Beyond Moine House, the next landmark is Hope. In recent times, there has been much change and development here, mainly funded by Anders Povlsen. If you wish to take a drive along the shores of Loch Hope then keep your eyes open at this point to spot the left hand turn onto the unclassified road.
The loch is long and narrow and heavily tree lined so at first you may only catch glimpses of the water through the trees. However, it is used for fishing and there are car parks dotted along the route so it is worth turning into one or two of these for a closer look at the water on foot. The loch has a sandy shore and offers beautiful views across to the mountains, including, of course, Ben Hope.
As the road reaches the neck of the loch, you will come across Dun Dornaigil, Scotland's most impressive prehistoric building. There is an information board here explaining what is known about the history of this building.
Beyond this building, the road continues along the edge of the Strathmore River and picks up The Rob Donn Trail. Rob Donn Mackay was an 18th Century poet who left a legacy of poems and songs about life in the area before the clearances. Along the road there are several information boards about him and Strathmore.
Eventually, the road comes out just a little way above Altnaharra and at a crossroads that leads to Strathnaver straight ahead. If you wish to continue your historical tour, then head back to The Captains via Strathnaver, stopping periodically to read the Strathnaver Trail information boards, mostly concerned with the history of the Highland clearances.
Notes for visitors with limited mobility:
Most of this tour can be enjoyed from a car and stops at the roadside so is suitable for all.