On our trip around the northern coast of Scotland in summer 2019 we crossed also the area of Flow Country. The main argument about this site seems the size of untouched land that is unique in Europe and the amount of CO2 it binds. To me this seems for my taste to jump on the (very necessary) wave of the current climate consciousness. The trip along the northern coast road is attractive mainly for the rocks and beaches on the seaside. The actual flow country on the landside has a certain wild “Wuthering heights” charm: it is a huge area of rather flat moor with moss in many shades, pools and small hills. This is a very typical Scottish landscape but you can find it in smaller chunks nearly everywhere in Scotland and it is also almost everywhere else more attractive because it contrasts sharply with hills, mountains and lakes. There is little doubt that this area has an ecological importance and that it should be protected but for a traveller this has not more to offer then a walk (where it is possible) through a very wide, lonely and very wet country. That is less then almost any other landscape of this spectacularly beautiful country can offer.
Things to see: The most interesting thing during this drive is really the contrast between the landside and the seaside with gorgeous bays, cliffs and beaches. Here are a few places interesting sights in the area. They are not relevant to the OUV of this natural site but worth a stop. In Alltnacaillich you can see one of the best-conserved Brochs in Scotland, the Broch Dun Dornaigil. Near Internaver you can find the beautiful Lochan Duinte. On its northern shore you can explore one of the best clearance villages. It is quite overgrown but there is a map and you can find some of the ruins by the relief in the soil. The attached picture is taken there. At Bettyhill there is the quirky Strathnaver Museum in an old church with an interesting graveyard. At Crosskirk there is a very nice viewpoint with cliffs near St Mary’s Chapel.