Caithness and Sutherland Travel Guide
Discover the rich cultural history, natural attractions, food and drink scene, and more in Caithness and Sutherland. Plan your trip with our detailed itinerary and travel guide.
- Introduction to Caithness and Sutherland
- List of Places to Visit in Caithness and Sutherland
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Caithness and Sutherland
- Best Things to Do in Caithness and Sutherland: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Caithness and Sutherland
- Food and Drink Scene of Caithness and Sutherland
- Where to Stay in Caithness and Sutherland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Caithness and Sutherland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Caithness and Sutherland
- Best Time to Visit Caithness and Sutherland
- Do’s and Don’ts of Caithness and Sutherland
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Caithness and Sutherland: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Caithness and Sutherland
- Where to Go Next from Caithness and Sutherland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Caithness and Sutherland
Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Caithness and Sutherland offer visitors stunning scenery, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. The area is known for its rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore the many culturally important attractions, take part in outdoor adventures, sample the local food and drink, and immerse themselves in the rich local culture. This guide provides a comprehensive travel guide to Caithness and Sutherland, including must-see attractions, best places to eat and stay, and travel tips.
List of Places to Visit in Caithness and Sutherland
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Caithness and Sutherland are steeped in history, and there are many museums and historical places to visit. The Caithness Horizons Museum in Thurso provides an overview of the area’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh showcases the history of lighthouses and the important role they played in Scotland’s maritime history. The Castle of Mey, once the residence of the Queen Mother, is a fascinating glimpse into the life of royalty.
Natural Attractions of Caithness and Sutherland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
From rugged coastlines to rolling hills, Caithness and Sutherland offer visitors many outdoor adventures. The North Coast 500 is a popular driving route that gives visitors a chance to see some of the most stunning scenery in the area. The Old Man of Hoy is a dramatic sea stack that can be seen from the mainland or visited on a ferry trip. The Flow Country is one of the largest areas of blanket bog in Europe and is home to a variety of plant and animal life.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Caithness and Sutherland
For those who love outdoor activities, there are many hiking and biking routes in the area. The Cape Wrath Trail is a popular hiking route that runs for over 200 miles from Fort William to Cape Wrath. The Sandwood Bay Trail is a scenic route that takes hikers to the beautiful Sandwood Bay beach, which is only accessible by foot or bike. The John O’Groats Trail is a 147-mile hiking and biking route that takes visitors from Inverness to John O’Groats.
Best Things to Do in Caithness and Sutherland: Activities and Tours
Visitors to Caithness and Sutherland have a wide range of activities to choose from. The area is known for its wildlife, and visitors can take part in boat trips to see whales, dolphins, and seals. For those who love golf, there are several excellent courses in the area, including the Royal Dornoch Golf Club. The Dunnet Bay Distillery offers tours where visitors can learn about the process of making gin and vodka and sample some of the local spirits.
Week-Long Itinerary for Caithness and Sutherland
For those who want to experience all that Caithness and Sutherland have to offer, a week-long itinerary is a great way to see the area. Day one can be spent exploring Thurso and visiting the Caithness Horizons Museum. Day two can be spent visiting the Dunnet Bay Distillery and taking a boat trip to see the local wildlife. Day three can be spent exploring the Castle of Mey. Day four can be spent hiking the Sandwood Bay Trail. Day five can be spent taking the North Coast 500 route. Day six can be spent playing golf at the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and enjoying the local food and drink scene. Day seven can be spent visiting the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh.
Food and Drink Scene of Caithness and Sutherland
Must-Try Dishes
The Caithness and Sutherland region is known for its fresh seafood, including local favorites like scallops, lobster, and haddock. For those who prefer meat, the area is known for its high-quality beef and lamb. Cullen skink, a soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, is a local specialty, as is oatcakes, which are served with savory accompaniments.
Local Beverages
Visitors to Caithness and Sutherland can enjoy a variety of local beverages, including gin and vodka from the Dunnet Bay Distillery and beer from the Cairngorm Brewery. The area is known for its natural spring water, which is bottled by a number of local companies.
Where to Stay in Caithness and Sutherland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are many options for accommodation in Caithness and Sutherland, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. The Royal Hotel in Thurso is a popular choice for those who want to be close to the town center. The Bettyhill Hotel is a charming guesthouse with stunning sea views. The Sykes Cottages in Dornoch offer self-catering options for visitors who want their own space.
What to Buy in Caithness and Sutherland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Visitors to Caithness and Sutherland can bring home a range of local products, including handmade pottery, knitwear, and jewelry. Local food products, such as smoked salmon and oatcakes, also make excellent souvenirs.
Local Culture and Customs of Caithness and Sutherland
The local culture in Caithness and Sutherland is steeped in tradition and heritage. Music and dance are important parts of the culture, and visitors can experience traditional ceilidhs throughout the year. The area is also known for its strong sense of community, and visitors can expect a warm welcome wherever they go.
Best Time to Visit Caithness and Sutherland
The best time to visit Caithness and Sutherland is from May to September, when temperatures are mild and there is plenty of daylight. However, visitors should be prepared for rain at any time of year, and should bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
Do’s and Don’ts of Caithness and Sutherland
Do:
- Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when hiking or biking.
- Sample the local food and drink.
- Visit the local museums and historical places.
- Take a boat trip to see the local wildlife.
Don’t:
- Pick wildflowers or disturb the local wildlife.
- Litter or damage the natural environment.
- Ignore warning signs on beaches or cliffs.
Safety and Health
Safety in Caithness and Sutherland
Visitors to Caithness and Sutherland should be aware of the potential hazards of outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking. It is important to follow safety guidelines and be properly prepared, including bringing appropriate clothing, footwear, and equipment.
Health in Caithness and Sutherland
Visitors to Caithness and Sutherland should be aware of the risk of tick bites, which can lead to Lyme disease. It is important to wear long sleeves and trousers when hiking or walking in areas with long grass and to check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Getting to Caithness and Sutherland: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Caithness and Sutherland
Inverness Airport is the nearest airport to Caithness and Sutherland.
Bus Stations Near Caithness and Sutherland
The main bus station for Caithness and Sutherland is located in Thurso.
Other Options
Visitors can also travel to Caithness and Sutherland by train or car.
How to Get Around in Caithness and Sutherland
The best way to get around in Caithness and Sutherland is by car or bike. There are also bus services available, but they may be infrequent in some areas.
Where to Go Next from Caithness and Sutherland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Visitors to Caithness and Sutherland can easily travel to nearby destinations, such as the Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye, and the Scottish mainland. Excursions to these areas offer visitors a chance to see more of Scotland’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural history.
Conclusion
Caithness and Sutherland offer visitors a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural history, and warm local hospitality. With a range of accommodation options, outdoor activities, museums and historical places, and local food and drink scene, Caithness and Sutherland is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Scotland.
