The tour naturally departs from Aviemore, specifically the BP gas station. This way, you can set off with a full tank.

Anyone heading northwest from this village can hardly avoid the A9. But that way, you can easily wind your way through it for a few dozen kilometers to better—read: more beautiful—places. In Inverness, the famous Kessock Bridge takes you across the Moray Firth. This is said to be one of the best places in Europe to spot dolphins. Various other species also frequent this inlet, such as seals and otters, orcas, and several whale species. But you probably won't have time to observe them, as you still have a bit of a drive ahead of you.

A little further on, you have to cross another firth. The Cromarty Bridge provides that. This bridge is a mile long and took 50 workers to build, completing the job in two years. A pretty good job.

The next Firth is Dornoch, but there's no bridge available this time. So you simply drive around it. No problem, because the view is quite spectacular. It's a good idea to stop at the parking area at the Struie Hill Viewpoint. Also, be sure to look behind you during the heather blooming season. This is usually between mid-August and September, when the hills glow a vibrant purple. Flowering heather as far as the eye can see. Incidentally, heather is considered Scotland's national plant. The fact that a large part of Scotland is covered with this plant doesn't happen by chance. Controlled fires are occasionally lit to encourage the shrubs to regenerate and the blooms to bloom.

Then continue along the Kyle of Sutherland to the village of Rosehall. But just before the small bridge, take a small cul-de-sac on the right to stop at the Achness Hotel. It's a charming little hotel in a quiet setting, but its appearance has seen better days. Perhaps this is part of its charm. The interior evokes times gone by, and the coffee and biscuits served are equally traditional, yet excellent. The friendly owner will be happy to direct you to your next stop.

Cassley Falls, also known as Achness Falls, are not well-known to the general public. This series of waterfalls, formed by several steps, attracts a considerable number of fishermen in the right season, when salmon leap upriver toward their spawning grounds. You might be lucky enough to witness this, but otherwise, there's nothing but tranquility here, with only the sound of the water and birdsong. Just next to the falls lies an ancient cemetery. Time has largely toppled the gravestones and faded the visible remains. Very little is known about its history, but it offers more than enough atmosphere.

Via the A837, passing a few smaller lochs, you reach Loch Assynt. Besides an impressive natural setting, this loch is surrounded by several iconic landmarks. First, you can choose to leave the main road and turn left onto a narrow lane, towards the small church you can see from afar. Inchnadamph Old Parish Church was first mentioned in 1275. Naturally, the building has been modified and/or restored several times over the centuries. In the churchyard, there's a vault belonging to the Clan MacCleod, most likely dating from the 16th century. It's definitely worth taking a stroll and imagining what might have happened here in the Middle Ages.

A stone's throw away, near the A837, stands the ruin of a building, certainly not the size of a castle or fortress. Calda House was built in 1726 by one Kenneth MacKenzie, who had previously lived in nearby Ardvreck Castle. Perhaps he had to move to a more compact home because the castle became too large and too expensive to heat, who knows... in times of energy crisis.
Ardvreck Castle—the remains of which lie closer to the shores of Loch Assynt—was likely built around 1590 by the MacLeod clan. They lived and ruled in this area at that time—see also the church mentioned above. Only a few thick walls remain, but under a threatening sky, the "mystery" is definitely present. Further along, there are a few parking areas, so you can leisurely stroll around the sites where the MacKenzies, MacLoads, and other Macs fought.

You're undoubtedly hungry by now, but there's no McDonald's. So you'll have to drive a bit further to Lochinver. Incidentally, you won't find any fast food there either, but a few regular restaurants, including Peet's, will be able to help you out. Or, if the weather is dry, a picnic on a bench by the water is also an option. Why not? You'll find everything you need in the Spar store. This somewhat remote village does attract some tourism, but the active fishing port also provides a considerable source of income.

A narrow, unnamed road winds its way between hills, lakes, and small rivers to the A835. It's a succession of viewpoints—oohs and wows—but often you'd like to stop, but can't due to the lack of parking. It's also important to pay attention, because oncoming traffic can suddenly appear, and then it's suddenly—oops and sh*t!
One place where you can easily take your time for a break is Stac Pollaidh Car Park, but unfortunately, it's become a paid parking zone. With a motorcycle, there's always a solution for a short parking session.

Once you turn onto the A835, you'll soon reach the port of Ullapool, best known as the ferry terminal for the Hebrides. It can get pleasantly busy, and there are plenty of pubs in and around the harbor. One option is the Arch Inn, a small hotel with a restaurant and pub overlooking Loch Broom. Fuel can be purchased a little further out of Ullapool if needed.

On the way back, you'll pass the Falls of Measach. Depending on how much time you have left, you can decide whether or not to visit the waterfall. At this tourist attraction, you can admire the River Droma cascading down from a canyon from a Victorian bridge. It's a bit of a hike, but definitely doable.

Just a few kilometers further, the next waterfall awaits. Black Water Falls and the accompanying Silver Bridge are easily accessible from the parking lot. Whether you're on the bridge or by the river, you're sure to capture some beautiful photos of this picturesque area.

Before you return to the A9 in Inverness, you can stop at the small café/coffee shop of the same name in Tarvie. But time might be running out, and you'd rather continue on to Aviemore. The village offers plenty of opportunities to process the day's impressions. And there are quite a few, so perhaps the heavy equipment is appropriate here for some.

Enjoy!!