... About the village
The history ...
Bettyhill is a historic clearance village which was founded in 1814 by Elizabeth, Countess of Sutherland. As the name implies, she named it after herself in an extraordinary show of vanity.
As is the case with most of the region, there are hundreds of historic sites dating from neolithic times to the twentieth century. Indeed you never have to travel far in order to find an ancient clan castle, iron age broch, standing stone circle, or chambered burial cairn.
For more detailed information about the history of the area, a search on the internet or visit to the library will fill you in. Books are available to buy on the subject from both the museum and the village tourist information centre - both of which are within a one minute walk from the inn.
Walking & cycling ...
For the more active amongst you there are hundreds of spectacular locations to walk or cycle for all abilities. There are many organised trekking paths around (including the excellent Strathnaver Trail), and failing that why not exercise the 'right to roam' and wander freely over ben and glen, beach and river. Newcomers to the area are often blinded by the beauty of the scenery, and marvel at the quality of the tens of beaches - which taken out of context could easily be mistaken for those of a more tropical clime.
Landranger maps of the area are available from any good bookshop wherever you may be, or take a look at our composite map (1Mb download) of the area created courtesy of the Ordnance Survey Get-A-Map website. On it you can plot your walking or cycling trip and work out the best route in order to take in all of the best sights and scenery.
Wildlife ...
The area is blessed with an astonishing variety of wildlife. From the hundreds of seabird colonies of the rugged coastline, to the majestic deer and stag which wander freely across the landscape, there is always something new to see.
Wildcats, Pinemartins, foxes, badgers, whales, and seals are commonly seen in the area, as well as free roaming horses, sheep, goats, and highland cattle which wander on the common grazing areas in and around the village.
With puffin colonies close by, as well as fulmars, kittiwakes, razorbills, oyster catchers, and many other seabirds at hand the Farr Bay Inn is ideally located for any wildlife lover.
Boat trips ...
With (islands) Eilean Neave and Eilean Nan Ron close to our shores, a boat trip can take you to some fantastic and isolated locations which you just can't get to by land. Our boat Sophie Ellen is available to take you there or for coastal sea-angling trips by prior arrangement. Eilean Neave is host to an early Christian Chapel, and Eilean Nan Ron (or Island Roan as it is locally known) was inhabited until as recently as 1938. One of the islands' former inhabitants John George Mackay wrote a short book about life on the island in 1962. The book is now out of print but is transcribed on the excellent ScottishWeb website.
Pony trekking ...
Pony trekking is available at Invernaver, situated at the west end of the village in the mouth of the River Naver. Again, prior appointment is required, but trekking across our other beach (Torrisdale Bay) is spectacular at any time of the year, with vast expanses of sand, dramatic cliffs, flowing dunes, and incredible sunsets.