Plan your trip

WALK HERE

Turn to Walk 26 in this issue.

GETTING THERE

Golspie is on the A9, 50 miles north of Inverness. It’s also on the Far North Line ( www.scotrail.co.uk) with a train station at the western edge of town; Stagecoach bus X98/99 Inverness-Scrabster stops here.

WHERE TO STAY

You pass Rhives House (01408 633116, www.rhiveshouse.wixsite.com/golspie) on your climb to Ben Bhraggie, a gorgeous B&B with sea views, where guests love the friendly hosts Claire (a librarian and font of knowledge) and Tony. Breakfasts are scrumptious, whether you choose a full Scottish with haggis, or pancakes. Double rooms from £80pn. Afternoon teas on Sundays too. Or one stop south on the train line you can sleep in vintage railway carriages at Sleeperzzz (01408 641343, www.sleeperzzz.com) next to Rogart station. The train compartments have been cleverly converted into snug bedrooms, self-catering kitchens, dining and sitting rooms, with showers on board too (Mar-Sep, from £20pp). There’s also a B&B option in the Old Waiting Room (from £69pn).

WHERE TO EAT

Poppy’s ( www.poppysgolspie.com) on the main street and the Coffee Bothy ( www.facebook.com/The-CoffeeBothy-186246894768198/) at the start are both excellent cafés serving breakfast, lunches and homemade bakes. There’s also a seasonal tearoom at Dunrobin Castle ( www.dunrobincastle.co.uk) on route, and the Golspie Inn (01408 633234, www.golspieinn.co.uk) which is rich with local history including specially commissioned films on the website, thanks to owner Eddie MacRae. Good pub food and rooms too.