Fancy the relaxation of a sauna combined with the exhilaration of the dramatic North Sea? Clach Mara Sauna is quickly becoming a hidden gem for both Caithness locals and NC500 adventurers.
Harnessing the restorative power of sauna and nature, Clach Mara blends the tradition of wood‑fired bathing with the wild beauty of the North Highland landscape. Set in stunning coastal locations, it offers visitors a chance to support their well‑being while deepening their connection to the outdoors.
Owner Caorann Fosbrooke first came to the far north coast for the surf — and stayed for the sauna. Born near Tain, with childhood memories of Bettyhill and Caithness surf, he has always felt a strong bond with Scotland’s rugged northern shores.
Why We Chose Caithness: Life on the NC500’s Wild Shores
I was born and raised near Tain, so the north coast has always felt like home. My dad worked in Bettyhill for a while when I was a kid, and that’s how we discovered Caithness – and surfing. Since then, I’ve been coming up here for family holidays and to surf, and I’ve always had a strong connection to the place.
My main passion has always been the ocean. Surfing’s been a huge part of my life – that feeling of being out in the water, surrounded by wild coastline, is like nothing else. My wife Jasmine and I decided a couple of years ago that we wanted to try living up here full time. We moved to Caithness, fell in love with the place all over again, and never looked back.
Sauna and Surf Adventures on the North Coast 500
My background’s in engineering and design, but I’ve always had creative projects on the go. I love woodcraft, and a few years ago I started making wooden surfboards. I suppose that mix of creativity and design is what eventually led me to the idea of building saunas. I’ve always been interested in health and wellness – movement, the outdoors, surfing – so when I discovered sauna culture it was all systems go.
The idea of combining sauna with the landscape here just made sense. The contrast between heat and cold, stepping out into the sea air or even plunging into the Atlantic – it’s an incredible experience. I started designing a sauna using my engineering skills, applied for funding, and before I knew it, it was real. I built it through the spring, and now it’s up and running on the north coast, bringing a new kind of outdoor experience to Caithness.
The sauna started out mobile because there were so many beautiful spots I wanted to try. It’s been a bit of an experiment, learning what people enjoy and which places work best. Over time it’ll probably become more settled, and for now it’s mainly based at a secluded spot Castletown, overlooking Dunnet Bay that’s perfect for a sea dip!
Surf, Sauna, and Wellness in Scotland’s Highlands
I’m not a scientist or a health expert, but I know how good this feels – physically and mentally. The heat of the sauna and the shock of the cold water can help your body release stress and reset. More than that, it’s a way to connect with the outdoors. Surfing gives me that connection too, but not everyone wants to get into a wetsuit and take on waves. The sauna makes that sense of presence and calm accessible to anyone – you can sit in the warmth, surrounded by nature, watching the sea or the changing light.
What’s been amazing is the community that I have met around it. The outdoor swimming community were the first to get involved – they’ve been brilliant regulars. Then others followed: people trying it after the gym, visitors who’ve found us on Google, even travellers touring Scotland just to try different saunas. There’s a whole movement of people discovering the joy of outdoor sauna culture.
For me, it’s also about connection. The sauna can be a peaceful space for yourself, or a social experience. People chat, share stories, and just relax together. I now run a monthly community session that’s donation-based, so anyone can come along, whether or not they can afford a ticket. Those donations go back into a small charitable pot which will be donated each year to local charities.
Hidden Gems on the NC500: Clach Mara Sauna
The setting here makes it truly special. I’ve surfed and travelled around the world, but I always come back to Scotland. The north coast still feels raw and wild – untouched in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere. Even though more people are discovering it, it hasn’t lost its sense of space and calm.
To be able to sit in a warm sauna, looking out over this rugged coastline, watching the waves roll in – it’s a powerful reminder of what makes this place so unique. The North Highlands has always had that wild beauty, but now it’s also a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect.
Why Clach Mara Sauna Belongs on Your NC500 Itinerary
Studies show sauna use reduces stress and improves circulation, while time spent in natural environments, especially near water, boosts mental well-being. This is known as Blue Health, and it’s one of the reasons why Clach Mara Sauna is such a unique experience. Set against the dramatic North Sea coastline, it combines the restorative heat of a traditional Finnish sauna with the calming influence of Scotland’s wild landscapes.
More and more travellers are searching for authentic and immersive experiences. If you’re looking for a moment of calm in Caithness, Clach Mara Sauna is for you. Here, you can reconnect with nature, breathe in fresh sea air, and enjoy the proven health benefits of heat and cold therapy, all while overlooking the coastal landscapes of the North Coast 500.
Ready to make your NC500 journey unforgettable? Book your Clach Mara Sauna session today and find out more by visiting the website.
Information and Q&A’s
What are the health benefits of Sauna?
A sauna is more than just a feel‑good ritual, immersing yourself in heat and cold, surrounded by nature, offers powerful physical and mental benefits.
Relax in this handcrafted, Finnish‑style wood‑fired sauna and gaze out over the rugged NC500 coastline in Caithness as the waves roll in. You can join a communal session or book a private hire for yourself, a partner, or close friends.
Where is Clach Mara Sauna located?
Clach Mara Sauna sits directly on the NC500 route. Tucked away between Dunnet Bay and Castletown Harbour, it overlooks a secluded bay that’s perfect for sea‑dipping. Clach Mara also hosts sauna pop‑ups across the North Highlands including Wick, Thurso, and Melvich.
How do I book a session?
Bookings can be made through the Clach Mara Sauna website, and you can follow the Facebook page for updates on locations, session times, and pop‑ups.
What should I bring?
Wear your swimwear and bring two towels (one for sitting, one for drying), a water bottle, a Dryrobe or warm, cosy clothes, sliders/crocs/flip-flops, and a bag for your kit.
