Cottages near Caithness, the far north of Scotland
Caithness is renowned for large skies, wild seas and glorious sunsets, empty open moorland, a sense of freedom, deserted beaches, breathtaking coastal scenery and boisterous seabird cities dotted with traditional stone holiday cottages, and contemporary self-catering vacation accommodation. It offers beauty and ruggedness, soft scenery and wild seas, outdoor adventurism and peaceful havens, award winning restaurants and local tearooms, fast boat trips or dreamy days on Dunnet beach - self-catering allows you freedom to explore the far north of Scotland.
Caithness is often described as one of Europe’s last wildernesses, you could walk, climb or mountain bike all day without bumping into anyone else, it can be very remote. There are castles, distilleries, and an unspoilt coastline which is well known for surfing. Wick, Thurso and the Orkney Islands – (take a ferry from Scrabster, Gill’s Bay or John O’Groats) are great trips for visitors.
For outdoor enthusiasts there is a choice of a gentle walk or a more energetic round of golf on any of the three golf courses. There are excellent opportunities for fishing, both fresh water or sea fishing. As well as bracing cliff walks or more casual beach or hill walking, surfing is to be had at Thurso or Brimms, both world championship locations, and nearby Dunnet beach is a popular venue for windsurfing, sea canoeing and wildlife watching. For the serious ornithologist there are dedicated hides for watching the more timid visitors to these shores. Lodges and cottages are rented out throughout the year - every season bringing different holiday activities.
The county is home to various heritage sites and the late Queen Mother's summer home The Castle of Mey with its serene gardens is well worth a visit. Art and culture are to be found throughout and a visit to Orkney, there and back in a day, extends the Caithness experience over the water.
- Short breaks
- Pet friendly cottages
- Large family holiday homes
- Traditional vacation rentals
- Wick, Thurso close by
- Wick Airport
- Stations - Wick and Thurso
- Excellent restaurants
- Golf courses
- 5 castles visible from the golf course
- Outstanding sea coast - cliffs, beaches, caves
- Wonderful sealife - dolphins, orcas, myriad birds
- Horse riding
- Fishing - fresh water, river and sea fishing
- Beaches - Freswick, Dunnet
- Surfing
- Swimming pools in Thurso and Wick
- Historical and heritage sites all over Caithness
- Regular ferry crossings to Orkney
Self-catering accommodation:
Traditional cottages with dry stone walls and established trees, shrubs, flower beds and open lawns affording views to the hills of Sutherland, the sea and Orkney, surrounded by fields with no neighbours, only cows and wildlife - sound too good to be true? Take a look there is wonderfully refurbished crofts and holiday homes around Caithness.
Directions to caithness:
Follow the main arterial route the A9 to Thurso and turn right at Tesco lights, signposted John O' Groats. Follow this road through Castletown, Dunnet and Mey towards Caithness.