A Small Village in a Wild Corner of Scotland
Tucked away on the rugged west coast of Sutherland, Scourie is a small crofting village surrounded by mountains, lochs, rocky coastline and the clear waters of the North Atlantic.
Sitting on the North Coast 500 and within the spectacular North West Highlands, Scourie feels wonderfully remote, yet makes an ideal base for discovering this extraordinary corner of Scotland.
The village has a long history. Scourie was once a stronghold of Clan Mackay and lies at the heart of the historic parish of Eddrachilles. For generations, life here has been shaped by crofting, fishing and the sea, and despite becoming a popular stopping point for travellers exploring the north west coast, Scourie has retained the peaceful character of a small Highland community.
The landscape itself tells an even older story. Scourie sits within the North West Highlands Geopark, an internationally important landscape containing some of the oldest rocks in Europe, with Lewisian Gneiss dating back around three billion years.
Things to Do in Scourie
You don’t need to travel far to experience what makes the Highlands special.
Take a walk down to Scourie Bay and Scourie Beach, where a sheltered stretch of sand sits between rocky headlands with beautiful views across the bay. It’s a lovely place for a morning walk, an evening wander or simply to sit and watch the Atlantic.
Wildlife is part of everyday life here too. Keep an eye on the coastline and surrounding hills and you may be rewarded with sightings of seals, otters, deer and a huge variety of birdlife, while dolphins and other marine wildlife can sometimes be spotted offshore.
Walkers can explore the countryside, coastline and lochs surrounding the village, while anglers will find countless opportunities throughout this part of Sutherland.
One of the area’s greatest attractions is also just a few miles away. From the tiny settlement of Tarbet, a seasonal boat carries visitors across to Handa Island Wildlife Reserve.
Managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Handa is home to towering sea cliffs and one of north-west Europe’s great seabird colonies. Around 100,000 seabirds can gather here during the breeding season, including guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, great skuas and puffins. A circular walking route takes you across the island to its dramatic cliffs, with incredible views along the coast.
The remains of Handa’s former village are a reminder that people once lived permanently on this now-wild island, with its last inhabitants leaving in the nineteenth century.
And sometimes there is nothing to do at all.
Find a quiet spot beside the water, watch the weather roll across the mountains, enjoy a Highland sunset or head outside after dark and look up. With so little light pollution, clear nights can reveal an extraordinary sky.
Explore the North West Highlands
One of the best things about staying in Scourie is its location. Head south and you can explore the mountains and beaches around Lochinver; head north and some of Scotland’s wildest coastline leads towards Durness.
The journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination.
Head South Towards Lochinver
Travel south from Scourie and you’ll soon reach Kylesku, with its sweeping bridge crossing the water against a backdrop of mountains.
From here, explore the spectacular coastal roads towards Drumbeg and Lochinver, stopping at viewpoints, hidden coves and beaches along the way.
Discover the white sands and turquoise water of Achmelvich Beach, visit beautiful Clachtoll Beach, seek out the tiny and unusual Hermit’s Castle, or stop at Drumbeg Viewpoint for magnificent views across the Assynt landscape.
Continue to Lochinver, a picturesque fishing village sitting beneath the distinctive mountains of Assynt.
This is also serious walking country. The surrounding landscape includes some of Scotland’s most recognisable mountains, including Suilven, Quinag, Canisp and Stac Pollaidh, with everything from gentle walks to challenging mountain days available for those wanting to explore on foot.
For something a little different, visit Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, where trails through the landscape reveal the remarkable geology that helped scientists understand how mountains were formed.
Head North Towards Durness
Turn north from Scourie and another unforgettable stretch of the Highlands awaits.
Stop at Tarbet for the boat to Handa Island, explore the wild landscapes around Laxford and continue towards some of the most northerly beaches on mainland Britain.
At Durness, visit the spectacular Smoo Cave, a huge limestone sea cave carved into the cliffs by both the sea and a freshwater river.
Spend time exploring Balnakeil Beach, wander around Balnakeil Craft Village, discover the ruins of historic Balnakeil Church or enjoy the sands and Atlantic views around Durness and Sango Bay.
For the adventurous, Durness is also the gateway to Cape Wrath — the dramatic north-western tip of mainland Britain and one of the wildest and most remote places in the country.
From deserted beaches and ancient rocks to mountain walks, wildlife, waterfalls and tiny Highland communities, there is enough to discover between Lochinver and Durness to fill far more than a weekend.
Make Scourie Your Base
The North Coast 500 might bring you here, but there’s every reason to stay a little longer.
Rather than packing up and moving on each morning, settle into your pod and explore the north west coast at your own pace. Spend one day heading south into Assynt, another exploring north towards Durness, take the boat across to Handa Island — or simply stay close to Scourie and enjoy having nowhere you need to be.
Then come back, put your feet up and do it all again tomorrow.