Once a Viking crossroads, Tongue is a charming coastal village in the Scottish Highlands that lies on the Kyle of Tongue’s east shore. It is connected to the loch’s west side by a 1970s causeway designed by the civil engineering firm of Sir Alexander Gibb.
Follow the walking trail that leads from Tongue to the remains of Castle Varrich, which is perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Kyle of Tongue. It is thought to have been established by the once-powerful Clan Mackay in the 14th century on top of an existing Norse fort. Marvel at its thick walls constructed using sandstone rock and soak up the magnificent views of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope from the viewing platform.
A short drive north of Tongue is Coldbackie Beach, a stunning stretch of white sand that looks out towards the Rabbit Islands and the Orkneys. It’s a popular spot for local surfers and attracts nature photographers wanting to capture the stunning light and scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
Getting there
Tongue is just over two hours’ drive from Inverness and Inverness Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses travel to Tongue and the village is small enough to explore on foot.