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Something else

Also in the information box are details of one or two of the best attractions or things to do near the route, with relevant contact details. These attractions range from ruined castles to real ale pubs, and are intended to enhance your enjoyment of your visit to an area, or fill some time while waiting for a train, bus or lift, and are by no means exhaustive. Visiting attractions and facilities in rural areas, rather than just turning up to do a walk and leaving again, also helps the local economy, so you can feel good about yourself while drinking that pint!

SUTHERLAND AND THE FAR NORTH

Suilven and Loch Druim Suardalain

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Ben Loyal (765m) in Gaelic Beinn Laghail, probably ‘the law mountain’, from the Norse ‘laga fiall’

StartGR 584 546Distance14kmAscent820mTime5hr30TerrainA good walk in on tracks gives way to grassy slopes that are less challenging or steep than the rocky peaks of Ben Loyal might suggest.MapsOS Landranger 10, OS Explorer 447AccessBen Loyal forms part of the Ben Loyal Estate (01847 611291)Getting thereStart at the turning to Ribigill Farm off the minor road around the Kyle of Tongue (584 546). There is parking for a couple of cars. You could walk to here from Tongue. There is a daily bus from Thurso to Tongue (Traveline Scotland 0871 200 22 33 www.travelinescotland.com).Something elseTake a walk on the stunning sands of the Kyle of Tongue, or visit the ruins of Varrich Castle, once home to the MacKay clan chiefs.

A royal hill in Scotland’s far north, Ben Loyal is renowned for its queens, castles and treasure. Climbing far above the Kyle of Tongue, this route gives you an opportunity to conquer your own castle, and gaze out to where the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.