The Falls of Shin is an absolute favourite spot for us when we travel to Scotland. There's an epic waterfall, where you can spot Salmon jumping up stream and take in some stunning forest walks. The car park allows you to stay overnight and there's water and bins available. Charges apply now at £25 for 24 hours. You must pay within 10 minutes of arriving or a £100 fine will be issued as APNR cameras have recently been installed. The option of electric hookup and chemical waste disposal is also available for an additional charge.
Check out our complete guide to Falls of Shin in Scotland. It's an awesome location that we'll continue to visit on our travels through Scotland.
Table of Contents
The Falls of Shin is one of the best-known sights in the area and the go-to place for us to see Salmon jumping up waterfalls and rivers. Salmon can often be seen attempting to pass up the falls in the summer and early autumn. There are some great walks here that combine a visit to the falls, down the river and back through the woods before making a loop through higher woodland with some lovely views.
Also if you are a van lifer or motorhomer, the Falls of Shin have a huge car park that you can happily stay overnight in, with no worries of getting the knock. Charges have now been introduced at £25 for 24 hours, you must pay within 10 minutes of arriving or a £100 fine will be issued as APNR cameras are in place.
Ancient woodland, Atlantic salmon and thundering falls
Follow the winding road through Achany Glen to a forest clearing where salmon leap and children play. You've reached the Falls of Shin, a wonderful starting point for a range of trails through beautiful mixed woodland and along the rocky banks of the Shin. It's a great place to get out and enjoy the forest whatever your ability – there are natural play areas here and easy trails suitable for all users.
Getting to Falls of Shin in Scotland involves travelling to the village of Lairg in Sutherland, located in the northern part of the Scottish Highlands. Here are general directions for reaching Falls of Shin:
The most convenient way to reach Falls of Shin is by car, especially for those travelling from nearby towns or cities. Follow these general steps:
From Inverness: If you're coming from Inverness, a major city in the Scottish Highlands, take the A9 north towards Tain and continue on the A9 until you reach the turnoff for Lairg.
From Lairg: Once you reach Lairg, follow signs or directions to the Falls of Shin. The falls are located approximately 5 miles (8 kilometres) west of Lairg.
While public transportation options are limited in this rural area, it's possible to use a combination of train and bus services. The nearest train station is Lairg.
By Train: Take a train to Lairg Train Station. Trains to Lairg are available from Inverness, Thurso, and other nearby locations.
By Bus: From Lairg, you may need to use local bus services or other transportation options to get to Falls of Shin. Check the availability of local bus services or consider arranging for a taxi or ride-sharing service to take you to the falls.
Consider joining a guided tour or excursion that includes the Falls of Shin in its itinerary. Tour operators may provide transportation and guided experiences, offering convenience for travellers who prefer not to drive or navigate public transportation.
If you're using GPS navigation, the approximate coordinates for Falls of Shin are around 58.0341° N latitude and 4.4155° W longitude.
It's recommended to check current road conditions, especially if you're travelling in the winter months when weather conditions can impact road accessibility. Additionally, it's a good idea to verify specific directions or transportation options based on your starting location and current circumstances.
The best time to visit Falls of Shin can depend on your preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. Here are some considerations for different times of the year:
Large Car Park, space for lots of vehicles
Walking trails at the Falls of Shin are plentiful. We’ve been here a few times and covered all the walks here. They range from riverside to forest walks. Both are equally stunning in their own right.
When can you see Salmon at Falls of Shin? The best time to see the salmon leaping at Falls of Shin is typically during the salmon run season, which generally occurs in the late summer and early autumn months. The exact timing can vary each year, but here are some general guidelines:
Dornoch Station - From £269
in the heart of Dornoch, a mere 300 meters from the renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Dornoch Station offers an exquisite retreat complete with complimentary bicycles, free private parking, a lush garden, and an on-site restaurant. This opulent 5-star hotel provides exemplary services including room service and a 24-hour front desk, ensuring a seamless experience for guests who can also unwind with a refreshing drink at the hotel bar.
Each room in the hotel is thoughtfully appointed with modern amenities, featuring a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. The private bathrooms are equipped with showers and complimentary toiletries. Guests can revel in the convenience of free WiFi, with selected rooms boasting captivating sea views. Bed linens and towels add a touch of luxury to the accommodations.
For those seeking leisure activities, Dornoch Station offers the perfect base for exploring the surroundings, with cycling opportunities available in and around Dornoch. Just 700 meters away, the prestigious Carnegie Club Skibo Castle beckons, while the historic Dunrobin Castle sits 20 kilometres from the property. Inverness Airport, the nearest air travel hub, is situated 81 kilometres away from Dornoch Station.
Links House at Royal Dornoch - From £335
Located in Dornoch, Links House at Royal Dornoch offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, terrace, and complimentary WiFi. The property provides private parking for guests. Each room in the hotel is equipped with a flat-screen TV.
Guests at Links House at Royal Dornoch can start their day with a Full English/Irish breakfast. For those interested in cycling, the accommodation offers bike hire, making it convenient to explore the popular cycling routes in the area.
The reception at Links House at Royal Dornoch is ready to assist guests with information to navigate the surroundings. The hotel is situated 15 km from Tain, and Inverness Airport is the nearest airport, located 80 km away.
Morangie Hotel Tain - £186
This impressive Victorian mansion, Morangie Hotel boasts lush gardens and captivating views of Dornoch Firth. Conveniently situated within a stroll from Tain Railway Station, approximately 10 minutes away, the hotel is also in close proximity to major supermarkets. Just an hour from Inverness Airport and a short drive from the renowned Glenmorangie distillery, the hotel is ideally positioned. Tain Golf Club is easily accessible within a 5-minute drive.
Morangie Hotel serves as an exquisite venue for weddings, functions, short breaks, golf or whisky tours, and club car tours. The hotel's traditional, well-lit restaurant and cozy bar feature home-cooked meals sourced from local suppliers, including a selection of homemade Italian pizzas. The bar presents a diverse array of Highland malt whiskies, fine spirits, wines, and local draught beers. The welcoming residential lounge, open during specified hours, offers a relaxing environment for both residents and non-residents.
The bedrooms are spacious and well-lit, equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Standard basis rooms welcome pets upon request, allowing them to join their owners for dinner or breakfast in designated areas.
Complimentary on-site parking adds to the convenience of Morangie Hotel's offerings.
Eagle Hotel - £178
Eagle Hotel in Dornoch, Eagle Hotel offers a delightful retreat with its lush garden, restaurant, bar, and complimentary WiFi. Positioned just 200 meters from Carnegie Club Skibo Castle and 700 meters from Royal Dornoch Golf Club, this non-smoking property is also conveniently situated 19 km away from Dunrobin Castle.
Guests at the hotel can enjoy well-appointed rooms featuring a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, as well as comfortable bed linen and towels. Each room is equipped with a wardrobe and a kettle, ensuring a cozy and convenient stay.
For those arriving by air, Inverness Airport is the closest, located 79 km away from Eagle Hotel.
Woodlands Bed and Breakfast - £135
Situated in Dornoch, Woodlands Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located just 600 meters from the Royal Dornoch Golf Club. This accommodation offers picturesque garden views, complimentary WiFi, and free private parking. The property features a charming garden for guests to enjoy.
Each unit at the bed and breakfast is well-appointed with amenities such as a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, and towels. Guests can also take advantage of outdoor furniture and a kettle provided in the units.
The Carnegie Club Skibo Castle is a mere 700 meters away from the bed and breakfast, and Dunrobin Castle is located 20 km away. Inverness Airport, the nearest airport, is situated 80 km from Woodlands Bed and Breakfast.
Aultnagar Lodge - Eastside Rooms - £132
Located in Lairg, Aultnagar Lodge - Eastside Rooms provides accommodation with a garden and complimentary WiFi, along with free private parking for guests arriving by car. Situated within 30 km of Carnegie Club Skibo Castle and 31 km of Royal Dornoch Golf Club, the homestay is also conveniently positioned for exploring Dunrobin Castle, which is 39 km away. The private bathrooms feature a bath or shower, and the units at the homestay are equipped with bed linen and towels. Inverness Airport, the nearest airport, is approximately 81 km from the accommodation.
Newsagents Flat - £135
Newsagents Flat, located in Lairg, offers accommodation with a garden, situated 34 km from Carnegie Club Skibo Castle and 35 km from Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Throughout the property, guests can enjoy free WiFi, and Dunrobin Castle is just 32 km away.
This 2-bedroom apartment features a comfortable living room with a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms. The accommodation is non-smoking, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests.
For convenience, the nearest airport is Inverness Airport, located 88 km from the apartment.
If you are looking for campsites that are near Falls of Shin here are our suggestions:
Drumbhan Caravan and Motorhome Club Certified Location
They have a small caravan site under the Caravan & Motorhome Club banner. £15 a night with electric hookup. Must be a member of the Caravan Club.
It's a quiet site, perfectly placed for exploring the North Highlands and NC500 from John O'Groats to Loch Ness. They say on the website they are open all winter.
Our suggestion is to head to Bonar Bridge or Lairg. There’s a Spar convenience store in both locations. For anything more, you'll have to travel a little further to bigger surrounding towns.
The longest walk at the Falls of Shin is the Woodland Trail which is 1 ¼ miles.
Between May and October
Between May and October
Falls of Shin is a waterfall on the River Shin, in northern Scotland, near the villages of Bonar Bridge and Lairg. Perfect if you are doing the NC500
Yes dogs are allowed at Falls of Shin, there are no restrictions on bringing your dog.
Follow Us On YouTube 👉🏼
Get In Touch
Subscribe to our newsletter