Things to Do in Caithness

The east coast of Caithness is a treasure trove of history, natural beauty, and coastal charm. From the stunning and diverse landscape and ancient ruins to bustling harbours and serene beaches, this region offers something for every kind of explorer. Generally more peaceful than the west coast of the NC500, the east coast offers plenty to see and do. Below are just a few ideas.
Historic and Cultural Highlights
- Dunbeath Heritage Centre: A Journey Through The Past, Places and People of Dunbeath; their stories and history, a hub for the arts culture and the work of writer Neil Gunn.
- Wick: Once the busiest herring port in Europe, Wick is steeped in maritime heritage. Visit the Wick Heritage Centre to uncover the town’s fascinating past, and stroll through the historic Pulteneytown area, designed by Thomas Telford.
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Brochs and Standing Stones: The landscape is dotted with Neolithic sites, including ancient brochs and mysterious standing stones that whisper tales of Scotland’s distant past. One of these sites, Hill O' Many Stanes,is located just 4 miles north east of Lybster on the A99.
- Caithness Archives Centre: Located in Wick Library, part of the Highland Archive Service.
- Camster Cairns: The two Cairns of Camster are among the oldest stone monuments in Scotland, built over 5000 years ago and are two of the best preserved burial tombs surviving from the neolithic period anywhere in Britain.
- Clann Gunn Heritage Centre: Located in the old parish church in Latheron which was built in 1734, the centre tells the story of one of Scotland's oldest clans, from its Norse origins to present day. With the adjoining cemetery on its cliff top overlooking the sea, it really is a beautiful and moving place to visit and research local clans of Caithness.
- Laidhay Croft Museum: A 200 year old rush thatched Caithness longhouse located just north of Dunbeath. The museum includes the dwelling with the stable and byre at each end, the detached barn with the original cruck roof and a cart shed, as well as a modern shed containing the museum's large collection of farming implements. While you're there you can stop for some lunch or cake and a cuppa at the Laidhay Tea Room.
- Sinclair & Girnigoe Castle: This once impregnable medieval/renaissance stronghold is now the most spectacular ruin in the North of Scotland and under a preservation programme by its owner, the Clan Sinclair Trust.
- Old Keiss Castle: stands hauntingly on a small promontory along the Keiss beach coastline, between Wick and John O'Groats. Built in the 17th century by George Sinclair, the 5th Earl of Caithness.
Nature and Scenery
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John O'Groats Trail: A147 mile coastal walking route from Inverness to John o’ Groats, traversing shorelines, cliff tops, back lanes and footpaths of the Scottish Highlands. See more information at The John o' Groats Trail – Coastal Walking Route from Inverness to John o' Groats
- Latheronwheel Harbour: A scenic harbour built in 1835 to support the herring fishing, it's a peaceful spot surrounded by a walk that takes you up over the old stone bridge which dates back to the 1720s, and up to the lighthouse ruin on the headland. This walk is part of the John O'Groats Trail and offers unforgettable views from the cliff tops.
- Whaligoe Steps: Descend the 365 stone steps carved into the cliffside to reach a hidden harbour once used by fisherwomen. The views are unforgettable.
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Dunbeath and Lybster: These picturesque villages offer coastal walks, quiet harbours, and a glimpse into traditional Highland life.
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Wick River and Riverside Walks: Ideal for peaceful strolls, fishing, or enjoying community events like the Wick Gala and Christmas lights parade.
Wildlife and Adventure
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Boat Tours: Explore the Pentland Firth and North Sea by boat, with chances to spot seals, dolphins, whales and seabirds.
- Lichen Caithness: Visit Lichen Caithness near Halkirk for an immersive visitor experience and meet the UK's most northerly reindeer! Offering a variety of special events and daily activities.
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Beaches and Clifftop Trails: The coastline is lined with secluded beaches and rugged paths perfect for hiking, photography, or simply soaking in the sea air.
Distilleries and Breweries
- There are several distilleries and breweries to enjoy in Caithness including Dunnet Bay Distillery, John O'Groats Brewery, North Point Distillery, Old Pulteney Distillery and Wolfburn Distillery. You can tour these, but please notes some require advance booking. Our nearest distillery is Ice and Fire Distillery located in the Strath of Latheronwheel, they produce Crofters Tears Gin, Highland Gin and Caithness Raiders Rum. You can buy their products in local stockists or visit iceandfiredistillery.com
Local Arts
- Forse of Nature: Set in 24 acres of wooded grounds near Latheron, Forse of Nature craft shop showcases the work of more than 40 local crafters, sometime with demonstrations taking place. There is also a cafe.
- North Shore Pottery: Just north of Latheron, the studio of ceramic artist Jenny Mackenzie Ross. There is a small gallery where her work is on display and for sale.
- Lyth Arts Centre: LAC in Wick is the UK's most northerly mainland arts centre. Live performances from touring companies and visual arts, from Scotland, the UK and the world. Including theatre, dance, family events, jazz, folk, classical and world music, comedy circus and much more. LAC also presents performances in around 12 village halls and community centres across Caithness and North Sutherland. Visit their website here
- Far North Gifts and Gallery: Located in nearby Wick, this gallery and gift shop specialised in the watercolour, pastel and oil paintings of its artist owner, and also has carefully sourced original and handcrafted unique products.
If you are a local artist and would like your details to be shared on this website, please contact us.
See the Visit Scotland website for more information about visitor attractions in Caithness.
Visit the Caithness Adventure Map on the Caithness Broch Project website, for a huge list of walks and sites in Caithness.
