Best Beaches in Caithness

If you are planning a road trip along the North Coast 500, don’t make the mistake of driving through Scotland’s far north without checking out the outstanding beaches of Caithness.

This gorgeous half-moon shaped area of sandy golden beach stretching for almost a mile is great for walking, surfing, and collecting treasures from the shoreline.

Besides the famous cliffs and the remains of castles, Caithness has one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline that the country can offer.

Whether you’re in search of sweeping golden beaches, great conditions for surfing, small secluded coves, or simply awe-inspiring viewpoints, Caithness’ beaches won’t disappoint. From enjoying wildlife and taking photos to the kids’ adventures, or just strolling along the coast with nobody around – you will find the beach that will please the most. Don’t miss these lovely spots.

Beaches of Caithness remain largely untouched, their clean white sand and calm waves are perfect to enjoy a picnic. In addition, you can easily reach one of the North Coast 500 points which gives you a view of the landscape from a different perspective. 

Dunnet Bay

Dunnet Bay is widely recognised as one of the most spectacular Caithness beaches. This gorgeous half-moon shaped area of sandy golden beach stretching for almost a mile is great for walking, surfing, and collecting treasures from the shoreline.

Naturally occurring low sandbanks support different bird species and an abundance of wildflowers. On clear days, you will see Orkney lying across the Pentland Firth from the high sandbanks.

Sinclair’s Bay

Sinclair’s Bay is a large white sand beach with 16^th century castles at both ends. The beach is split in half by a stream with the southern end known locally as Reiss sands and the northern end as Keiss Beach.

Keiss Beach is notable for its extensive World War II defences which stretch along the back of the beach. The eye-catching Keiss Castle sits precipitously on the cliffs at the northern end of Sinclair’s Bay.

There are enough wide sands to satisfy all kinds of visitors and birders can spot waders and seabirds on the sandbanks.

Reiss Beach was voted as one of the best hidden places in Caithness.

Freswick Bay

The stunning scenery you see here is like something out of a postcard.

A steep slope leading down to the sea and some old castle ruins make for a rather tough coastal terrain, great for photographers and adventurous walkers. This little-known gem has retained the spirit of the wild that characterises the best beaches in Caithness.

Sandside Bay

Found west of Thurso, this beautiful sandy beach is close to Dounreay and for this reason may not be as popular as it could be. However, the coast here offers some great walks with a sea view. Perfect for some peace and quiet! The bay is also popular with surfers.

During low tide some extraordinary rock pools emerge teeming with sea creatures. 

Thurso Beach

Right at the heart Thurso lies Thurso Beach offering both convenience and a charming natural atmosphere for beach lovers with picturesque views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. Renowned as a place for surfing, with the offshore reefs and Atlantic swells creating massive waves it attracts many surfing enthusiasts who are up for a challenge.

Scrabster Beach

Just a short distance from the port, Scrabster Beach is a golden stretch of sand with beautiful views over Thurso Bay. Framed by cliffs and overlooking Holborn Head, it’s an ideal place for a leisurely walk, beachcombing, or simply watching the MV Hamnavoe, fishing boats, and cruise ships pass by.

The beach is a great place to take your dog for a walk, perfect for those keen to stretch their four-legged friends legs before the journey North to Orkney on the ferry!

Peedie Sands

Peedie Sands is the kind of place that only the locals know about. Hidden away from Dunnet Bay near Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain, this lonely beach is practically off the map.

The entrance path to the Peedie Sands stretches from Dwarwick Pier that is located right beside Dunnet. It’s best to visit at low tide. Follow the signs to the pier, where you can park your car, walk along the coastal path for about 20 minutes. Be aware of the cliff edge at all times. There are some big boulders which are the final barriers to getting to the beach so be very careful as you make your way there.

Bay of Sannick

This beach is located between John O’ Groats and the Duncansby Head Lighthouse. If you drive along the single track road you will see a grassy parking area, be careful as the ground is quite uneven so drive slowly to avoid any damage to your car.

To get to the beach, walk along the path that leads through the dunes. You can also walk along the top of the dunes for a great view over the beach, this is also a fantastic viewpoint for spotting seals and seabirds. Sannick Bay is considered one of the best locations in Caithness for finding groatie buckies!

Here is a short list of suggestions to help make the most of your Caithness beach visits:

• When looking to check out rock pools or coastal paths make sure you are aware of tide times.
• The weather can take a sudden turn for the worse, so you may want to dress in waterproof clothing.
• If you wish to spot some wildlife, you might want to have a pair of binoculars with you.
• Preserve the natural environment and clean-up after you to keep the shore as it is.
• For peace and quiet, visit early in the morning or late in the evening.

Whether you’re chasing dramatic landscapes, peaceful coastal walks or unforgettable sunsets, the best beaches in Caithness deliver a peaceful and wonderfully unspoilt authentic Scottish coastal experience.

By Victoria Dixon Orkney and Shetland fanatic, likes to capture life through a lens, loves creating, eclectic taste in music, enjoys being a Mum; would secretly love to be a star of the West End!

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