The Crask Inn
The first in a new series looking at some of the hills’ most hospitable hidey-holes. This month Trail assesses a far northern Scottish hostelry.
Where is it? Sutherland, Scotland, at NC524247. The Crask Inn is actually named on many maps, given that it is the only thing for miles.
What’s it like?
The Crask Inn is surely one of the hills’ most obvious yet best-kept secrets. Located on a spindly single track in the middle of Sutherland’s thinly peopled interior, this hostelry in Scotland’s far north is as quirky as it is welcome in the wild Flow Country it inhabits. One of the most remote inns in Britain, it stands entirely alone among boundless moor, with mountains such as Ben Klibreck on the doorstep and others within striking distance. The inside is cosy, like stepping into someone’s house – but with a bar in the corner selling marvellous Highland ales and, of course, Scotch whisky. The rooms are unshowy but supercomfortable, the food authentically Highland. Property hunters note: The Crask Inn lies in Scotland’s Flow Country. the inn’s long-time owners Mike and Kai currently have the business, its land and considerable haul of outbuildings up for sale...
Vibe Highland house-cumbed-and-breakfast
TV? No Mobile reception? Patchy or non-existent
Typical clientele Cyclists, walkers, the odd local, the occasional seasonal resident. The inn also attracts considerable business from deer stalkers and seasonal game shooters, some of whom travel from overseas.
How many can stay
there? The inn has four double bedrooms plus a rentable self-catering bunkhouse that can sleep 10. How much does it cost? £50 for dinner, bed and breakfast in the main house.
Contact (01549) 411241 Where can you walk from it? The Inn is situated in the Flow Country, from the old Norse
floi, meaning wet. The Flow Country is an internationally important area of ancient blanket bog and includes the RSPB reserve of Forsinard. The bog itself is interesting from a wildlife and experiential perspective, but in terms of mountains: