Attractions and Places To See around Castletown - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Castletown, Caithness, include coastal viewpoints, natural monuments, and historical sites. This area is characterized by its dramatic coastline, featuring sea stacks, cliffs, and beaches. Visitors can explore maritime landmarks and natural formations that offer views across the North Sea. The region provides opportunities to experience the rugged landscapes of northern Scotland.
Best attractions and places to see around Castletown
- The most popular attractions is The Clett Sea Stack, a viewpoint that features…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Holborn Head Lighthouse
Highlight • Viewpoint
The two keeper’s cottages are holiday accommodation.
The walk to Holborn Head is accessed on the …
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Thurso Beach
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Dunnet Head Cliffs
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Sir George Sinclair Memorial Fountain
Highlight • Monument
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The Clett Sea Stack
Highlight • Viewpoint
Be aware that the path …
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A very beautiful old lighthouse. Unfortunately, it's not open to visitors as it's privately owned.
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Sir John George Tollemache Sinclair, 3rd Baronet (8 November 1825 – 30 September 1912) was a Scottish landowner and Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1869 to 1885.
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Sir John George Tollemache Sinclair, 3rd Baronet (8 November 1825 – 30 September 1912) was a Scottish landowner and Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1869 to 1885.
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Sinclair, the eldest son of Sir John Sinclair, 1st Baronet of Ulbster, and Diana, only daughter of Alexander Macdonald, 1st Baron Macdonald, was born in Edinburgh. His siblings were John, William, and Catherine Sinclair. At ten, he entered Harrow School under Dr. Drury, where he studied with Lord Byron and Sir Robert Peel. Byron described Sinclair as "the prodigy of our school days. He made exercises for half the school (in the true sense of the word), verses at will, and subjects without them. He was a friend of mine, and as near to me." At sixteen, Sinclair left Harrow for Göttingen. He was arrested as a spy and brought before Napoleon, who interrogated him and ordered his release. In 1826, Sinclair published a privately printed account of the interview (Edinburgh, 1826, 8vo).
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What a beautiful beach overlooking Scrabster. It's always special to walk along the seafront, watching and listening to the waves. Access to the beach was via a few steps at either end. On the day I visited, it was beautifully clean and the wind was blowing quite strongly. It's a truly superb location.
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Parts of the path are overgrown (be careful of ticks, I had to flick 7 of my clothes) and potential for slipping near to cliff edges, so care mist be taken. Otherwise very enjoyable, even if i did take a few wrong turns following more used animal tracks.
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It is a beautiful spot... but take care near the cliff edges and watch out for overhangs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and viewpoints can I explore around Castletown?
The area around Castletown is known for its dramatic coastline and impressive natural features. You can visit The Clett Sea Stack, which offers stunning coastal scenery and an arch on its west side. Another must-see is Dunnet Head Cliffs, marking the northern end of the British mainland with steep drops to the sea and views towards the island of Hoy. Thurso Beach provides a mix of sand and rocks, popular for beachcombing and surfing.
Are there any historical sites to visit near Castletown?
Yes, Castletown offers a few historical points of interest. The Holborn Head Lighthouse, completed in 1862, is a decommissioned lighthouse that also features an old hill fort thought to be Bronze Age or Pictish. You can also see the Sir George Sinclair Memorial Fountain, dedicated to a significant Scottish politician and writer from the area.
What outdoor activities can I do near Castletown?
The rugged landscapes around Castletown are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate, offering coastal views and natural beauty. For cyclists, there are also road cycling routes available. Find more details on specific routes in our guides for Hiking around Castletown and Road Cycling Routes around Castletown.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels around Castletown?
Yes, there are hiking trails catering to various abilities. For easy walks, consider routes like the 'Battery Ruins loop from Castletown' (4.05 km) or 'Auld St Peter's Kirk Ruins – North Coast Visitor Centre loop from Thurso' (4.7 km). Moderate options include 'Thurso Bay via Victoria Walk' (10.95 km) and 'Thurso Bay, Harbour and Distillery loop' (10.46 km). You can find more details in our Hiking around Castletown guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Castletown area?
Yes, Thurso Beach is a great family-friendly option. It's the main town beach with excellent facilities, easy access, and parking. It offers a mix of sand and rocks, perfect for beachcombing, and the River Thurso, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, flows into the sea here, making it popular with fossil hunters.
What is the best time to visit Castletown for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Castletown for outdoor activities, especially hiking and exploring the coastline, is generally during the warmer months when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. This allows for better visibility of the dramatic coastal scenery and more comfortable conditions for walking.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Castletown?
Visitors frequently highlight the impressive coastal scenery and dramatic landscapes. The views from places like Dunnet Head Cliffs and The Clett Sea Stack are particularly appreciated, with many noting the opportunity for bird spotting and the unique geological formations. The historical significance of sites like Holborn Head Lighthouse also adds to the appeal.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions near Castletown?
The Sir George Sinclair Memorial Fountain is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering an opportunity to visit a historical monument in the area.
Can I see wildlife or go birdwatching near Castletown?
Yes, the coastal areas around Castletown are excellent for wildlife observation. Dunnet Head Cliffs are particularly recommended for bird spotters and photographers, especially in spring and summer when seabirds nest. The rugged coastline provides habitats for various species.
Where can I find information about parking or public transport for Castletown attractions?
For attractions like Thurso Beach, facilities, access, and parking are noted as excellent. For other coastal viewpoints and natural monuments, parking may be available in small car parks near trailheads, such as at Dunnet Head. Public transport options to reach specific remote attractions might be limited, so checking local transport schedules is advisable.
Are there any challenging hikes or viewpoints for experienced adventurers?
Yes, for those seeking a more challenging experience, the path to The Clett Sea Stack is described as challenging. It involves walking along high cliffs, at points quite close to the edge, and is not recommended if you have vertigo. However, it rewards with spectacular coastal scenery and views of sea caves below.
Most popular routes around Castletown
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