Fall in love with Caithness
Photo: Thurso River by Jade Campbell
Caithness is always beautiful, especially at this time of year! A crisp autumn breeze, a crackling log fire and bristling leaves floating delicately towards the ground… Many people are inspired to celebrate this picturesque season with a trip to the Highlands. There is so much to experience in Caithness during autumn, from scenic hiking to visiting local distilleries and plenty of places to stay from quirky glamping pods to picturesque B&Bs, cosy cottages and hotels.
Find out what you can get up to this autumn, with our top highlights, as you explore the region of Caithness during your North Coast 500 travels…
Photos: The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, Aurora B&B, Braeside Retreats and Mackay’s Hotel
1. Autumn Walks
The Highlands are one of the most beautiful, natural places in all of the UK so it makes perfect sense to see it at its most colourful! Fresh air is good for you and you can’t get fresher than the crisp autumn air in Caithness. Explore one of the world’s last wild places as you discover the Flow Country, stroll along the tranquil sandy beaches or spend a day exploring old archaeological remains along walking routes listed here.
Photo: Caithness Broch Project and Highland Aerial Views
2. Cosy Evenings in
After a long day exploring, you’ll need a cosy night in! Relax in the bar upon arrival at Mackay’s Hotel. Located on the ‘world’s shortest street’, enjoy a dram specially chosen for you by Murray, their resident Whisky Ambassador. Alternatively, spend your evening by the roaring fire of a cosy B&B orself-catering property.
3. Enjoy Wildlife
During your stay in the Highlands, you’ll be able to spot some local wildlife from geese flying overhead to the first of the wintering whooper swans, Greenland white-fronted geese and Icelandic greylag geese at the Broubster Leans Reserve. You should also make time for a romantic beach stroll for two, visit NC500’s top 12 beaches for inspiration.
Photos: RSPB Scotland Broubster Leans Reserve’ by Andy Hay and John Bridges (rspb-images.com)
4. Autumnal Delicacies
Enjoy the seasonal food available at local restaurants, stop for hot chocolates at local cafes and enjoy foraging for food on the wide side for wild berries and juicy plums and apples. Alternatively, celebrate food with the locals at a local farmers market.
If you’re looking for an evening of seasonal food, enjoy dining at Mackay’s Hotel in Wick or the only 2 AA Rosette restaurant that is Forss House Hotel.
5. Starlit Nights
The autumn months mark the beginning of star lit nights – venture up to John o’Groats and Duncansby Stacks for the best views! It’s also the best time to catch a glimpse of the Aurora so be sure to look up during your evenings in Caithness!
Photo: Northern Lights at Ackergill Tower and Brough Bay
6. Spooky Spots
You can’t enjoy Halloween without a few spooky activities! Being one of the oldest spots in Caithness, Ackergill Tower has ghost stories aplenty! One of its earliest occupants was Helen Gunn, known as the ‘Beauty of Braemore’, who was abducted from her home on her wedding night and kept prisoner. To escape her captor, she leapt from the battlements to her death. A stone marks the spot where she fell – and you may even see her ghost roaming the battlements during your stay!
There’s no better place to spend Autumn than in Caithness, on the North Coast 500!
