Lunch Stops in the North Highlands

Plan where you might have lunch before leaving your accommodation in the morning, and if you’re relying on a particular establishment, telephone ahead. After many years of organising tours across the North Highlands, I can confidently say that last year’s opening hours are not necessarily this year’s, and the hours displayed on a website or Facebook page may not reflect what happens when you arrive. An open hotel doesn’t necessarily serve lunch, either. If you want a sit-down meal, confirm that the kitchen will be operating and reserve a table. Even a call an hour ahead can save an unnecessary journey.

Once you leave Inverness, don’t rely on Uber Eats, Deliveroo or similar apps to organise your meals. Some local takeaways deliver within a limited area, but arrange that directly with the business. Around much of the route, lunch means an independently run café, pub or restaurant, with additional options at some museums and heritage centres. Sandwiches and other light lunches may be available, but cooked food is often prepared to order, so allow time rather than expecting to eat and be back on the road within minutes. Check serving times as well as opening hours, and remember that businesses may close on Sundays or other days of the week.

For tours through the interior and around the northwest, particularly west of Bettyhill and north of Scourie, we often arrange packed lunches. There are places to eat, but the choice is limited and those that are open can be busy enough to make finding a table difficult. Bringing lunch gives us the flexibility to stop somewhere appealing without having to reach a particular village before its kitchen closes. Ask your accommodation the evening before whether they can prepare something, or buy supplies from a convenience store before heading into quieter country. Small rural shops are useful, but don’t expect an extensive sandwich selection.

Allow a realistic budget too, because a hotel lunch can be expensive, even when the order is a child’s burger and chips. If you’re travelling with children, discuss the likely choices beforehand and carry something suitable for them to eat. A little preparation gives you more freedom to enjoy the day, perhaps with a packed lunch beside a loch. Just don’t leave finding food until everybody is already hungry.