Episode 35 – An introduction to Far North Scotland with Sally-Ann of North Coast Explorer Tours

In episode 35 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, we chat with guest Sally-Ann, co-founder with her husband Robert of private tour company North Coast Explorer Tours, to talk about visiting Far North Scotland. This is part one of a two-part podcast – look out for part two (episode 36) next week.

Click the blue button below to listen:

Episode 35 – Show Notes

An introduction to Far North Scotland with Sally-Ann of North Coast Explorer Tours

In this episode, you will learn

• How and why Sally-Ann and her husband relocated to Scotland
• What are the highlights of Far North Scotland and why you should add it to your itinerary
• Which parts of Scotland are classed as Far North Scotland
• What visitors can expect from a trip to Far North Scotland
• Why peatland landscapes are important ecologically
• What landscape and wildlife you can expect to see in the region and when to see it
• How to get to Far North Scotland
• What the seasons hold in Far North Scotland
• Planning your visit to Far North Scotland
• What to expect from the roads in Far North Scotland
• What is the North Coast 500 (including which direction to travel and how long you need)

Places mentioned in this episode include

• North Coast 500 >> The North Coast 500 is the ultimate circular road trip around the North of Scotland.

• UNESCO Geopark in the North West of Scotland >> This region hosts a range of diverse geological and geomorphological features

• Garvault Hotel >> Take a break off grid at Garvault House, set in the wilderness with uninterrupted views of the locks and hills

• Caledonian Sleeper from London >> Travel between London and Scotland on the comfortable overnight Caledonian Sleeper train.

• Inverness >> Located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is an important transport hub for the region.

• Orkney Islands >> An archipelago off the north-eastern coast of Scotland comprising of around 70 islands, 20 of which are inhabited.

• Thurso >> The most northerly town in mainland Scotland.  

⭐️ A PDF transcript of this episode is available to download here

Useful resources

Books recommended by Sally-Ann

• North Coast 500 Guidebook by Charles Tate

• The North Coast Journey by Bridget Benson

Useful planning resources

• North Coast Explorer Tours

• Find all of the UK Travel Planning Scotland resources here – UK Travel Planning Scotland Travel Guide

• Article and podcast episode about the Caledonian Sleeper

• Book an Itinerary Consultation with Tracy and Doug Collins

• Visit Scotland

• Scottish Highlands Travel Guide

• Inverness Travel Guide