Things to Do in Caithness

Discover the East Coast of 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.

🏰 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.
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

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 small 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.
Dunbeath and Lybster: These picturesque villages offer coastal walks, quiet harbours, and a glimpse into traditional Highland life.
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

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.
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. During distillery tours you can learn about the production, the history of the local area and taste various flavour profiles. 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