Caithness

Visit Caithness

Welcome to the Scottish Highlands. North of Inverness you will discover Caithness, a county that covers an large area at the far top right corner of Scotland, an ancient land once lived in by the Picts and invaded by the Vikings. Explore the far north of Scotland and plan your next visit to Caithness and the Highlands of Scotland.

When you visit Caithness you will discover beautiful scenery making this area a perfect place for holidays for all the family. As the countryside and landscape varies with large stretches of moorland perfect for nature conservation along with outstanding coastal scenery where you can observe dolphins and the occasional whale if you are lucky to be in the correct place at the right time. The land is known for its rich crofting and farming communities, fishing heritage and the towns of Thurso and Wick along with many villages. The area has a fascinating range of old castles, remnants of pictish settlements, standing stones, and brochs along with the more recent effects of the clearances with abandoned villages and houses now long empty.

The Caithness coastline has spectacular scenery, and views over to the Orkney Islands. Wildlife and nature lovers love the area.

Visit Caithness

Dunnet Head, Dunnet Head Lighthouse and RSBP Nature Reserve

Dunnet Head is Scotland most northerly point with views over to the Orkney Islands, you will not be disappointed with the outstanding scenery. You drive past the most northerly village of Brough on your way to Dunnet Head. The RSPB Dunnet Head site is an important nature reserve for coastal birds including puffins, Guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars. In spring and early summer you can see observe the birds nesting and raising their young. Watch out for whales or take a nature walk during the summer months.

Scrabster Harbour and Orkney Ferry, Marina, Boat Charter

Scrabster harbour and ferry port is an important part of Caithness with the ferry connecting Orkney to Caithness, while the harbour supports the fishing, offshore oil, gas and wind power industries. The marina is busy with local fishing and leisure boats and also has boats available for charter for sea fishing trips around Caithness and Orkney.

Castle of Mey

One of Scotland's best loved castles is the Castle of Mey, purchased by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1952, who restored the castle and developed the walled gardens. It is now open to the public during spring and summer months. You can now stay within the castle grounds in the newly opened The Granary Lodge Bed and Breakfast where you can experience luxury holiday accommodation while on the North Coast 500 route around the north of Scotland.

John O' Groats

John O' Groats is an iconic destination for people undertaking the NC 500 route around Highlands of Scotland as well as being the start / end point for many sponsored events raising money for charity. At John O’ Groats you can shop or enjoy a relaxing meal or quick snack at the cafés and hotel, watch out for passing killer whales, or take a day trip on the John O’ Groats ferry to Orkney.