Sir John’s Square, Thurso, image by Susan Barrie
Caithness: Thurso & North Coast
The North Coast of Caithness is a land of dramatic coastlines, golden beaches, and vibrant communities. From Thurso, the northernmost town on mainland Scotland, to charming villages like Dunnet and Castletown, the region offers stunning scenery where rivers meet the Pentland Firth and cliffs rise above the sea.
Adventure awaits with world-class surfing, scenic walks, and abundant wildlife and you’ll receive a warm highland welcome in our local cafés, pubs, and local shops. Rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, the North Coast of Caithness is the perfect destination for explorers seeking both activity and relaxation in Scotland’s far north
Highlights of the region
Catch the Surf on Thurso East
Thurso East is a surfing paradise, famed for its world-class waves and dramatic coastal views making it a must-visit for surfers and spectators exploring Scotland’s rugged north coast.
Wildlife Wonders!
Caithness’s wild northern coast offers unforgettable wildlife encounters in every season. Visitors can spot iconic Highland cows grazing in rugged pastures, marvel at majestic orcas gliding through coastal waters, and delight in the sight of puffins nesting along dramatic cliff edges.
Authentic Highland Culture
The North’s vibrant community spirit shines through year-round, with lively markets, music festivals, and cultural events offering visitors an authentic taste of life on Scotland’s northern coast.
Places to eat & drink
With a fantastic mix of cosy cafés, bars, distilleries, restaurants, local bakeries, and even a chocolatier for those with a sweet tooth, North Caithness has something for every taste.
Whether you’re after a relaxed lunch, a sweet treat, or a full food and drink experience, you won’t have to look far. With Scrabster Harbour right beside Thurso, you can enjoy fresh, local seafood straight from the sea to your plate.
Places to stay
Whether you’re after modern or traditional hotels, luxury self-catering lodges, or a well-equipped campsite, North Caithness has the perfect base for your Highland holiday.
With excellent local services and plenty to see and do nearby, you’ll have everything you need within easy reach, making it simple to relax, explore, and enjoy this stunning part of Scotland.
Discover vibrant events in Caithness
With a busy calendar of local events, including Highland Games, folk music sessions, galas, and markets, Thurso and North Caithness offer plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the year.
Day or night, there’s always something happening, giving visitors a chance to experience the region’s strong sense of community and join in the fun.
Things to see and do
Caithness offers a wide range of places to visit and things to do, from distillery tours and local museums to quiet beaches and historic landmarks. The dramatic Duncansby Sea Stacks, Castle of Mey, and thriving arts and heritage centres give visitors plenty to explore.
Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or local culture, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to see and do on your trip to the North Highlands!
Thurso, Caithness
Dunnet Beach, Caithness
Getting here
Train
Thurso is the northernmost station on the Far North Line which is part of the National Rail Network. The route is a perfect way to take in stunning northern scenery while sitting back and relaxing.
Bus
There are a variety of bus services available in Thurso whether you are looking to travel to the town itself or explore the local area. The X99 route has regular services between Thurso and Inverness.
The Far North Bus runs a regular 803 service between Thurso and Durness.
Car
Thurso is on the main A9 route north and the second last town before its terminus. The A9 is a well-maintained two-lane road which is drivable in most weathers. Approximate journey time from Inverness is 2 hours 20 minutes and approximate time from Wick is 30 minutes. Thurso has electric vehicle charging points available along with many other towns in Caithness and Sutherland.
Ferry
The nearby village of Scrabster has a ferry route linking to Stromness in Orkney and a ferry to Orkney is also available at the slightly further away John O’Groats.
Getting around Caithness
Thurso is perfectly set out to enjoy walking tours of the town so why not explore on foot and take in the sights at a slower pace. You can access sites outwith the town by foot or by cycling and there is the option to rent bikes in Thurso. For journeys further afield there are taxis and public transport available and if you need to rent a car there are a couple of businesses available. Please consider choosing an electric vehicle if available to reduce your impact on the environment.
WalkHighlands is an excellent site listing walks around Thurso for you to explore.
Huli will create unique cycle routes tailored to you for Thurso.
Interest groups
If you are looking to learn more about Thurso these are some of the groups in the area:
Thurso Community Development Trust
Thurso Heritage Society
Caithness FM
caithness.org
Caithness Astronomy Group
Caithness Broch Project
Caithness Field Club
Thurso Players
Thurso Camera Club
Shopping
Thurso has a fabulous variety of local shopping available from bespoke artistic creations to quirky souvenirs to remember your trip. There are larger food shops in the area where you can pick up supplies and plenty of smaller convenience stores perfect for those essentials. Explore our Local Shopping listings to find out more.
Immerse yourself in wide open spaces and enjoy breathtaking seaviews all the way to Orkney.
Surf Lesson with North Coast Watersports, Dunnet Beach
