Helmsdale
Coastal village with excellent heritage centre that brings the Highland past to life...
North of Brora is the former herring port of Helmsdale, which gets busy in the summer. The village is most notable for its excellent Timespan Heritage Centre, which brings the history of the Highlands to life through a series of high-tech displays, sound effects and an audiovisual programme. There is also a cafe and shop on site. Info - Easter-Oct Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1400-1700, £4, concession £2, children £1.75, Tel. 821327.
North from Helmsdale the A9 climbs spectacularly up the Ord of Caithness and over the pass enters a desolate, treeless landscape; an area devastated during the Clearances. To get some idea of the hardships people had to endure, stop at the ruined crofting village of Badbea, just beyond Ousdale. At Berriedale a farm track leads west to the Wag, from where you can climb Morven (2,313 ft), the highest hill in Caithness, with amazing views across the whole county.
Phone code: +44 (0)1431
Travel Directions to Helmsdale
Helmsdale is on the Inverness-Wick/Thurso rail line. Buses and trains are the same as for Wick (see below).
Local Sights & Activities for Helmsdale
The Tourist Information Centre, Tel. 821640, is on the south side of the village, by the A9. Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 1000-1700.
The centre also includes a model of Barbara Cartland, which may seem incongruous, until you venture across the road to the La Mirage tearoom and see the lady herself in the flesh (pink, of course) - or so it seems. The proprietrix is the inimitable Nancy Sinclair, who has modelled herself, and her tearoom, on the queen of romantic novels. The whole effect is pure kitsch and you never know who might pop in for a plate of fish and chips. Daily 1200-2045 (Dec-Apr till 1900).
Castles Nearby
Local Visitor Attractions
Helmsdale Hotels & Accommodation
Another good place to eat is the Navidale House Hotel, Tel. 821258, open Feb-Nov. There are also several B&Bs, including Broomhill House, Tel. 821259, with its distinctive turret; and Torbuie, Tel. 821424, in Navidale, about a mile south. There's also an SYHA Youth Hostel, Tel. 821577, open mid-May to early Oct.
Helmsdale Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Lobster Ponds, with Sea Views - Sleeps 10
Situated on its own, right on the shoreline, enjoying panoramic views of the seascape this unique detached house offers an exceptionally good standard of holiday accommodation throughout. The living room a...
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Granny's Cottage at Dunbeath on NE Coast - Sleeps 4
Terraced stone cottage is situated in the village of Dunbeath on the North East coast north of Helmsdale. Sleeps four people in two bedrooms. No Pets or children. -
Wilkys Holiday Cottage near Helmsdale - Sleeps 6
Detached stone workman's cottage inland from Helmsdale on North East coast of Scotland. Sleeps six people in three bedrooms. -
Old Crab Factory Holiday Cottage, Helmsdale - Sleeps 6
Converted holiday home set on/above shore with panoramic view. V. spacious, including a bar area in the living room, games room etc. Private with access to the adjacent rocky beaches below. Sleeps 6. -
Owl Cottage, Helmsdale - Sleeps 6
Enjoying stunning views across the rolling fields and the waters of the Moray Firth. Within walking distance of a lovely sandy beach, this extended former croft house makes the perfect holiday base for tou... -
Kildonan Cottage, Sutherland - Sleeps 4
Commanding superb views of Helmsdale River and the surrounding countryside in a wonderfully remote location, this detached stone cottage (1880) was formerly the shepherd\'s home, standing in 2000 sq. ....