Falls of Shin


Four miles south of Lairg, the picturesque Falls of Shin provide one of the best places in the Highlands to see salmon leaping on their way upstream to spawn (June to September). A short, easy footpath leads to a viewing terrace overlooking the waterfall; there are waymarked forest trails here. There's also a gift shop and a pleasant community-run cafe in a salmon-shaped structure, with information panels on the fish.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Ferrycroft Visitor Centre

4.24 MILES

On the opposite side of the river from Lairg's town centre (follow the sheep signs), this visitor centre has displays on local history and wildlife and…

2. Croick

8.9 MILES

From Ardgay, a single-track road leads 10 miles up Strathcarron to Croick, the scene of notorious evictions during the 1845 Clearances. You can still see…

3. Dornoch Cathedral

14.96 MILES

Consecrated in the 13th century, beautiful Dornoch Cathedral, one of the Highlands' loveliest churches, is an elegant Gothic edifice with an interior…

4. Historylinks

14.99 MILES

Historylinks is a child-friendly museum focusing on local history. Displays cover geology, the Picts, the building of the cathedral and the development of…

5. Carnegie Courthouse

14.99 MILES

The impressive 19th-century former courthouse building in the centre of town now contains a spa, cafe, whisky cellar and visitor information. Winter…

6. Glenmorangie

15.26 MILES

Located on Tain’s northern outskirts, Glenmorangie (emphasis on the second syllable) produces a fine lightish malt, subjected to a number of different…

7. Tain Through Time

16.56 MILES

Set in the grounds of St Duthus Church is Tain Through Time, an entertaining heritage centre with a colourful and educational display on St Duthac, King…

8. Dunrobin Castle

17.05 MILES

Magnificent Dunrobin Castle, a mile past Golspie, is the Highlands' largest house. Although it dates to 1275, most of what you see was built in French…