Things to do in Golspie – Visitors Guide 2026

In this epic guide we will equip you with everything you need to know to plan an extraordinary trip to Golspie in 2026. 

We will share top tips, hidden gems, and local secrets to help you plan the perfect trip. We absolutely love Golspie and highly recommend a visit. There are plenty of amazing things to see and do in the area. 

Nestled along the captivating Scottish coastline, this picturesque town offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Golspie is also part of the epic North Coast 500 route (and if you’re doing the north coast 500 we highly recommend a stop here). 

We will also share some of the best places to stay near Golspie (make sure you book your accommodation well in advance). By using the provided affiliate links, you not only gain access to ideal properties but also support us as we earn a small commission for each booking made through these links (at no extra cost to you). 

Don’t miss these amazing dreamy Scottish lodges with hot tubs

Why visit Golspie? 

Golspie is a truly captivating coastal town in Scotland. With its picturesque location overlooking the North Sea and its rich historical heritage, Golspie provides a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Don’t miss the magnificent Dunrobin Castle, an impressive Scottish castle with Harry Potter vibes and breathtaking gardens. Beyond Dunrobin Castle, Golspie also has stunning beaches where you can take peaceful walks, or even take a chilly dip. The town is also an amazing spot for outdoor adventures. You can hike, run or mountain bike in the area. What’s more, Golspie is part of the north coast 500 road trip. 

Don’t miss our 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary (which includes a stop in Golspie). You may also be interested in our amazing guide on THE BEST things to do in Sutherland

Map of the BEST things to do in Golspie

Amazing things to do in Golspie

1 Trek up Ben Bhraggie

One of the best things to do in Golspie is trek up the Ben Bhraggie. This iconic hill, standing proudly above Golspie (397m tall), offers a rewarding hiking experience with panoramic views of the surrounding Highland landscapes. The trek begins at the Countess of Sutherland Memorial Fountain.

As you ascend Ben Bhraggie, the trail takes you through a mixture of woodlands and open moorland, offering a diverse and scenic journey. At the peak you can see an impressive statue of the Duke of Sutherland, known as the “Mannie”. This large statue pays homage to the Duke’s contribution to the area’s development during the 19th century. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful east Scottish coastline. We have included a longer and shorter route on the map.

• The longer loop is 7km (around 3-4 hours). This loop follows trails through the pine forest and up steep moorland to the summit. After the summit head west and then follow the trail round (north) and back down the hill. 
• Shorter loop 3.5km (around 1 – 2 hours). This route starts the same as the longer loop. When you read the summit head west and then follow the trail south back to the same trail to started on. Then follow the trail back down to Golspie. Watch out – this is a mountain bike trail. Walk carefully and keep your eyes open for bikes. 

2 Mountain biking

Love Mountain Biking? We also think you will love Glentress – amazing mountain bike tracks located south of Edinburgh.

Mountain biking is another epic thing to do in Golspie. There are some amazing trails on Ben Bhraggie (we already shared some treks on this hill). The mountain bike trails on Ben Bhraggie are relatively challenging and steep in sections. Also be aware that the trails are used by walks so ride with caution. The start of your mountain bike adventure in Golspie will involve some sweat and tears – you will need to push (and even carry) your bike up to the summit of Ben Bhraggie. From here you can follow the southwest loop back down the hill. There is something exhilarating about flying along these trails. Just remember to wear a helmet and ride with care. If you don’t have your own wheels you can rent bikes from Heavenbikes in Dornoch

3 Explore Dunrobin Castle

Don’t miss our full visitors guide for Dunrobin Castle

If you love culture and history make sure you pay a visit to the magnificent Dunrobin Castle. This castle has a sophisticated and stately aesthetic with large spires, aristocratic architecture and splendid well kept gardens. This “Hogwarts meets fairy tale” castle is beautifully located on the coast north of Golspie. Dunrobin Castle has a museum, tea rooms, gift shop and a falconry.

The opening hours vary throughout the year so plan your visit carefully (October – April 10.30 am – 4.30 pm and May – September: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm). Entrance to Dunrobin costs £14 for adults and £9 for children. The price includes entrance to the Castle, Museum, Falconry and Gardens.

Although you can’t stay in Dunrobin – Scotland does have some AMAZING Castle Hotels

4 Seal watching

The east coast of Scotland is a fantastic area for seeing wildlife. Whether it’s deer, puffins or seals. This is a wild and beautiful area of the world. The best place to see seals near Golspie is a few kilometers up the coast between Golspie and Brora. The location is called Sputie Burn. This is pretty hard to find – we have pinned it on the map to help you locate the exact spot. Parking near Sputie Burn can be a little tricky as the A9 is a busy road. So you may need to park on one of the side roads nearby and walk to the coast to spot seals. 

Alternatively you can often sea seals along the south side of Loch Fleet (located around 15 minutes south of Golspie). Follow the small side road to Skelbo. There are several laybys. Seals can often be seen on the sand bars along this section.

5 Enjoy the beach

Make sure you spend some time on Golspie Beach. This is a long stretch of golden sand – perfect for sunbathing (on a lovely sunny summer day), picnicking, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the shore. If you’re brave you could even take a chilly dip in the ocean (but always take care with wild swimming). Golspie beach is pretty calm and tranquil throughout the year – this beach never really gets crowded even in good weather and holidays. And Golspie beach is also an amazing place to see a beautiful sunrise. 

6 Golspie Big Burn walk (Waterfall & Gorge)

If you love walks and nature then check out the Big Burn walk in Golspie. Don’t be put off by the painful sounding name. The “Big Burn Walk” is not that big, and you won’t feel much burn. Rather this is a short and scenic walk up a deep gorge for a few kilometers to a lovely waterfall. This beautiful walk starts on the north side of Golspie before you reach Dunrobin Castle. You can park near the Golspie inn & Big Burn Bar and the trail starts near here. 

7 Visit loch Brora 

If you’re up for a beautiful adventure, head up to Loch Brora for some trekking and beautiful scenery. This lovely highland loch is an amazing spot for walking, photography or even some wild swimming. This is a very beautiful area with woodlands, mountains and stunning scenery. In the area you can often see farm animals and beautiful wildlife. In the summer you can often see deer in this area. We highly recommend insect repellant in the summer months – the midges can be pretty intense in this area. 

8 Try Cullen Skink

Cullen Skink is a traditional Scottish soup that originates from the fishing village of Cullen (located in the northeastern part of Scotland). This hearty and flavorful dish has gained popularity and for good reason!

Cullen Skink is made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and milk or cream, creating a rich and creamy soup with a distinct smoky flavor. The dish gets its name from the word “skink,” which refers to a Scottish soup made with fish. The smoked haddock used in Cullen Skink gives it a unique and robust taste that is both comforting and satisfying. Cullen Skink is often enjoyed with a warm crusty bread or oatcakes. The combination of the smoky fish, creamy broth, and hearty potatoes creates a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for warming up on chilly Scottish days.

TOP TIPS for visiting Golspie

• Stock up in Inverness: There are some small shops in Golspie. However, if you need to do a bigger stock up shop we recommend doing this in Inverness
• Keep your car topped up or charged: The north coast of Scotland is very remote in places. We recommend keeping your car topped up or charged. 
• Use offline maps for navigation: We recommend using offline maps like maps.me to help you navigate. Mobile phone signal can be weak or limited along sections of the north coast. 
• Bring some mosquito repellant and watch out for ticks and midges. They can be pretty intense, especially in the summer! 
• Book your accommodation well in advance: Accommodation in Scotland can be busy and booked up very early. Book as early as possible and get a free cancellation policy if you’re not sure about your dates. 
• Make sure you get up the north coast: There north coast of Scotland is stunning with lots of amazing things to see and do. Even if you’re not doing the full north coast, we highly recommend exploring some sections of this stunning route. 

Is it worth visiting Golspie? 

Yes, in our view Golspie is well worth a visit! We have already listed some of the amazing things that you can do in the area. Golspie is also a great platform for exploring Scotland’s stunning north coast. The main disadvantage of Golspie is the lack of accommodation. There are a few places to stay in Golspie – but in our view, Brora has a better range of accommodation available. Golspie is more of a pretty coastal town than Brora. Brora has more of an industrial feel and is not quite as pretty.  

What is the best way to get to Golspie? 

The best way to get to Golspie depends on where you’re coming from, you’re budget, time and travel needs. Firstly you need to get yourself Inverness. From here there are a few options: 

• Drive up the A9: Roughly 1 hour – 1.5 hours and 50 miles or 75km
• Take a train: Scot Rail offer a service that takes 2-3 hours from Inverness to Goslpie. It may not be the cheapest option but it is beautiful and eco friendly. 
• Take a local bus. The X99 bus runs from Inverness (bus station Stance 3) up the east coast to Wick via Golspie. This is the cheapest and most environmentally friendly option, but it is less convenient. 

To get to Inverness you can fly, use the train, drive or even take a Mega bus (a private budget bus service in the UK). 

What is the best time of year to visit Golspie? 

The best time to visit Golspie is during the summer months, from June to August. This is when you’ll experience milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and a higher chance of sunny weather. It’s the perfect time to explore the outdoors, enjoy the beaches, and partake in outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. Just remember to pack some layers, as the weather can still be a bit unpredictable in Scotland. Golspie does also have a charm in winter. Daylight hours are much shorter but there is a good chance of seeing the northern lights on a clear night. Golspie is also pretty quiet and tranquil in the winter months and there is a chance of snow too. 

What other things are there to do near Golspie? 

There are loads of things to do along the east coast of Scotland. Here are some great things to do to help get you inspired: 

• Take a boat trip & wildlife tour with Eco Ventures (Cromarty)
• Visit the Glenmorangie distillery 
• Check out the eerie Grey Cairnes of Camster (a neolithic burial mound)
• Visit Castle Sinclair Girnigoe (there are plenty of other castles along the coast too!)
• Explore John O Groats 
• Walk along the cliffs to see the Duncansby Sea Stacks (near John O’Groats), watch out for puffins nesting in the cliffs
• Don’t miss Dunnet’s head and beach – the northern tip of mainland Britain. 

Responsible tourism tips for Golspie

Here are some responsible tourism tips for visiting Golspie:

• Respect nature and wildlife: When exploring Golspie’s natural areas, such as beaches and forests, ensure you leave no trace behind. Avoid littering and stay on designated trails.
• Support local businesses: Choose to eat at locally-owned restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Shop at local markets and stores to support the local economy and promote sustainable tourism practices.
• Reduce plastic waste: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it instead of purchasing single-use plastic bottles. Minimize plastic waste by using reusable bags for shopping and saying no to plastic straws.
• Follow local regulations: Respect and adhere to any local rules and regulations, including wildlife protection laws, fishing regulations, and any signage or guidelines in protected areas.
• Educate yourself about the environment: Learn about Golspie’s unique ecosystems and the challenges they face. Educate yourself about responsible environmental practices and how you can minimize your impact as a visitor.

Where are the BEST places to stay around Golspie?

The main disadvantage of Golspie is the lack of accommodation. There are a few places to stay – but in our opinion Brora is much better for accommodation (a few kilometers north of Golspie). Brora 

1 Brora Pods 

The charming Brora Pods are small, cute, and cozy. They offer a truly delightful and affordable stay near Golspie. Nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, each pod provides a perfect blend of comfort and functionality. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable double bed, a well-equipped kitchen with an oven and hob, as well as a refrigerator and sink. The pod also features a convenient small bathroom with a hot shower.

Step outside your pod and discover a comfortable and inviting outdoor area. With a small lawn, outdoor furniture, and a fire pit. Create unforgettable memories as you relax and unwind. Imagine cozy evenings spent under the starry sky, sharing stories and laughter around a crackling fire. The Brora Pods offer this enjoyable and cozy experience at a cost of around £130 per night. An excellent value for a memorable getaway near Golspie. 

2 The North Coast 500 pods 

Check out the epic North Coast 500 Pods, nestled in a picturesque hillside location just outside Brora. These stylish and cozy pods offer a truly delightful escape. Each pod features a comfortable double bed and a small, well-equipped kitchen complete with a kettle, toaster, hob, oven, and sink. They also have a small ensuite bathroom with a hot shower.

The North Coast 500 Pods have a range of options. The charming and affordable Honeymoon Pod typically costs around £150 per night, providing a romantic retreat for couples.

For more space, the Luxury Glamping Pods are the perfect choice. With prices ranging from £300 to £350 per night, these pods offer more space and facilities.

There is also a soothing sauna on-site. There is something exhilarating about immersing yourself in the warmth of the sauna which seems even more welcoming in the chilly wild surroundings of the Scottish hills. The “North Coast 500 Pods” offer a unique and enchanting experience for those seeking a memorable stay near Golspie. Whether you opt for the intimate Honeymoon Pod or indulge in the luxurious amenities of the Glamping Pods.

3 Royal Marine Hotel

If all these little pods aren’t your gig and you’re more of a classy hotel person, then you’re in luck. One of the BEST hotels in the area is the Royal Marine Hotel. We’re stoked to share this one with you. 

The magnificent Royal Marine Hotel is beautifully located by the coast in Brora. Timeless elegance meets stylish country interiors. We love the classy ambiance, offering both a cozy and fresh feel.

This hotel has a range of meticulously designed rooms, catering to different preferences and budgets. Starting at around £250 per night, the double room offers comfort and sophistication. There is a comfortable double bed and an ensuite bathroom.

For a more indulgent experience, check out the luxurious suite (around £400 per night.) The suite provides space and additional furniture, including sofas, desks, tables, and even a living room area. As a delightful bonus, the Royal Marine Hotel includes a delicious breakfast featuring fresh gourmet food, setting the tone for a delightful start to each day. The hotel also has an all important on-site restaurant and bar.