly awe inspiring.

Cawdor has three gardens, the walled garden, the flower garden and the wild garden; it is 52 miles away but again is well worth the visit.

Inverewe Garden is on the west coast (94 miles) but can be combined with a days drive taking in the most beautiful scenery in Scotland and a memorable lunch at the Old Inn at Gairloch. The gardens benefit from the gulf stream and as a result now boast one of the finest collections of temperate plants from the Northern and Southern hemisphere.

The Castle of Mey (95 miles) was once the summer residence of the late Queen Mother who bought it in 1952 and subseqently restored both the castle and gardens. The Castle and gardens recieved Visit Scotlands highest award in 2007

Bonar Bridge: (7 miles) A heath and moorland course. Undulating, narrow, tree-lined fairways favour the accurate rather than the long hitter, and there are some small, difficult to read, greens. Rough is not fierce and the course is suitable for high handicap players and the visitor in search of family golf. Easy walking, great views and the chance to see and hear a huge variety of wildlife.

9 holes, 5,284 yards (for 18 holes), par 68 (SSS 66). Amateur record 66.

Skibo: (13 miles) Greg Norman said of this magnificent links `There is nothing better in life than a dream come true – and this is definitely that dream.` A testing, but fair, championship course with magnificent scenery of the estuarial waters of the Firth on three sides and the hills of Sutherland and Ross-shire all around. The course has a wide range of tees to suit all standards of play.

18 holes, 6,671 yards. Par 71 (SSS 72). Professional record:69. Amateur record: 70.

Dornoch: (18 miles) Ask any knowledgeable golfer to name his top 10 courses in the world and it`s almost certain that Royal Dornoch will feature high among them. This outstanding links is a championship course of the highest order and encapsulates everything a golfer seeks in the most satisfying of rounds – a beautiful setting, a tough but fair test of skill and fast, tricky greens. Bordered by the Dornoch Firth with views of the mountains of Sutherland and the gorse ablaze with yellow in early summer, the purity of the air and the surroundings ensure you feel good, no matter your score.

18 holes, 6,514 yards. Par 70 (SSS 73). Amateur record: C. Christie 66. Championship record: 62.

Golspie: (26 miles) Founded in 1889, Golspie is a mixture of links, heath and parkland, offering a challenge to all standards of golfer. When the wind blows, the course offers a true test of shot-making. Stunning views over the Dornoch Firth on one side and majestic Ben Bhraggie on the other, an easy-walking course and a friendly relaxed atmosphere in the clubhouse.

18 holes, 5,836 yards, par 68 (SSS 68).

Brora: (31 miles) The club was established in 1891 and this traditional links course was designed by James Braid in 1923. Australia`s Peter Thomson, five times Open Champion, says it is `the most natural links anywhere in the world.` And Today`s Golfer magagine voted it Best Value Course in Britain. Offers all the challenges of links with host of interesting and testing holes. Maintained in traditional fashion. Noted for fast, true greens.

18 holes, 6,110 yards, par 69 (SSS 69). Amateur record: J Miller 61.

Tain: Part inland, part links course with fast greens. River Tain winds through course at three holes. Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1890. Tain is also the home of the Glenmorangie malt whisky and the distillery is worth a visit.

18 holes, 6,404 yards, par 70 (SSS 71).

Alness: (21 miles) A beautifully-situated parkland course, overlooking the Cromarty Firth and surrounding hills of Easter Ross and the Black Isle. The course was extended from 9 to 18 holes in 1997 and offers a challenge to all levels of golfer. Not a long course, 4886 yards, but tight and the small greens can test and promote skilful approach shots. The new clubhouse was officially opened in 2000 and offers all facilities. The comfortable lounge has views over the town of Alness, known for its floral displays which regularly win Britain in Bloom and Scotland in Bloom trophies.

18 holes, 4,886 yards, par 67 (SSS 64).

Nairn: (52 miles) An outstanding championship course with fast greens on the shores of the Moray Firth. After Great Britain & Ireland defeated the United States to win the 37th Walker Cup here in 1999, the vanquished`s captain Danny Yates paid tribute to this traditional Scottish links, saying: `The golf course was spectacular. The conditioning, the set-up couldn`t have been better. This has been a special place and the people have been so wonderful.`

CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE: 18 holes , 6,705 yards (championship tees), par 72 (SSS 74). Medal 6,430 yards, par 71. Amateur record: Marc Warren 66. Pro record: David Small 65.