Activities in North & West Coast
-
Riverside Walk
Thurso's idyllic country riverside walk starts near Waterside House; you can walk upstream, retracing your footsteps to come back (there was a bridge you could once cross to come back on the other side, but it's been washed out). It's a beautiful walk, taking about 45 minutes at a stroll, and is a very popular local pursuit in decent weather.
You can also walk all the way to Scrabster along cliffs for brilliant views (40 min) but take care when windy.
reviewed
-
Surfing
Thurso is an unlikely surfing centre, but the nearby coast has arguably the best and most regular surf on mainland Britain. There's an excellent right-hand reef break on the eastern side of town, directly in front of Lord Thurso's castle (closed to the public), and another shallow reef break 5 miles west at Brimms Ness.
reviewed
-
Calum’s Seal Trips
Calum’s Seal Trips runs seal-watching cruises – there are swarms of the slippery fellas just outside the harbour and the trip comes with an excellent commentary. Trips leave daily at 10am, noon, 2pm and 4pm. You may even spot otters or even dolphins.
reviewed
-
Gairloch Marine Cruises
Cruises run from the Marine Wildlife Centre up to three times daily (weather permitting) from Easter to October; during the two-hour trips you may see basking sharks, porpoises and minke whales.
reviewed
-
A
Old Surgery
It’s worth paying the extra few pounds to bag rooms 1 or 2 (£70), which have big bay windows with super water vistas, tables to sit at and contemplate them from, extra berths for kids and a shared balcony.
reviewed
-
B
Summer Queen
The stately Summer Queen takes you out (weather permitting) around Isle Martin (£20/10 per adult/child, two hours) or to the Summer Isles (£30/15, four hours), with a stop on Tanera Mor.
reviewed
-
C
Seascape
Runs two-hour tours out to the Summer Isles in an orange rigid inflatable boat (RIB).
reviewed
-
D
Boat Cruises
There are regular four-hour Boat Cruises to the Summer Isles departing from the ferry terminal, as well as two-hour wildlife cruises.
reviewed
-
-
Plockton Boat Hire
If you fancy exploring the bay and seeing the village from the water, you can rent one- and two-person canoes and rowing boats from this operator on the Plockton waterfront. Lifejackets are supplies; no previous experience is necessary.
reviewed
Advertisement
