ACTIVITIES GUIDE john o’groats
family friendly activities.
caithness seacoast ltd
DESCRIPTION
COST
CONTACT
Exhilarating boat trips around the fascinating East Caithness coastline.
£19 - £50 on tours from 30 mins to 3 hours.
Office: 01955 609 200
Mobile: 07747 404 128
Email: enquiries@caithness-seacoast.co.uk
www.caithness-seacoast.co.uk
DESCRIPTION
COST
Opening season times for The Castle and Gardens of Mey are from 1st May to 30th September inclusive, but will be closed from 25th July to 7th August inclusive. Please check website for updates.
The visitor centre, tearoom, shop, grounds and animal centre are open every day during the normal season from 10.00 am until 5.00 pm.
Castle, Gardens & Grounds:
Adult - £11.95
Senior - £9.95
Child - £6.50
Family - £33.00
Garden and Grounds Only:
Adult and Senior - £6.50
Child- £3.00
Family - £18.00
DIRECTIONS
CONTACT
The Castle of Mey is located on the north coast of Caithness in the very north of Scotland, on the A836 in the parish of Canisbay, about 15 miles east of Thurso and six miles west of John O’Groats.
Postcode: KW14 8XH
01847 851 473
enquiries@castleofmey.org.uk www.castleofmey.org.uk
clay pigeon shooting
DESCRIPTION
COST
Kaithness Clays offers a great day’s shooting from novice through to experienced shooters.
If you provide your own gun and cartridges, price per round is £6 for 25 clays, or £15 for three rounds.
If you do not have your own gun and cartridges, price per round is £20, which includes 25 x clays, 25 x cartridges and use of gun.
CONTACT
Email: kaithnessclays@aol.com
Mobile: 07732 786 076
Range Location: Forss Skeet Range, Forss, Thurso, Caithness, KW14 7UZ
Postal address:
8 Shebster Court, Thurso. Caithness, KW14 7ES
duncansby stacks & sea cliffs
WALK OR DRIVE...
DESCRIPTION
The walk starts at the harbour. Follow the path along the foreshore looking out for Seals, Eider Ducks with their chicks in mid-season, or a host of other sea birds. The path rises up and continues along the top of the bank through two Kissing Gates to a burn frequented by Otters but rarely seen.
Over a style, across the burn bridge and you are at Roberts Haven – a sandy beach which leads you to the Ness of Duncansby. This is open common grazing, and the best route is along the top of the beach head – but do not forget to look out for ‘Groatie Buckies’, a small cowrie shell once used as a currency.
Round the Ness you come to Sannick Bay, from here there is a climb to Duncansby Head Lighthouse car park. You can now see the Stacks to your right. Follow the fenced cliff edge round to the ‘Stacks’ and marvel at the numerous seabirds that nest during the breeding season. You can return via the road from the lighthouse, or the way you came.
Alternatively, you can drive to the Duncansby Lighthouse Car park and enjoy the walk along the cliff tops and to Duncansby Stacks.
dunnet bay distillery
DESCRIPTION
Join the distillery to learn a wee bit more about the spirits, the botanicals, Elizabeth and Margaret – the fabulously shiny stills! Enjoy a delicious Rock Rose gin & tonic by the fireside before walking over to see where the magic all happens. A tutored tasting of the delicious spirits around the banquet table and a wee surprise concludes your tour!
TOURS
ADDRESS
CONTACT
Tours run Monday – Saturday at 11am and 2pm. Tours last around 1 hour and cost £15 per head. Children under 18 are free but will not be permitted to sit at the tasting table.
Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd
Dunnet Bay Distillery
Dunnet
Thurso
Caithness
KW14 8XD
Please call 01847 851 287 or email hello@rockrosegin.co.uk or info@dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk
dunnet forest
DESCRIPTION
COST
ADDRESS
Just 8 miles west from John O’Groats go and explore the beautiful 8 miles of Dunnet Forest. It is the Highest Forest above sea level in the mainland UK. A variety of walks, suitable for all ages. They include two signpost walks - red is 1 mile, yellow is 2.2 miles. Dunnet Forest is great for family picnics and ideally located next to Dunnet beach which is well known for its brilliant surf and views.
Free
Adjacent to Dunnet Beach Thurso, KW14 8XD
CONTACT
01847 598 205 info@dunnetforest.org www.dunnetforest.org
dunnet head
VISIT THE MOST NORTHERLY POINT ON THE UK MAINLAND
DESCRIPTION
CONTACT
Dunnet Head is the most northerly point on the UK mainland. It is Caithness in miniature. Being at 58 degrees north, geographically it is the most northerly point on the UK mainland. Historically it is very important as the very pinnacle of Dunnet Head, Easter Head, was a WWII radar station and nearby Burifa Hill was a Gee station. There is an abundance of wildlife and birdlife, with some great places to walk, cycle and horse ride, and generally become one with nature.
Visit the Seadrift Visitor Centre and enjoy educational and fun Guided Walks with the Caithness & Sutherland Countryside Rangers.
Tel: 01847 821 531
E-mail: paul.castle@highland.gov.uk
Events calendar: www.outdoorhighlands.co.uk/events
Dunnet Head Webpage: www.dunnethead.co.uk
Seadrift Centre: 01847 821 531
Seadrift Dunnet Visitor Centre
Dunnet Caravan Park
Dunnet
Caithness KW14 8XD
Caithness Rangers Guided Walks: Paul Castle, North Sutherland and North Caithness Countryside Ranger
fishing in caithness
FLY, SALMON
AND TROUT
DESCRIPTION
CONTACT
Offering guided fly fishing for salmon and wild brown trout on numerous rivers and lochs in Ross-shire, Sutherland and the Inverness area, and guided excursions throughout the Northern Highlands and North Coast 500. They provide GAIC qualified fly fishing instruction and experiences for beginners in trout and salmon fishing, and specialise in custom ‘Learn to Fly Fish’ and ‘Learn to Salmon Fish’ short breaks.
If you are visiting the area and looking for a day or two of unguided trout or salmon fishing, they can also offer salmon fishing day permits on the River Alness, and boat hire and trout permits for several local lochs.
01349 830 606
fish@troutquest.com
www.troutquest.com
gold panning
DESCRIPTION
COST
Search for that big gold rock that will make you rich! The Kildonan Burn contains small fleks of gold making it an ideal spot for a family day out. Recommended for children 5 years and over with all panning equipment available to hire or buy from the Strath Ullie Crafts & Visitor Information Centre in Helmsdale.
£5 for hire of equipment (paid upon arrival at Helmsdale)
Equipment includes gold panning outfit, gold pan, riddle, trowel, instruction leaflet and most importantly a canister for findings.
CONTACT
01431 821 327 enquiries@timespan.org.uk
wick golf club
DESCRIPTION
COST
Take a relaxing round in at Wick Golf Club, the oldest established Golf Club in the Highlands. The course is a traditional 18 hole links layout consisting of 9 holes out and 9 back to the clubhouse. The fairways are generous and fast running, with firm and true links greens. The course is playable all year round with rarely any winter tees or greens in operation, so it’s always a fair test of your game.
Green Fees:
Adult - £40 per round
Junior - £10
Trolley Hire - £2
Club Hire - £5
ADDRESS
CONTACT
Wick Golf Club Reiss, Wick, Caithness, KW1 4RW
01955 602 726 secretary@wickgolfclub.org.uk www.wickgolfclub.org.uk
horse riding
ACHALONE ACTIVITIES
DESCRIPTION
ADDRESS
CONTACT
Suitable for beginners and experience riders alike, explore Caithness from a different perspective and receive professional tuition.
Located in Halkirk on a family run farm.
North Achalone, Halkirk, KW12 6XA
07732 266 610 Facebook: Achalone Activities
old pulteney distillery tour
DESCRIPTION
OPENING TIMES
COST
Built in 1826, the Pulteney Distillery is rich in history and atmosphere. The fascinating history is brought to life in the Pulteney visitor centre. The tour offers a behind the scenes look at how the famous malt is distilled and bottled. A must for whiskey connoisseur’s! Only suitable for persons aged 18 and above.
October to April: Mon – Fri: 10am – 4pm Tour Times: 11am and 2pm (or by prior arrangement)
May to September: Mon – Fri: 10am – 5pm, Sat: 10am – 4pm Tour Times: 11am and 2pm (or by prior arrangement)
The distillery silent season (annual maintenance period) takes place during July and August. There will be disruptions to tours during the period – please call in advance for up to date information.
The Pulteney Tour
£10 per person
Approx. 1 Hour
The Pulteney Tour with Additional Expressions
£25 per person
Includes an additional dram of Old Pulteney 17yo and 21yo whisky at the end of the tour.
Approx. 1 hour
CONTACT
01955 602 371
onlineshop@interbevgroup.com
www.oldpulteney.com
DIRECTIONS
Located in the town of Wick off the main street Francis Street and to the South of Wick Harbour. The distillery is accompanied by the eye catching Pulteney Visitor Centre.
Postcode: KW1 5BA
orkney day tours
DESCRIPTION
COST
Just a 40 minute crossing to Orkney, take in the spectacular Pentland Firth on the crossing then enjoy the history and iconic tourist spots on the famous Isle. A coach will be waiting for you on your arrival and stop off at 8 popular spots including Skara Brae (stoneage village), Stromness, Kirkwall, and the iconic Italian Chapel.
MAXI DAY TOUR
1 May to 30 Sept - Every Day from John O’Groats 8:45am
Price £68, under 16 yrs half price, under 5 yrs free Ticket includes ferry crossings and coach tour
Family Ticket £180 - 2 adults & 2 children
Family Ticket £200 - 2 adults & 3 children
Extras are your lunch and entrance fee to Skara Brae
HIGHLIGHTS DAY TOUR
1 June to 31 Aug - Every Day from John O’Groats 10.30am
Price £64, under 16 yrs half price, under 5 yrs free Ticket includes ferry crossings and coach tour
Family Ticket £170 - 2 adults & 2 children
Family Ticket £185 - 2 adults & 3 children
The tour is similar to the Maxi Day Tour but does not visit Stromness, some stops are shorter and there is about 1 hour in Kirkwall.
It is now possible to buy entrance tickets to Skara Brae from the Ferry Office in John O’Groats and onboard the ferry. Price approx £7.50 adults (seniors £6).
DESCRIPTION
20 June to 31 August 2018
Every Day from John O’Groats at 2.30pm
No booking necessary. Just turn up by 2.15pm & pay at the Ferry Office in John O’Groats.
Enjoy one of our spectacular 90 minute afternoon cruises this summer. Pass rugged cliff scenery and see arctic skuas, storm petrels, colonies of guillemots, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, atlantic grey seals and much more!
COST
Price £18, children under 16 yrs half price, under 5 yrs free.
Family Ticket £45 - 2 adults & 2 children
Family Ticket £50 - 2 adults & 3 children
Suitable for groups - large or small - capacity 250 passengers. Sit on deck or in covered saloon.
The particular route for the cruise will depend on the prevailing tide and weather conditions, however the two main routes are:
Cruise through the Pentland Firth past Duncansby Head lighthouse passing close to sheer 200 ft high cliffs teeming with sea birds followed by a close up view of the famous Stacks of Duncansby.
Cross the inner sound of the Pentland Firth for a close up view of the uninhabited Island of Stroma and colonies of Atlantic Grey Seals. View the various cliffs and birds of Stroma.
Birdlife can be seen on all our cruises however some have distinct breeding cycles and after their particular nesting season will travel far out to sea. For example Puffins will be seen in large numbers in June and July but in much smaller numbers in August.
You may be lucky enough to see some killer whales. Plenty of sightings last June. Check out our facebook for pictures.
CONTACT
Ferry Office - 01955 611 353 www.jogferry.co.uk
puffin croft farm
DESCRIPTION
OPENING TIMES
ADDRESS
Located in the centre of John O’Groats village by the Post Office and Shop. At Puffin Croft Farm and Shop you can see the animals (weather permitting) and browse in the shop which sells home grown produce. You can also buy a wide variety of plants grown in Caithness and already hardened for the local climate.
Opening Times: Mon – Sun 10am – 6pm
Puffin Croft, John O’Groats, KW1 4YS
CONTACT
01955 611 775 www.puffincroft.com/the-animals
FARM SHOP AND PETTING ZOO
wick sea fishing
DESCRIPTION
ADDRESS CONTACT
Organising day charters to local fishing grounds. Tackle is provided. Trips range from 3 to 8 hours. Fully Insured. The boat is a Birchwood GRP performance hull, with a turbo charged Ford engine. She is a fully licensed fishing vessel and is also fully coded for 10 anglers or divers, with a side opening door and fully fitted aluminium dive ladder. She carries all the latest electronics including a Furuno Radar, Sailor and Icom vhf radios, Garmin and Simrad plotters and GPS’s, Auto helm autopilot. She is fully compliant with the MCA code of practice for angling and diving and carries all the latest safety equipment.
Pint O The Ord, Wick, Caithness, KW1 5TP
07917 727 590
Facebook: Wick Sea Fishing
for the foodies
olive, thurso
DESCRIPTION
MENU
ADDRESS
CONTACT
With a homely atmosphere and great food, Olive is the perfect stop for a spot of breakfast or lunch. Serving a deliciously fresh menu, they have a range of vegetarian and vegan options to explore or tasty coffee and cake if you’re just after a light bite to eat. The decor is warm and relaxed with lots of personal touches for a chilled out vibe. Olive is a must if you’re passing through Thurso
Fresh, Comfort Food
1-3 Brabster Street, Thurso, KW14 7AP
01847 867278
8 doors distillery
DESCRIPTION
CONTACT
This micro-distillery serves premium whisky and provides tours with opportunities to sample their finest drams. They also offer a Private Dining Experience, including access to their exclusive Whisky Lounge and Tasting Room. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a whisky cocktail, followed by an exquisite six-course menu featuring the finest produce from Caithness and the Highlands. Local chef Callum Moodie showcases his passion for regional ingredients through a variety of tantalizing menu choices. After indulging in this gastronomic pleasure, guests can relax in the lounge with a coffee and a sweet treat.
John O’Groats, KW1 4YR
