Image by Angus Mackay
Altnaharra & the North Road
Altnaharra is a tiny hamlet nestled in the very centre of Sutherland, lying almost equidistant between Lairg and Tongue.
Surrounded by vast moorlands, lochs, and mountains, it offers a true taste of Highland solitude and natural beauty. The village sits along the A836, part of the historic North Road, once the only route connecting the far north to the rest of Scotland.
This remote location is a haven for anglers, with Loch Naver and Loch Eriboll nearby, both renowned for their excellent fishing. Mountaineers are drawn to the area by the dramatic summits of Ben Hope to the north and Ben Klibreck to the southeast, both offering challenging climbs and sweeping views.
It’s recent fame was attributed to the weather extremes , having a Met Office weather station it recorded the the UK’s coldest temperature at -27.2 C , but also the warmest in the UK for March at 18.5 C.
Despite its size, the village has a rich history. The surrounding landscape bears traces of ancient settlement and the legacy of the Highland Clearances, which reshaped the population and land use of the region.
Good to Know
Location: Central Sutherland, between Lairg and Tongue
Activities: Fishing, hillwalking, wildlife watching, scenic driving
Nearby Peaks: Ben Hope (927m), Ben Klibreck (961m)
Fishing Spots: Loch Naver, Loch Eriboll
Weather: Known for extreme cold and surprising warmth—check forecasts
Road Info: A836 and B873 are single-track with passing places
Photo Tip: Capture the vast moorlands and reflections on Loch Naver at sunrise
Sutherland
IV27 4UE