If you had followed the Sat Nav route up to The Captains in the first place then you will have driven through Bonar Bridge, although probably not stopped in your haste to complete your long journey. Actually, it is quite a good place to stop on that long journey as it has a convenient public toilet, and you may be particularly grateful for it on your return trip after leaving The Captains as it about an hour away from the cottage and you reach it just as your last cup of coffee works it way through!
As toilet stops go, it is quite pleasant. The facilities themselves are basic but functional and usually open (always a bonus). But there is plenty of parking and a nice place to have a picnic next to the Kyle of Sutherland. Indeed, here there are various local stones thoughtfully arranged and explained, so take a moment to familiarise yourself with the geology.
The village is the meeting point between the A836 that heads off towards Inverness in the south and Lairg in the north, and the A949 that leads to Dornoch to the east. The bridge was built here as it has long been the easiest point to cross the Kyle of Sutherland, initially as a ferry crossing in small boats, and a fording point to safely drive cattle across. The first bridge was built in 1811-12 and was a Thomas Telford creation. It was subsequently replaced in 1883 and the current bridge dates from 1973.
The village is still very much a transport hub and place that people drive through. However, it does have a few shops and local businesses, including the Caley Takeaway close to the bridge. There is also a 9-hole golf course.
Upon leaving the village along the Lairg Road, you may notice the impressive looking Carbisdale Castle. This was a folly castle built in 1907 by the dowager Duchess of Sutherland and from 1945 to 2011 it was a youth hostel. However, it went up for sale after that and since 2022 it has been a private residence.
Notes to visitors with limited mobility:
The public toilets and picnic area are wheelchair friendly.