Walks Caithness

Author: Richard Hallewell

Rewalked by: Richard and Maggie Legate

What’s not to love about Caithness? This is an area commonly overlooked when deciding where to go in Scotland, but those who travel here will certainly not be disappointed.

Big beautiful skies, great views of the aurora borealis (the night before and the night after our visit), characteristic Caithness flag stones edging the fields, gorgeous shell beaches and sandy beaches, windswept walks, Fulmars at Duncansby Head (March), red sandstone cliffs, windturbines looking majestic in the Caithness landscape… the list could go on and on.

Archeological sites abound, with a vast wealth of archaeological treasures, chambered cairns, brochs, standing stones and the unmissable Grey Cairns of Camster.  In addition, the region is also home to the spectacular ruins of two castles – the 15th century Girnigoe Castle and the 17th century Keiss Castle – both clinging to the cliffs around Sinclair’s Bay, all very dramatic.

Although inclusion on the route of the North Coast 500 has increased visitor numbers in recent years on the main road through the area, the county is still relatively quiet compared to many of the ‘honey-pot’ areas of the country, and well worth a visit.  The walks are superb – who can forget the Stacks of Ducansby once seen – the scenery is fantastic, the history is exceptional and I for one can’t wait to go back.

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Photograph: The Stacks of Duncansby (bottom left)