Independent Activities

Walking opportunities are incredible in the North Highlands. Whether you’ve got 20 minutes to spare in a lunch break to explore the River or Beach front or you’ve got all day to get lost in the landscape. There’s lots to choose from. 
Many explore alone or as a family taking a picnic and walking at leisure, The Walk Highlands website offers invaluable routes and hints and tips to find the best spots. 

Local business, Inspired By Caithness uses the Caithness Landscape to create digital art which proudly hangs in homes all over the world. See the blog section of the website for 10 Outdoor Family Adventures in Caithness: Whatever the Weather!

If you’d rather join a group, the High Life Highland Countryside Rangers run a fantastic calendar of events with knowledge staff members and friendly attendees.   

With so much space to explore, it’s easy to understand why cyclists love to Venture North and explore the North Highlands of Scotland. Popular of course with people completing the popular Land’d End to John O’Groats route there are many more opportunities for those with more time to spend.

Caithness Cycling Club run regular activities and would welcome new members.  For those looking for mountain biking opportunities, in Golspie in Sutherland you’ll find Highland Wildcat who offer over 18km of exhilarating trails which attracts bikers from far and wide. 

In Thurso, you’ll find ‘The Bike Shop‘ where you can purchase supplies and have your bicycle repaired by local experts. The Bike shop also offers a hire service if you’re new to cycling and fancy giving it a go. 

Thanks to the wide open spaces, wildlife is never far away in the North Highlands. RSPB Nature Reserves at Dunnet Head, The UK’s most Northerly mainland point, Broubster Leans and the popular Forsinard Flows allow us to learn about and spot a huge range of birds right on our doorsteps. 

In the Summer months, locals and visitors can enjoy a Wildlife Cruise with John O’Groat Ferries which offers a different view of the cliffs, seabirds and some lucky passengers have even seen Orca and dolphins!

Given our northern position and remote location, Caithness and Sutherland offer the ideal place to enjoy dark skies. From October to March people flock from all over with hopes of catching glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Caithness Astronomy Club would be thrilled to welcome new members to their active group who host fascinating public events and share a passion for the magnificent skies of the North Highlands.