Helmsdale, 17 miles north, is a smaller fishing village with the world famous ‘La’ Mirage’ restaurant, and a smaller establishment, Thyme and Plaice, both excellent, some small shops and Timespan Highland Clearances museum. Further up the Strath you can find the infamous Strath of Kildodan Gold panning burn at Baile an Or, where you can try your hand at finding your own gold.

Today, Helmsdale is a name synonymous with salmon fishing, but the town and its picturesque harbour originally prospered as a result of the herring boom of the 19th century. (read more)