Strathmore

Strathmore is a wide valley in northern Scotland’s Sutherland region. It lies south-east of Loch Eriboll and runs north to south, with the Strathmore River flowing along its floor. A minor road follows the river, which leads into Loch Hope at the valley’s northern end. Ben Hope, a prominent mountain, rises to the east of the strath. The landscape is open and windswept, typical of the far north. The valley is recognised as the birthplace of Rob Donn, a notable Scottish Gaelic poet born at Aultnacaillich. Nearby stands Dun Dornaigil, an Iron Age broch that reaches up to six and a half metres in height. The area was once more settled, but most inhabitants were removed in the early 19th century during the Highland Clearances. Today, Strathmore remains sparsely populated, with only scattered crofts and farmsteads. The Strathmore River supports salmon and trout, providing important spawning grounds. The valley sits within the Ben Hope Site of Special Scientific Interest, recognised for its natural habitats. Visitors find quiet riverside paths and wide views across open moorland. The Iron Age broch offers a glimpse of the past amid the empty landscape. The strath’s remoteness and unspoilt scenery make it a place for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.