Caithness Natural Attractions & Scenic Spots – Summary
Caithness in the far north of Scotland offers dramatic cliffs, sweeping moorlands, and untouched coastal beauty. It’s a place of expansive skies and quiet landscapes where visitors can find sea-stacks, sandy bays, and unique geological formations. Nature here feels raw and elemental, shaped by centuries of wind and waves, making it an inspiring destination for photography, walking, and reflection. Have a look at some images to give you a taste of the Caithness region.
Natural Attractions and Scenic Spots
Duncansby Stacks – striking sea-stacks rising from the North Sea cliffs
Dunnet Head – mainland Britain’s most northerly point with seabird colonies
Whaligoe Steps – dramatic cliffside descent to a historic harbour
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe cliffs – rugged coastline with castle ruins
Forss Waterfall – scenic falls set in moorland surroundings
Loch Watten – tranquil freshwater loch popular with anglers
Peedie Sands – secluded golden beach near Thurso
Flow Country – vast peatland wilderness of international importance
Strathy Point – lighthouse views with frequent dolphin sightings
Melvich Bay – sweeping sandy beach backed by dunes
Historic Sites and Ruins
Castle of Mey – restored royal residence of the Queen Mother
Old Wick Castle – one of Scotland’s oldest stone keeps
Hill o’ Many Stanes – Neolithic stone rows in scenic moorland
Pictish Trail stones – carved monuments across Caithness
Braal Castle ruins – medieval tower house on the Thurso River
Dunbeath Broch – Iron Age roundhouse remains near the coast
Freswick Castle ruins – coastal ruin with Viking associations
Wick Heritage Trail – historic route through town landmarks
Ackergill Tower – historic tower house turned luxury venue
Keiss Castle – cliff-edge ruin overlooking Sinclair’s Bay
Museums and Cultural Sites
Caithness Horizons Museum – history, archaeology, and nuclear heritage in Thurso
Wick Heritage Museum – fishing, herring trade, and local life
North Coast Visitor Centre – cultural exhibitions and local history displays
Laidhay Croft Museum – preserved 18th-century thatched longhouse
Lybster Flagstone Heritage – stories of Caithness stone industry
Timespan Museum & Arts Centre – heritage blended with contemporary art
Mary-Ann’s Cottage – 19th-century croft frozen in time
Thurso Art Gallery – rotating exhibitions of local artists
Castlehill Heritage Centre – flagstone quarrying and industrial heritage
St Fergus Gallery, Wick – community art and exhibitions
Any Other Notable Experiences
John O’Groats – iconic village at the “end of the road”
Northern Lights viewing – winter aurora borealis sightings
Sea angling trips – North Sea fishing adventures from Wick or Scrabster
Surfing at Thurso East – world-class cold-water surf spot
Wildlife cruises – seabird and seal-spotting along the coast
Forsinard Flows RSPB reserve – peatland boardwalk and visitor centre
Dunnet Bay Distillery – gin and vodka tours with tastings
Caithness Highland Games – traditional summer sporting event
North Coast 500 route – scenic driving journey through Caithness
Local craft studios – glass, pottery, and handmade jewellery workshops
For the most up-to-date details, such as opening hours or entry fees, check official websites or Google Maps reviews.