Activities and Attractions

Local activities and attractions in Thurso.

Thurso Bay stretches from Scrabster in the west to the headland of Thurso East and is a wonderful spot to explore, swim, surf and enjoy.

Wolfburn Distillery is the most northerly whisky distillery on the Scottish mainland and promises handcrafted whisky made from only the finest ingredients. There are regular distillery tours as well as a gift shop on-site and online.

Thurso East is a world-renowned cold-water right-hand reef break that has hosted several international competitions. Take your own board or join a lesson with a local watersports provider to make the most of your day. You can also go hunting for the well-known Groatie Buckies on the shore around this area.

Thurso beach is the perfect spot on a sunny day to relax and enjoy the gentle sound of waves on sand, right on the doorstep of the town itself. Go for a bracing dip in the natural Rockwell swimming hole at the west end of the beach by the cliffs.

Victoria Walk is a stunning accessible clifftop walk from Thurso to Scrabster which takes in views of the Pentland Firth all the way across to the Orkneys. Look out for the traditional Caithness flagstone fencing which is a common sight around the area.

Thurso Pier has great views looking back to the beach and the town. On clear days you can easily see Scrabster and Holborn Head across the bay to the west and Dunnet Headland far off to the east. It is also a fantastic spot for a bit of star-gazing in winter.

Thurso Castle is easily visible from the town pier and stands out against the backdrop of Thurso East headland. There is a walk along the east side of the bay which takes in the castle but as the castle is in a state of disrepair it is not possible to explore inside. The beautiful Gatehouse is still in good repair and can be seen further along the walk.

The River Thurso cuts through the town and is host to a variety of wildlife including seals, otters, salmon and birds. There is a flat river walk, starting from town by the main bridge, which meanders along the eastern bank, and as a famous salmon-fishing river it is not usual to spot fly-fishermen trying their hand at the pools upriver.

Old St Peter’s Kirk is a ruined 13th century church near the harbour with church grounds which are open to the public. The kirk itself is closed to allow for preservation. At over 800 years old the kirk has a wealth of history including Norse finds and being the site of the Scrabster Witches trial in the early 1700s.

Nearby

East

Lady Janet’s Seat is the base of a folly which originally had a tower on top. It was built near Thurso Castle and has excellent views across the Thurso Bay and Pentland Firth to Orkney.

Harolds Tower is a quirky looking folly on a hilltop inland from Thurso Castle. Legend has it that it guards an ancient burial ground where Viking Earl Harold of the Orkneyinga Saga was slain in 1196.

Burnside Broch is the remains of a possible Iron Age broch situated on a hillock. Querns and human remains were discovered at the site though little visible remains of the broch today.

Dunnet Head is a nature reserve to the east of Thurso where it is possible to view puffins, razorbills, guilliemots, fulmars and kittiwakes at the right time of year.

North-West

Scrabster is a small village to the north-west of Thurso with several sights to see including ferries to Orkney, the harbour, a sandy beach and Holborn Head.

Holborn Head is a headland just north of Scrabster where it is possible to enjoy walks along the clifftops with birdlife and sea-life viewing. Clett Rock is an impressive sea stack visible along the Holborn Head trail.

Holburn Head Lighthouse is unique in its incorporation of the lighthouse into the keeper’s cottage. It was discontinued in 2003 and the cottage is now available for rental.

Scottish Primroses are extremely rare and bloom only in certain locations in Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney. Holborn Head is one of these locations so keep an eye out.

West

Things va is the remains of a broch situated at a strategic look-out point with views over Holborn Head, Thurso Bay, Thurso East and Dunnet Head. Little remains visible of the broch but the views are worth the trip.

Brims Castle was built in the sixteenth century and remained in domestic use until the twentieth century when it was abandoned and left to ruin.

Caithness Motocross Club are a local motocross club that practice and race on a track to the west of Thurso. Contact them for further information.

St Mary’s Chapel is one of the oldest ecclesiastical buildings in Caithness having probably been built around 1100. It lies in ruins today and is open to the public.

Events

Annual events in and around Thurso:

Caithness County Show (alternates with Wick)

Winter Fun Day

Wick and Thurso Players Pantomime

Caithness International Science Festival

East of Thurso are the areas of Castletown and Dunnet

South of Thurso is the area of Halkirk

West of Thurso is the area of Reay

North-West of Thurso is the area of Scrabster