Holiday rentals in Lochside

The northernmost points of mainland Scotland are as beautiful as they are bleak and as wild as they are wonderful. The Caithness area offers traditional fishing villages, rugged sandstone cliffs, and the gateway to the North Sea. A prominent Norse settlement, the town of Thurso is one of the most significant points in the area and is named after the river, originally Torsaa (Thor’s River). You can even feel a Scandinavian presence in the wild coastlines, while the pretty towns with their winding streets feel traditionally Scottish.

The Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea at the Pentland Firth, where a local ferry takes passengers from Scrabster to Stromness in Orkney. The crossing can be eventful, depending on the weather, with looming cliffs and the 137-metre-tall Old Man of Hoy sea stack to welcome you in.

If you’re taking the North Coast 500 scenic drive — or cycle route — through the Highlands, which starts and ends at Inverness Castle, you’ll pass through several hamlets and villages across the northern edge of Caithness. Halkirk, Scrabster, Castletown, John O’Groats, and Wick are all worth pausing in for cosy pubs and picturesque harbours. Windswept cliff walks throughout the region will reward you with views across protected natural areas and untamed landscapes, home to puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes.

To get the most out of the region, you’ll want to book your holiday cottage in Lochside for the spring and summer. Strong winds and heavy rain or snow in winter can restrict travel or make outdoor activities a little more challenging than intended, so May to September are ideal for milder weather, longer days, and witnessing the summer wildlife. If you thrive on adventure, or plan to cosy up by the fire, an autumnal visit will show you the region in glorious shades of gold and red. For the best chance of spotting the Northern Lights, visit between mid-October and mid-March, and consider timing your trip to avoid the full moon for clearer, darker skies.

Dunnet Head

Twenty minutes north of Lochside, the windswept Dunnet Head peninsula is mainland Scotland’s most northerly point. The heather-strewn headland is home to a 19th-century lighthouse atop towering cliffs, miles of winding coastal walks, and a thriving puffin population. This spot is also renowned for whale-watching — and you might even see porpoises and orcas just off the shore.

Castlehill Heritage Centre

This 17th-century dairy farm now houses the Castlehill Heritage Centre, celebrating local industry and culture. Castletown was a pioneering parish — one of the first to recognise flagstone’s global, commercial value, revitalising the local industry. Exhibitions, gardens, and sculpture trails tell the story of Caithness. You can also try your hand at local crafts like rope making and driftwood sculpture.

Thurso Beach

With its increasing reputation among surfers, Thurso Beach is known for its impressive waves (wind and tide permitting). The esplanade makes for an enjoyable walk, facing out across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney island of Hoy.