The Flow Country World Heritage Site

Step into 4000 sq. km of rugged beauty in the North Highlands, where ancient landscapes meet rich history and a vibrant culture. Awarded UNESCO status earlier this year, The Flow Country is a breathtaking vast expanse of blanket bog, sheltered straths, moorland and mountain, covering much of Caithness and Sutherland. It’s a real gem in the Highlands of Scotland, and something you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Looking out to Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve
© A Highland Blend

Discover why the Flow Country is so special

This is one of Scotland’s most important natural resources and the first and only Peatland World Heritage Site in the world.

The A838 as it crosses A Mhoine near Tongue

Set in the secluded open landscape of Caithness and Sutherland, the Flow Country is a seemingly untouched wilderness with deep roots in Highland history and nature. This is one of Europe’s most important natural resources and the UK’s newest natural World Heritage Site.

It is the ideal space in Scotland to slow down your travels, soak in the unique landscapes around you, and discover ways to give back to the area to preserve it for future generations to come. Delve into the local nature and wildlife with hundreds of species making their home here, gaze up at the night sky to see which stars and constellations you can spot, explore the site on foot or by bike to get that extra bit close to this special corner of Scotland.

Get to the know the area

Stay a bit longer and base yourself in a quaint local town or village that are the gateways to this secluded wilderness. Extend your trip and explore all the areas of this important ecosystem that will help you reconnect with nature and the landscapes around you, with cosy places to stay, attractions to visit and welcoming places to eat.

Thurso

The most northerly town in mainland Scotland, Thurso is a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Caithness and Sutherland

Caithness and North Coast Sutherland is a large area of unspoilt, dramatic scenery in the far north of Scotland.

Lairg

Known as the crossroads to the north, the peaceful village of Lairg is beautifully nestled on the southern shores of Loch Shin.

Wick

The former Viking settlement of Wick is the principal town in the far north of the mainland.

Helmsdale

Helmsdale, on the east coast of Sutherland, is known for its golf, herrings and salmon.

John O'Groats

The most northerly point of mainland Britain, this village combines dramatic, unspoilt scenery and fascinating wildlife.

Tongue

Tongue is one of the main crofting towns along the north coast, offering stunning scenic views of coast and mountain.

Melvich

Sitting at the very north coast of Scotland with beautiful unspoilt beaches and coastline.

Discover more about the area

Exploring the Local Area

Information panel at Forsinard Flow National Nature Reserve
© A Highland Blend

Discover ways to Experience The Flow Country

The Flow Country is best experienced by getting out there and delving in to all the magnificent and thrilling offerings the area has in store. Explore the landscape along trails and walking routes, such as Dubh-Lochain Trail and Forsinain Trail, embark on a guided tour with local experts, and learn more about the area’s history and local nature and wildlife habitats through visitor centres.

Enjoy the breathtaking views at Crask Inn Viewpoint, Cnoc an Alaskie, and The Flows Lookout Tower too.

Discover more about The Flow Country

Find Eco-Friendly Stays and Attractions

The Flow Country is an area of conservation and sustainability, actively fighting climate change and providing an important home to a variety of wildlife and species. Travelling responsibly, choosing an eco-friendly accommodation option, volunteering, supporting local communities and tucking into fresh Scottish produce are all great ways to give back to this amazing space in Scotland.

These Green Tourism businesses are assessed on everything from energy efficiency to biodiversity and awarded bronze, silver or gold. Live the sustainable life in The Flow Country with these recommendations.

Why not find ways to volunteer in The Flow Country?

How to Get Here

Train travels through Forsinard Flow National Nature Reserve
© A Highland Blend

Travel by Train

Sit back, relax and enjoy the views as you travel to The Flow Country by train. Scotland’s rail systems offer a variety of daily services to Inverness from across the country. Once you’re in Inverness, hop on board the scenic Far North Line to Wick and Thurso, which passes through dramatic landscapes, towering mountains, rustic coastlines and many more jaw-dropping sights along the way.

Head off the single track roads and take in the scenery around you as you travel to the surrounding towns and villages of Lairg, Golspie, Brora, Helmsdale, Wick and Thurso. These locations are gateways to The Flow Country and great places to base yourself for exploring the area.

Learn more about train travel in Scotland.

Find out more about the Far North Line Community Rail.

Travel by Road

Scotland is an accessible destination with a myriad of road networks connecting all corners of the country to our major towns and cities.

Travel north towards Inverness and onwards to Dornoch, where you can branch off northwest towards Lairg or continue northeast up the coast to Wick.
From Lairg you can head up the A836 to Tongue and Moine, from Helmsdale to Forsinard and Melvich you can travel along the A897, or journey from Helmsdale to Thurso on the A9. No matter which route you take, you’ll be met with picturesque scenery the whole way.

Find out more about driving in Scotland.