United Kingdom
Not that there's already enough reasons to visit north-west Sutherland - stunning beaches, great cycling roads, mountains galore - one to add to the list is Cocoa Mountain in Durness. Faced with an endless choice of hand-made chocolate treats, what will you not take home. And those surfers and cyclists can replace lost calories by enjoying the best hot chocolate ever!
www.cocoamountain.co.uk
8 Balnakeil, Durness, Lairg, Sutherland, Scotland, IV27 4PT
+44(0)1971 511233
Google map: bit.ly/slK4wP
Norsehaven is the kind of place you can only dream about when in London. It is not the easiest of places to get to, being on the very north western tip of mainland Britain, but the trip is worth it. You could not be further from the stresses of the city when up there.
We have just returned from a week in Ceannabeinne, a lovingly restored croft nestled on the cliff side, with unspoilt sea views that are to die for. It is almost unbelievably idyllic - it has to be seen to be believed!
web: www.norsehaven.com
tel: 01732 882320
map: maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=104563659452458983581.000454e2a5aa490185440&ll=58.532964,-4.74300424,0.219727&z=12
Probably the best beach in the Highlands with beautiful dunes at the far end. Walk up there and climb to the top of them and, in the summer, you are in a Puffin colony and you can just lay down and have them come and look at you.
Add the drive from Ullapool by Loch Assynt and it's the best day trip in Scotland.
By Durness and Balnakiel Craft village
A lovely small hotel in Durness run by a great young couple. Absolutely beautiful rooms with attention to every detail. Reasonable prices for this level of comfort. The breakfast was especially superb. Durness is as far north as you can go on the mainland. The beaches are gorgeous and scenery on the way is spectacular.
Durness, Sutherland IV27 4PN
Tel: 01971511202
www.visitmackays.com/
Feel on top of the world - if you are on the north coast of Scotland this atmospheric and timeless place is a must visit!
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