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Caithness
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Explore Caithness in northern Scotland for ancient brochs, sea cliffs, coastal villages, powerful landscapes and far-north heritage.

Caithness occupies the far north-east of mainland Scotland, a broad historic county now administered within the Highland council area. Its landscape is more varied than the treeless, open moorland often associated with the far north: fertile coastal farmland surrounds Wick and Thurso, peatlands stretch across the Flow Country, and the northern and eastern shores are shaped by cliffs, sea stacks, dunes and wide beaches. The county's exposed position gives it long summer evenings, rapidly changing weather and expansive views across the Pentland Firth towards Orkney.
Read more about Caithness
Thurso is the principal town on the north coast and a useful base for exploring Dunnet Bay, Dunnet Head and the western part of Caithness. Wick, on the east coast, has a strong maritime and fishing heritage, while smaller settlements such as Castletown, Halkirk, Watten and Lybster reveal the county's agricultural and coastal character. At the north-eastern tip, John o' Groats is a recognised stopping point rather than a large resort; nearby Duncansby Head provides more dramatic cliff scenery, with sea stacks rising from the water below.
Caithness is particularly important for prehistoric and early medieval archaeology. Chambered cairns, standing stones, brochs and the remains of ancient settlements are scattered across the county, often in open landscapes where their relationship with sea, farmland and peatland remains clear. The Castle of Mey, the former Caithness home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, offers a more recent and carefully preserved layer of history, while the ruined castles of Sinclair Girnigoe and Old Keiss reflect the ambitions and conflicts of northern noble families.
The county's identity has also been shaped by the sea. Fishing, herring processing, coastal trade and lighthouse building influenced communities around Wick and the eastern shore, while the Pentland Firth remains a working maritime route. Inland, crofting, livestock farming and peat-cutting traditions have adapted to a demanding climate. Modern Caithness includes scientific and engineering history associated with the former Dounreay research site, alongside a growing interest in dark skies, wildlife, surfing, walking and archaeological tourism.
Visitors should allow time rather than treating Caithness as a collection of roadside viewpoints. Roads between the main towns are straightforward, but remote headlands and archaeological sites require planning, sturdy footwear and respect for weather and ground conditions. The reward is a spacious northern landscape in which ancient stone monuments, working harbours, seabird cliffs and small communities remain closely connected.

When is the best time to visit Caithness?

Best: June–August · 16–18°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January780
February760
March960
April1150
May1350
June (best)1660
July (best)1860
August (best)1870
September1570
October1280
November970
December780

Getting to and around Caithness

How to get there

Caithness can be reached by the Far North railway from Inverness, which is outside the region, with services continuing to both Thurso and Wick. Wick John O' Groats Airport is within Caithness, but air services can be limited or subject to change, so check current arrangements before relying on them. Most road journeys approach via the A9, which crosses the Dornoch Firth before continuing through the north Highlands; the A99 leads towards Wick, while the A836 serves the northern coast. Inverness Airport, also outside Caithness, is the nearest major air gateway for many international visitors.

Transportation

Wick and Thurso are linked by rail, and local buses connect the main towns with some surrounding settlements, but services are less frequent in remote districts. A car is highly useful for reaching Dunnet Head, Duncansby Head, prehistoric sites and smaller coastal communities, where distances and limited public transport can make independent travel slower. Cycling is possible on quieter roads, although wind, rain, long stretches without services and heavy seasonal traffic on some routes require preparation. Walking routes range from short coastal visits to exposed cliff and moorland outings, so use maps and allow for changing conditions.

Best attractions in Caithness

Caithness offers a concentrated range of attractions across a large, sparsely populated landscape. Prehistoric sites include the chambered cairns at Camster, the Achavanich stone setting and the well-preserved remains at the Hill of Many Stanes, while broch sites and other ancient settlements reveal the county's Iron Age and Pictish past. Coastal scenery is equally important: Dunnet Bay, Dunnet Head, Duncansby Head and the cliffs around Noss Head provide opportunities for walking, photography and seabird watching, subject to weather and safe access. The Castle of Mey combines a historic house, gardens and royal association, whereas Wick's heritage attractions explore fishing, herring and the town's maritime development. Thurso is a base for northern beaches and outdoor activities, including surfing when conditions are suitable. Wildlife watching may include seals, seabirds and occasional cetaceans from coastal viewpoints, though sightings are never guaranteed. The Flow Country landscapes inland offer a different experience of peatlands, open horizons and specialist habitats. Smaller museums, churches, harbours and archaeological remains reward visitors who travel slowly between the principal towns rather than concentrating only on John o' Groats.

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Best landmarks in Caithness

Dunnet Head is mainland Britain's most northerly point and one of Caithness's defining coastal landmarks, with cliffs, lighthouse buildings and broad views across the Pentland Firth. Nearby Duncansby Head is recognised for its steep cliffs and offshore sea stacks, while Noss Head near Wick combines a prominent lighthouse setting with the ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. The Castle of Mey is a significant twentieth-century landmark because of its association with Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and its carefully maintained estate. Caithness's older identity is visible in the Grey Cairns of Camster, the Achavanich stones and the Hill of Many Stanes, whose prehistoric arrangements remain legible across open ground. The ruined Castle of Old Keiss stands above the east coast, a reminder of the county's noble and maritime past. In Wick, the harbour and surviving fishing-related buildings express the town's role in the herring economy, while Thurso's river, historic townscape and nearby Castlehill area reflect the long relationship between settlement, farmland and the sea.

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Best restaurants in Caithness

Dining in Caithness reflects both its coastal position and its rural economy. Wick, Thurso and the larger villages provide cafés, pubs, bakeries and restaurants, while rural inns and small accommodation businesses often form the main eating options outside the towns. Expect Scottish staples alongside locally sourced fish, shellfish, game, lamb, beef and seasonal vegetables, with seafood particularly appropriate around the east and north coasts. Smoked fish, baking and oat-based dishes are part of the wider northern Scottish food tradition, while local producers contribute preserves, cheeses and other farm goods. Menus change with supply and the season, so remote restaurants may require advance planning. Farmers' markets and farm shops, where operating, are useful places to find regional produce, although opening arrangements vary. In the evening, pubs often provide the most informal dining and a chance to sample Scottish beers, whiskies or soft drinks made by regional producers, without assuming that every establishment serves alcohol or remains open late.

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Best bars in Caithness

Caithness has a modest, locally oriented evening scene rather than a large nightclub culture. Wick and Thurso have the broadest choice of pubs, hotel bars, restaurants and occasional live-music or community entertainment, while smaller settlements generally centre their evening life on traditional pubs and social clubs. Some venues serve Scottish whisky, local or Scottish beer and simple food, but opening arrangements and entertainment schedules can change, especially outside the summer period. The county's long daylight in June and July often shifts attention towards coastal walks and outdoor activities rather than late-night entertainment. In winter, evenings are quieter and advance planning is sensible if staying in a remote area. Visitors should distinguish between a working local pub, a restaurant with a bar and a dedicated late-night venue; the latter are limited in number, and taxis or public transport may not be readily available after rural closing times.

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Best nightclubs in Caithness

Caithness has a modest, locally oriented evening scene rather than a large nightclub culture. Wick and Thurso have the broadest choice of pubs, hotel bars, restaurants and occasional live-music or community entertainment, while smaller settlements generally centre their evening life on traditional pubs and social clubs. Some venues serve Scottish whisky, local or Scottish beer and simple food, but opening arrangements and entertainment schedules can change, especially outside the summer period. The county's long daylight in June and July often shifts attention towards coastal walks and outdoor activities rather than late-night entertainment. In winter, evenings are quieter and advance planning is sensible if staying in a remote area. Visitors should distinguish between a working local pub, a restaurant with a bar and a dedicated late-night venue; the latter are limited in number, and taxis or public transport may not be readily available after rural closing times.

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Best shops in Caithness

Shopping in Caithness is concentrated in the high streets and independent businesses of Wick and Thurso, with smaller selections in market villages and coastal settlements. Visitors will find everyday shops, outdoor clothing, books, gifts, galleries, cafés and craft retailers rather than extensive department-store or luxury shopping. Useful regional purchases include local whisky and other Scottish drinks, smoked fish, oat-based baking, preserves, woollen goods, ceramics, jewellery and artwork inspired by the coast or prehistoric heritage. Farm shops and seasonal producers can offer a more direct connection with Caithness agriculture, but locations and opening days should be checked before making a special journey. The Castle of Mey estate and other established heritage sites may provide locally themed gifts, while John o' Groats has tourism-oriented shops serving visitors travelling to the far north. Independent retailers are generally more limited in remote areas, so Wick and Thurso are the practical places to combine food shopping, supplies and souvenirs.

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Caithness essentials

Currency and Payment
Caithness uses pound sterling, with the currency code GBP, as part of the United Kingdom. Debit and credit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in Wick, Thurso, petrol stations and established visitor businesses. Carry some cash for small purchases, honesty boxes, rural services and places where mobile or card connections may be unreliable. Banks and cash machines are concentrated in the larger settlements, so it is sensible to organise cash and fuel before travelling to remote headlands or inland archaeological sites.
Safety
Caithness is generally a calm destination, but its open terrain and exposed coastline create practical risks. Keep well back from cliff edges, never rely on unstable grass verges, and take particular care in strong wind, rain, ice or poor visibility. Roads can be narrow, single-track or shared with livestock, and journeys often take longer than distances on a map suggest. Beach visitors should respect tides and currents, while walkers should carry appropriate clothing, navigation equipment and enough food and water for remote routes. Check local weather forecasts before heading to the coast or moorland.
Emergency Situations
Dial 999 or 112 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies throughout Caithness and the United Kingdom. For coastal incidents, ask for the Coastguard; in remote countryside, provide precise grid references or location details so rescuers can find you. Mobile coverage can be intermittent around cliffs, beaches and inland moorland, so do not depend on a phone alone for navigation. For non-urgent medical advice, NHS 24 can be contacted on 111 in Scotland. In an immediate danger, call first and follow the operator's instructions.
Do's and Don'ts
Do close gates, avoid disturbing livestock and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when walking across farmland, moorland and estate land. Do keep dogs close to you near sheep, cattle and nesting birds, and do take all litter away from remote beaches and monuments. Do not climb on fragile archaeological structures or enter unsafe ruins. At harbours and working coastal sites, respect restricted areas and operational activity. Tipping in Scotland is discretionary rather than compulsory, but good service in restaurants, taxis or guided activities is commonly acknowledged with a modest amount.
Local Tips
Plan coastal sightseeing around the weather rather than expecting clear views every day; low cloud can obscure headlands while inland conditions remain brighter. Combine major viewpoints with smaller archaeological sites, but check access information because not every monument has facilities or a staffed visitor centre. The north coast is especially rewarding in late spring and summer for long daylight and seabirds, while winter brings shorter days and more limited opening arrangements. Fuel up in Wick, Thurso or other available service towns before covering the remote northern roads.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHullo[hʌl.oʊ]
GoodbyeCheerio[tʃɪə.ri.oʊ]
YesAye[aɪ]
NoNae[neɪ]
Please/You're welcomePlease/Ye're welcome[pliz/jɪr 'wɛlkəm]
Thank youThanks[θæŋks]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry[ɪkˈskjus mi/ˈsɔri]
How are you?How's it gaun?[haʊz ɪt ɡaʊn]
Fine. And you?A'm fine. An ye?[æm faɪn. ən jɪ]
Do you speak English?Dae ye speak English?[deɪ jɪ spiːk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
I don't understandA dinnae understand[æ dɪn.ɪ ˌʌndərˈstænd]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAh'd like tae see the menu, please[ɑːd laɪk teɪ siː ðə ˈmɛnjuː pliz]
I don't eat meatA dinnae eat meat[æ dɪn.ɪ it miːt]
Cheers!Slàinte![slæntʃə]
I would like to pay, pleaseAh'd like tae pay, please[ɑːd laɪk teɪ peɪ pliz]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![hɛlp]
Go away!Ga awa![ɡa əˈwɑː]
Call the Police!Phone the polis![foʊn ðə ˈpoʊlɪs]
Call a doctor!Phone a doctor![foʊn ə ˈdɒktər]
I'm lostA'm lost[æm lɒst]
I'm illA'm no weel[æm noʊ wil]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ah'd like tae buy...[ɑːd laɪk teɪ baɪ]
I'm just lookingA'm just lookin'[æm dʒʌst ˈlʊk.ɪn]
How much is it?Whit’s the price?[wɪts ðə praɪs]
That's too expensiveThat’s ower dear[ðæts ˈoʊər dɪr]
Can you lower the price?Kin ye lower the price?[kɪn jɪ ˈloʊər ðə praɪs]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Whit time is it?[wɪt taɪm ɪz ɪt]
It's one o'clockIt’s one o'clock[ɪts wʌn əˈklɒk]
Half past (10)Half past ten[hɑːf pɑːst tɛn]
MorningMornin'[ˈmɔːrnɪn]
AfternoonEfterneen[ˌæftərˈniːn]
EveningEvenin'[ˈiːvnɪn]
YesterdayYestreen[jɛsˈtriːn]
TodayTday[tʊˈdeɪ]
TomorrowMorrow[ˈmɒroʊ]
1Yin[jɪn]
2Twa[twɑː]
3Three[θriː]
4Fower[ˈfaʊər]
5Five[faɪv]
6Six[sɪks]
7Seven[ˈsɛv.ən]
8Eight[eɪt]
9Nine[naɪn]
10Ten[tɛn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Whar's a/the...?[wɛrz ə/ðə]
What's the address?Whit’s the address?[wɪts ðə əˈdrɛs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kin ye show me (on the map)?[kɪn jɪ ʃoʊ mi (ɒn ðə mæp)]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[wɛn ðə nɛkst (bʌs)]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (ta ....)[ə ˈtɪkɪt (tə)]

History of Caithness

Neolithic Cairns and Early Settlement

Caithness has some of Scotland's most important prehistoric monuments, including chambered cairns at Camster, Grey Cairns of Camster and the cairns at Achavanich. Built several thousand years ago, these communal burial structures demonstrate organised communities with enduring connections to particular landscapes. Standing stones, stone rows and later prehistoric settlements add to the archaeological record. The monuments are not isolated curiosities: their placement across fertile ground, moorland and coastal approaches helps explain how early communities used and understood northern Caithness.

Brochs and Pictish Caithness

From the Iron Age into the early medieval period, Caithness was home to substantial stone settlements known as brochs. Sites such as the Broch of Gurness, which lies outside Caithness in Orkney, are often confused with the mainland county; within Caithness, examples include the substantial remains at Dunbeath and Castlehill. These buildings were probably more than defensive towers, functioning as prominent homes and centres within wider communities. Pictish symbol stones and later archaeological evidence show that northern society remained connected to broader cultural networks across Scotland.

Norse Rule and the Earldom of Orkney

Norse influence became powerful in northern Scotland from the Viking Age, and Caithness was closely connected with the Norse earldom centred on Orkney. Scandinavian place names, maritime links and the county's position beside the Pentland Firth preserve evidence of this period. Caithness occupied a frontier between Norse and Scottish spheres of power, and control shifted over time. The county's coastal geography made it a point of contact for trade, political rivalry and movement between mainland Scotland and the Northern Isles.

Medieval Lords and Sinclair Strongholds

As Scottish royal authority expanded northwards, Caithness became associated with powerful local families and the earldom of Caithness. The Sinclairs established major strongholds on the eastern coast, including Castle Sinclair Girnigoe near Wick, while other noble families controlled estates and settlements across the county. The ruined castles visible today reflect both strategic maritime positions and the competitive politics of late medieval and early modern Scotland. Religious foundations, parish churches and estate landscapes added further structure to rural society.

Fishing, Farming and the Coastal Economy

From the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Caithness communities were transformed by commercial agriculture, fishing and maritime trade. Wick became one of Britain's major herring ports, attracting seasonal workers and supporting curing, boatbuilding and related industries. Thurso and smaller harbours also served local trade and fishing. At the same time, estate reorganisation and the wider Highland Clearances altered patterns of settlement, with some communities displaced and crofting landscapes reshaped. The county's harbours, fish-curing buildings and dispersed farms retain traces of this economic history.

Lighthouses and Maritime Navigation

Caithness's exposed coastline required improved navigation as shipping and fishing intensified. Lighthouses and associated buildings at places including Noss Head and Dunnet Head formed part of a wider network of aids to navigation around Scotland's dangerous northern waters. The work of lighthouse engineers and keepers was demanding, particularly around the Pentland Firth and storm-exposed headlands. These structures are now prominent coastal landmarks, but they also record the practical infrastructure that supported nineteenth- and twentieth-century maritime commerce.

Dounreay and the Modern Northern Economy

The establishment of the Dounreay nuclear research site on the north coast after the Second World War brought a major scientific and industrial presence to Caithness. Research into fast breeder reactor technology made the site internationally significant and generated employment, housing and infrastructure in a largely rural county. Although the reactor programme ended and the site entered decommissioning, its legacy remains important in Caithness's modern history. It illustrates the contrast between ancient archaeological landscapes and the region's role in twentieth-century technological development.

Caithness in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Caithness

Discover Caithness with Evendo: a 100% free travel guide app offering comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Caithness.
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Unlock the beauty of Caithness with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app. Explore landmarks, book experiences, and enjoy curated local tips—all for free.

  • Insightful history and travel essentials for visiting Caithness.
  • Curated local tips to experience Caithness like a local.
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Planning a trip to Caithness, United Kingdom? Let Evendo be your ultimate travel companion. With Evendo, you can explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Caithness with ease. From the iconic Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain, to the historic Castle of Mey, every landmark is just a tap away. Dive into the local culture at the Caithness Horizons Museum or take a serene walk along the beautiful Sinclair's Bay.

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Don't miss out on the hidden gems and must-visit spots in Caithness. Download Evendo today and make your trip to Caithness an adventure to remember.

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