Things to Do in North-West Sutherland
North-West Sutherland is a national scenic area in the Scottish Highlands, characterized by its rugged natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. This expansive region features distinctive mountains like Foinaven, Arkle, and Ben Stack, which rise from a "cnoc and lochan" topography, alongside a wild Atlantic coastline with intricately indented sea lochs. The area's ancient Lewisian gneiss geology forms a foundation for a diverse environment, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, jogging, touring cycling, and more.
Things to…
43
Routes
4.5
(66)
Average rating
806
People visited
4.8
(26)
312
hikers
6.88km
01:56
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
42
hikers
7.92km
02:09
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(10)
35
hikers
6.75km
01:47
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
39
hikers
7.73km
03:37
650m
650m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
5.0
(2)
6
riders
13.6km
01:29
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
37.9km
02:51
550m
550m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3
riders
46.5km
04:15
950m
950m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
63.3km
06:08
1,480m
1,480m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
4
riders
54.4km
04:06
920m
910m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
8
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
29.4km
02:08
480m
480m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
6.72km
00:39
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
6
runners
15.0km
01:45
240m
240m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
11.9km
01:29
210m
210m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14.4km
01:44
260m
260m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
5.0
(1)
9
runners
5.14km
00:34
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
4.5
(2)
97
riders
117km
05:29
1,490m
1,480m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
18
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
10
riders
61.4km
03:02
830m
830m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
50.8km
02:40
870m
880m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Top attractions in the region
Explore the region
Most popular attractions in North-West Sutherland
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the North-West Sutherland National Scenic Area?
The North-West Sutherland National Scenic Area is a protected region in the Scottish Highlands. It is characterized by rugged natural beauty, featuring distinctive mountains like Foinaven and Arkle, and a wild Atlantic coastline with sea lochs. The area covers 26,565 hectares of land and marine environments.
What outdoor activities are available in North-West Sutherland?
North-West Sutherland offers various outdoor activities, including Hiking, Mountain biking, Jogging, and Touring cycling. The region has 18 routes available across these sports. These activities allow exploration of its dramatic mountains, coastlines, and moorland.
Are there hiking trails for beginners in North-West Sutherland?
Yes, North-West Sutherland offers easy hiking options suitable for beginners. These trails provide an accessible way to experience the region's natural beauty. More information can be found in the guide Easy hikes in North-West Sutherland.
Are there family-friendly hiking routes in North-West Sutherland?
North-West Sutherland includes hiking routes suitable for families. These trails are designed to be enjoyable for various ages and abilities. Consult the guide Family-friendly hikes in North-West Sutherland for specific options.
What are the best hiking routes in North-West Sutherland?
The region offers diverse hiking experiences, from coastal paths to challenging mountain ascents. Popular options include the Handa Island loop and ascents of mountains like Ben Stack. For a comprehensive overview, refer to the guide Hiking in North-West Sutherland.
Are there mountain biking trails in North-West Sutherland?
Yes, North-West Sutherland provides a demanding environment for mountain biking. Trails often traverse open moorland and remote tracks with significant elevation changes. Explore options in the guide MTB Trails in North-West Sutherland.
What cycling routes are available in North-West Sutherland?
North-West Sutherland is suitable for both touring and road cycling, with routes following peaceful country lanes and challenging coastal roads. The North Coast 500 route also passes through parts of Sutherland. Guides like Cycling in North-West Sutherland and Road Cycling Routes in North-West Sutherland offer detailed information.
Are there jogging or running trails in North-West Sutherland?
Jogging in North-West Sutherland allows runners to experience diverse terrains, from rugged coastlines to mountain backdrops. Routes include coastal paths and scenic loops. The guide Running Trails in North-West Sutherland provides specific trail information.
What are the main natural features or highlights of North-West Sutherland?
Key features include distinctive mountains like Foinaven, Arkle, and Ben Stack, and the rugged coastline around Loch Laxford. Handa Island is also notable for its towering sandstone cliffs and significant seabird colonies. The region lies within the North West Highlands Geopark.
How popular is North-West Sutherland on komoot?
North-West Sutherland has more than 10,000 visitors who have shared their experiences on komoot. The available routes have an average rating of 4.52 out of 5 stars. There are 18 total routes across various sports.
What komoot guides are available for North-West Sutherland?
Komoot offers several guides for North-West Sutherland, covering various activities and interests. These include guides for Hiking, MTB Trails, Cycling, and Running Trails.
How can I contact authorities regarding the North-West Sutherland National Scenic Area?
Information and management for the NSA fall under NatureScot and the Highland Council. For general inquiries related to NatureScot, their switchboard is 01463 725000. The Highland Council's general contact number is 01349 886600.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
