Caithness

Historic County in

Scotland

Caithness

Bridge over River Thurso at Westerdale The river slips over Caithness slabs past an old mill.
Bridge over River Thurso at Westerdale Credit: Alan Reid

Caithness is a historic county located in the far north-eastern part of Scotland. It is bordered by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and Sutherland to the south. With its rich history and stunning landscapes, Caithness is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts.

The county is characterized by its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful sandy beaches. The landscape is dominated by rolling hills and moorland, with scattered lochs and rivers. The highest point in Caithness is Morven, standing at 706 meters.

Caithness has a long and fascinating history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times. The county is home to numerous ancient sites, including the famous Neolithic standing stones of Stonehenge and the Ring of Brodgar. The region also boasts several well-preserved brochs, Iron Age roundhouses, and Pictish carvings.

The main towns in Caithness are Wick and Thurso, both of which have a variety of amenities and attractions. Wick is known for its fishing heritage, with a bustling harbor and the informative Wick Heritage Museum. Thurso, on the other hand, is popular among surfers due to its excellent waves and is also home to the impressive ruins of Thurso Castle.

In addition to its historical and natural wonders, Caithness is also famous for its wildlife. The county is a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous species of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Grey seals can often be spotted lazing on the shores, and lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of dolphins or whales offshore.

Overall, Caithness offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Scottish experience.

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Caithness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.4435/-3.496 or Grid Reference ND1251. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridge over River Thurso at Westerdale The river slips over Caithness slabs past an old mill.
Bridge over River Thurso at Westerdale
The river slips over Caithness slabs past an old mill.
Stone Bridge Over a tributary of the River Thurso an old bridge leads a track to an abandoned farmstead.
Stone Bridge
Over a tributary of the River Thurso an old bridge leads a track to an abandoned farmstead.
Westerdale Mill On the River Thurso this former mill presents a pretty picture.
Westerdale Mill
On the River Thurso this former mill presents a pretty picture.
Corner Cottage As the name suggests this cottage stands at the junction of the Halkirk and Mybster roads.
Corner Cottage
As the name suggests this cottage stands at the junction of the Halkirk and Mybster roads.
Road into the wilds - remote phonebox
Road into the wilds - remote phonebox
Westerdale Mill on the Thurso
Westerdale Mill on the Thurso
Dale farm
Dale farm
Track to Dale House Peasants not welcome....
Track to Dale House
Peasants not welcome....
Achlibster
Achlibster
Westerdale Mill on the River Thurso
Westerdale Mill on the River Thurso
Dale Moss Dale Moss, looking towards Ben Dorrery.
Dale Moss
Dale Moss, looking towards Ben Dorrery.
Old Mill at Westerdale
Old Mill at Westerdale
Dale Mill, Westerdale, Caithness Dale Mill is one of these places that is often painted and photographed!  The watermill supplies Dale House (which is now a private hotel) with electricity.
Dale Mill, Westerdale, Caithness
Dale Mill is one of these places that is often painted and photographed! The watermill supplies Dale House (which is now a private hotel) with electricity.
Dale Mill, Caithness A closer view of the mill.  This must be a good fishing beat as there are nearly always people here fishing.
Dale Mill, located by the River Thurso, had a water-powered generator installed in 1919 which supplies electricity to Dale House.
Dale Mill, Caithness
A closer view of the mill. This must be a good fishing beat as there are nearly always people here fishing. Dale Mill, located by the River Thurso, had a water-powered generator installed in 1919 which supplies electricity to Dale House.
Westerdale Rapid In high water this is a nice Grade 3 rapid. It is a shame that it is in the middle of miles of flat water. Easily accessed from the road on the way up to paddle Dirlot Gorge further upstream
Westerdale Rapid
In high water this is a nice Grade 3 rapid. It is a shame that it is in the middle of miles of flat water. Easily accessed from the road on the way up to paddle Dirlot Gorge further upstream
Road to Dale Farm
Road to Dale Farm
Achlachan Burn A view looking to the southeast along the Achlachan Burn, from the B870
Achlachan Burn
A view looking to the southeast along the Achlachan Burn, from the B870
Achlachan Burn A view looking to the northwest, upstream along the Achlachan burn. Dale Farm can be seen in the distance.
Achlachan Burn
A view looking to the northwest, upstream along the Achlachan burn. Dale Farm can be seen in the distance.
Show me another place!

Caithness is located at Grid Ref: ND1251 (Lat: 58.4435, Lng: -3.496)

What 3 Words

///pegs.bristle.gracing. Near Halkirk, Highland

Related Wikis

Westerdale, Highland

Westerdale (Scottish Gaelic: An Dail Shuas) is a scattered crofting village which lies on the River Thurso, located five miles (eight kilometres) directly...

Tormsdale

Tormsdale is a megalithic site on the banks of the River Thurso, in Caithness, Scotland. It is 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) south of Westerdale. The site consists...

Caithness

Caithness (Scottish Gaelic: Gallaibh [ˈkal̪ˠɪv]; Scots: Caitnes; Old Norse: Katanes) is a historic county, registration county and lieutenancy area of...

Olgrinmore

Olgrinmore is a small area in Halkirk, Northern Scotland, south of Thurso and John o' Groats. The B870 runs directly through the centre with Scotscalder...

Mybster

Mybster is a small village, in Caithness, Scottish Highlands, and is in the Scottish council area of Highland.Mybster lies 2 miles (3 km) northwest of...

Battle of Harpsdale

The Battle of Harpsdale (Battle of Achardale, Battle of Harpasdal) was a Scottish clan battle fought in 1426 at Achardale, about 8 miles (13 km) south...

Spittal, Highland

Spittal is a small hamlet in Caithness, Scottish Highlands and is in the Scottish council area of Highland. Spittal lies 9 miles (14 km) south of Thurso...

Scotscalder

Scots Calder is an area within Halkirk, Northern Scotland. It is served by Scotscalder railway station which is operated by ScotRail. The B870 runs directly...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.4435,-3.496
Bus Stop
Post Office
Naptan AtcoCode: 6700713249
Naptan Bearing: NE
Naptan CommonName: Post Office
Naptan Indicator: o/s
Naptan Landmark: Post Office
Naptan NaptanCode: 45328627
Naptan Street: Altnabreac Road
Naptan Verified: no
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 58.4427982/-3.4975976
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4458157/-3.4978436
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4455974/-3.4891488
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4459119/-3.5021429
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4457549/-3.4955193
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4458705/-3.4998705
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4457157/-3.4931202
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4456881/-3.49171
Westerdale
Name Gd: An Dail Shuas
Name Sco: Wasterdal
Place: hamlet
Lat/Long: 58.4455076/-3.4936744
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 58.4440489/-3.4930187
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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