Image / PxHere
Start from Tongue village and set out on quiet, scenic routes. This guide maps Tongue hiking and cycling options, from the cliff-top paths at St John's Point to the peat and heather of the Thurso Moors. Choose a short family-friendly coastal walk, or challenge yourself on Ben Hope or Ben Loyal for compact, rewarding climbs. Use a local hotel as your base and return each evening to warm rooms and simple, good food. Practical notes cover trail surfaces, length and suitability, plus helpful ideas for wildlife spotting and picnic stops. Whether you want cycling routes in the Scottish Highlands or gentle walks near Tongue, this guide helps you plan sensible, memorable days outdoors.
Image / Venture North
Cycle the straths, where quiet roads meet coastal light and wide Highland skies.
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What to expect
You will follow quiet minor roads and mixed tracks that thread through deep glens and coastal fringes. The emphasis is on seeing the landscape rather than fast, technical riding. Wildlife and sweeping views come into focus between short climbs and easy descents. Weather changes quickly, so plans often adapt as you go.
Plan your visit
Pack layers and waterproofs, and carry a basic repair kit and spare inner tube. Load an offline map or GPX route before you set off, and bring food and water for longer stretches between services. If you prefer not to ride out-and-back, arrange return transport in advance. Check locally for bike hire or guided rides if you want support or lighter logistics.
Image / Tripadvisor
Walk out to wind-swept cliffs, a tiny peninsula and wide sea views.
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What to expect
You will follow grassy tracks and rocky paths above steep cliffs, with seabirds and occasional seals on the water below. The point itself is compact: a small bay, a lone rock stack and the low, weathered stones of an ancient tower. There are no visitor facilities, so experience here is raw and landscape-led rather than organised or commercial.
Plan your visit
Follow the signed path off the eastern corner of the minor road rather than relying on satnav, which can direct you onto private land. Parking is limited, so plan for a short walk from the road. Wear sturdy shoes and windproof layers, bring water and a torch if you might be back after dark. Keep to the paths, take care on narrow cliff edges and leave no trace. Dogs should be kept under control around nesting birds and livestock.
Image / My Voyage Scotland
Wide moorland, sea light and a clear sense of space.
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What to expect
Expansive, low-lying moor with heather and peat hags under often-changeable skies. You will find rough footpaths and soft ground in places, bands of gorse and pockets of grassland where meadow flowers appear in summer. Skylarks, raptors and coastal seabirds are common; the wind and weather shape much of the experience.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes and layers, expect sudden wind and a quick change in temperature. Carry a map or GPS, because mobile signal can be patchy. Keep dogs under control around grazing livestock and follow leave-no-trace principles. Combine your visit with a short coastal detour if you want sea views, and allow time to pause and watch the sky.
Image / AllTrails
Step out onto the clifftop path and watch Orkney sit on the horizon.
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What to expect
A safe, even path that follows the cliff edge above Thurso Beach. Expect regular viewpoints, a few benches in the first section, and beach access where people surf or bodyboard. Cafés and a pub lie close to each end, so you can plan a warm drink before or after. The wind from the Pentland Firth often adds atmosphere, so layers are useful.
Plan your visit
Wear a windproof jacket and sturdy shoes, carry binoculars if you want to scan the islands, and pack a small drink and snack. Start in Thurso to make use of nearby cafés, then walk toward Scrabster if you want a longer stretch. If you’re following the NC500, slot this as a short coastal detour. Check local transport if you don’t plan to return on foot.
Image / Britain Express
Stand at the north-eastern edge of the mainland, where sheer cliffs meet the North Sea
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What to expect
Expect dramatic, wind-scoured cliffs and sweeping views over the North Sea. The lighthouse is fenced and chiefly a viewpoint rather than an attraction you can enter. Paths run from the small car park over coastal grassland to vantage points for the stacks and a rocky arch. Seabirds nest on the cliffs, seals and occasional dolphins or orcas have been sighted offshore, and the terrain can be wet, uneven and exposed to strong winds.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy footwear and layered clothing, the weather changes fast and the ground can be boggy. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens for wildlife and a windproof jacket for the exposed headland. Parking is limited at peak times, so allow extra time and be prepared to walk from a nearby layby. Keep to marked paths and behind fences to protect nesting birds and stay safe on unstable cliff edges. If you’re following the NC500, slot this stop into a day that includes John o' Groats and nearby coastal walks.
Image / North Highland Initiative
At the very tip of mainland Britain, where the coast opens out and the sea takes over.
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What to expect
You will find a mix of easy coastal paths and rougher cliff-top sections. The terrain is mostly clear underfoot, with some stony tracks and grass stretches. Wildlife sightings are common, from seabirds to occasional dolphins and seals. There are places to stop for coffee, toilets and small gift shops in the village, plus parking close to the shore. Strong winds and changeable weather shape the experience here, so scenery can feel dramatic and elemental.
Plan your visit
Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes, the weather can change fast and wind is a constant. Plan a visit that includes a short walk along the headland and time for a coffee in the village afterwards. If you are tackling longer sections bring water and a map, and allow extra time for photo stops and wildlife watching. Combine this stop with other NC500 highlights or a ferry link to nearby islands if that fits your route.
Image / The Walking Northerners
Where a burn meets the sea.
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What to expect
You will hear surf and running water at once, with spray on the wind and pebbles underfoot. The site is small and intimate: you can view the falls from beach level and from the raised path above. Footing can be uneven and the stream’s flow varies with recent rain.
Plan your visit
Plan a short stop rather than a full-day outing. Check the weather and recent rainfall if you want a stronger fall. Wear sturdy shoes and a waterproof layer, especially if you plan to walk along wet rocks or climb to the top. Bring a towel if you’ll get close to the spray, and keep dogs and children under close supervision on uneven ground.
Image / Ruth's Coastal Walk (UK)
A brisk riverside stroll with seal sightings and sea air
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What to expect
Paved paths and riverside benches make for an uncomplicated walk suitable for families and solo travellers. Expect fresh, breezy air and regular sightings of seals on the river islands, plus stretches that look out over the harbour and town. The route is low-key rather than manicured, with a local, everyday feel.
Plan your visit
Wear a windproof layer and sensible footwear, and bring binoculars if you want close views of seals and birds. If you have a dog, bring a lead and waste bags. Combine the walk with a stop in Thurso for a coffee or light bite, or include it as a pause on an NC500 day to stretch your legs and take in the river views.
Image / Scotland Off the Beaten Track
A solitary Highland peak that rewards effort with wide, wind-scoured views.
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What to expect
Expect rough, changeable ground: peat bogs across the lower slopes, narrow paths on the ascent and exposed rock near the top. Wildlife is part of the experience, with deer and upland birds often seen from the path. The sense of space is immediate, so you will feel far from towns even on a day trip.
Plan your visit
Approach as a planned hill walk, not a stroll. Take waterproof boots, walking poles, a hat and gloves, and pack layers for sudden wind and rain. The lower ground can be boggy, so expect to detour around wet patches. If you come across a river on your route, look left for a small wooden crossing near a cluster of trees. Carry a map and compass, and allow extra time for slower sections and to enjoy the views.
Image / Mark Horrell
Stand on Scotland’s most northerly Munro and look out across sea and sky.
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What to expect
Expect a steep, straightforward ascent that shifts between grassy slopes and rocky ground. The lower section follows a path by a waterfall, then becomes rockier with loose scree in places. The ridge is exposed but short, and the summit gives wide views north and west, often including Orkney on a clear day. Weather can change fast, and midges can be a nuisance in summer near the start.
Plan your visit
Prepare as you would for any remote Highland hill. Pack a map and compass and know how to use them. Wear sturdy boots and bring waterproofs, warm layers and hillwalking poles if you prefer extra stability. Carry insect repellent and a head net for midges in summer. Park considerately on the roadside, take all litter home and respect local land and livestock. If you are unsure about navigation or weather, plan a shorter walk or go with someone experienced.
Image / AllTrails
A short climb to big Highland views.
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What to expect
A clearly marked track that is mostly gentle, with a few steeper sections at either end. Benches and information panels appear along the way. The final approach to the castle requires a short rocky scramble and careful footing. Expect open moorland, a small stream crossing and wide coastal vistas from the top.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a warm, waterproof layer. Walking poles help on the final rocky section. Allow extra time for photos and to sit on the benches. Supervise children on the climb up to the ruin. Combine this stop with a short explore of Tongue village as part of an NC500 day.
Image / www.highlandcoasthotels.com
Highland Coast Hotels is a collection of hotels across the Scottish Highlands, from Inverness to the far north coast. Each property sits within the landscape, with warm rooms, honest food and local knowledge at every stop on the North Coast 500. Choose your hotel and start planning your trip.
