Caithness
- j
- f
- m
- a
- m
- j
- j
- a
- s
- o
- n
- d
Positives
- World-class slab reefs
- Huge swell window
- Consistent, year-round swell
- High latitude surfing
Negatives
- Challenging waves
- Unstable wet and windy weather
- Hard access
- Short winter daylight hours
Caithness surf travel guide
Surfing Scotland centres around the wildly scenic north coast county of Caithness which has gained a reputation for wildly scenic flat slab reefbreaks that rival any in Europe and is also home to the picture perfect rights of Thurso East.
Caithness is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of Europe's premier heavy water destinations. Like its Hawaiian namesake the 'North Shore' surf can get huge and currents can be treacherous. The plus side is the area is very consistent. Thurso East is the jewel in the crown; the world-famous reef is one of Europe's finest waves, when it breaks – unlike most of the Caithness waves Thurso is quite fickle and has a limited swell window. Thurso is the only settlement of any size and the only place with full facilities. Going west the breaks are more exposed and spots like Brimms Ness hoover up any swell going. Good waves continue down the east coast, where short-lived swell from both North Atlantic and North Sea storms are groomed by a predominantly offshore wind.
Swells from the W round to NE can occur year round, September to November are the prime months for good swell and reasonable weather. Deep winter and spring can be cold and classic, flat or wildly out of control. The area is one of the most sparsely populated in the UK so surfing by yourself, or with a few seals, is a real possibility.
Surf spots in Caithness
Research the 20 surf breaks in Caithness and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 20 breaks in Caithness.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Caithness
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 3,400,000
- Population
- 5,454,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- GBP
- Exchange rate
- $1 = £0.7 GBP
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +44
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- g
Visas
Since Brexit, unrestricted travel between the UK and the EU is over. The current system allows for visa free travel for up to 90/180 days a year. Beyond 90 days things get very complicated so check online for the details. US, Canada, OZ, NZ and some others follow the same 90-180 day rules. Most other countries need a visa before arrival. more info here
Getting Around
A car is essential to explore the coast and get the best out of the very changeable surf conditions. Rental car prices vary depending on the season but can be good value starting at $150pw. Roads are generally good but slower than expected so relax and take your time. Edinburgh to Thurso is 5.5 hours and Inverness to Thurso is 2.5 hours. The North Coast 500 (actually 516 miles) is an amazing coastal road that gives great access to most of the surf spots. All place names and direction signs are in Gaelic.
Accommodation
Scotland is not a budget destination. B&Bs (Bed and Breakfasts) or a hotel room will generally cost $100 for a double and can be much more. Rental caravans available from Easter to Oct or camping for the ultra-hardy. A filling, often deep-fried, meal shouldn’t cost more than $20 – try authentic haggis, neeps and tatties. You will spend a lot of time and money at the pub.
Activities
Scotland is one of the least densely populated areas in Europe. Caithness is predominantly flat peat lands so head west into the Highlands to bag a Munro, meaning climb a peak over 3,000ft (914m). There are numerous castles (Sinclair, Old Keiss, Old Wick), stone rows and circles, burial cairns and a wide variety of rare wildlife.
Hazards & hassles
If you can stand the rain, wind and ice-cream headaches, you’ll have an unreal time. The reefbreaks are all heavy, spooky places to surf and only expert tube-jockeys should take on the semi-secret slabs like Baggies and The Dump. Strong rips and big tidal ranges greatly affect the surf. Thurso is a long way from anywhere - 2hrs drive to Inverness for city services. Be aware of the potential for radioactive particles around Sandside.
Handy Hints
Tempest Surf has a small range of essential equipment and a cafe. Take a more buoyant board to counteract the extra weight of all that neoprene. Near constant daylight in June-July is a magic experience - 6hrs in December is a real downer! Flat day fun is bowling or golf.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.