Falls of Shin Walk
This circular walk visits the beautiful Falls of Shin in the north of Scotland. The picturesque falls are located on the River Shin, near the Kyle of Sutherland and the villages of Lairg and Bonar Bridge.
The walk starts from the visitor centre and car park. From here it's a short walk to the viewing platform where you can enjoy an excellent view down to the falls where Salmon can be seen leaping during the late summer months.
After viewing the falls head west and you can enjoy the circular woodland walk through the Shin Forest. The visitor centre houses a shop and a cafe where you can enjoy some post walk refreshments.
Postcode
IV27 4EE - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsFalls of Shin Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Falls of Shin Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Falls of Shin OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Falls of Shin Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
You could head north along the River Shin into Lairg and visit The Pier Cafe. The cafe is in a fine location overlooking Loch Shin. They have a decking area where you can enjoy a delicious meal with excellent views over the water. The cafe can be found at postcode IV27 4EG for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The falls and the surrounding woodland are ideal for a dog walk so you'll probably see other owners on a fine day. The on site cafe is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking around Sutherland head east to Golspie on the coast. Here you can enjoy a climb to Ben Bhraggie where you'll find the Sutherland monument and wonderful views over the area.
The John O' Groats trail runs from Brora to Golspie with some splendid views over the Moray Firth. Here you could also visit the historic Dunrobin Castle. The 14th century castle has a fascinating history and some beautiful gardens to explore. The lovely waterfall on the Golspie Big Burn Walk can also be found in this area.
Also near the coast at Brora is Loch Brora where there's another peaceful waterside trail to try.
To the south east you'll find the splendid Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. The coastal reserve includes sand dunes and nature trails with seals, otters and various wildfowl to look out for on the way.
If you head north to Lairg you can enjoy trails along the expansive Loch Shin and visit the impressive Hydro Dam in Lairg.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Scottish Highlands Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Falls of Shin
Playground at the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre. A popular tourist destination in Sutherland. In addition to the cafe, shop and playground at the visitor centre, and the Falls themselves, there are a number of forest walks starting from here.
Visitor Centre
Falls view.
Viewing Platform. Salmon were attempting to leap the falls, but the river was in spate and none succeeded while we were there.
A leaping Salmon at the falls. The strength of these fish is amazing as they leap against the torrent of water.
Forest clearing. The track meanders close to the boundary between grid squares in this area. The clearing and a couple of path intersections allow an accurate location though.
Shin Forest