Caithness beaches, north of Scotland
From windswept coastlines to hidden beauty spots
Caithness beaches offer an escape to visitors during their holidays with us. Seemingly endless miles of sand, crashing waves and views out over the sea can bring a sense of calm. But that’s not all – they are perfect for jogging, and if you are bringing your dog on holiday they will definitely be your BFF after spending a day racing along these sands! So here’s a rundown of some of our favourite Scottish Highland beaches for you to enjoy on your break.
Sandy beaches and bays near Wick
Not too far from Wick is Keiss Beach. There are miles of sandy Caithness shoreline for you to explore here, especially when the tide is out. Its only a short walk from the village of Keiss, and around here you will find some public parking. Do be aware that there are no other public facilities here. There are plenty of cool things to see here too, including old World War II defences (although they are starting to succumb to nature) and a beautiful old harbour. It was built in 1832 and still in use today.
Dunnet Bay is a wide, sweeping expanse of sand that is without doubt one of Britain’s best beaches. Whatever season of the year you visit, you’ll find plenty of space for yourself here whether you want to walk with the dog or sit and have a picnic whilst enjoying the view. Stretching over 2 miles, these rolling sand dunes feel like something out of a movie. And the large waves also make it a hotspot for surfers and windsurfers too!
If you are heading north to visit John O’Groats and Duncansby Head Lighthouse, you may want to stop off half-way in between them for some beach fun. Bay of Sannick is an unimposing stretch of beach which can offer glimpses of wildlife, including seals in the water and occasionally on shore. Keep in mind that this is a local beach, and as such there are no facilities.
Peedie Sands … a hidden gem
If you are looking for your own secluded Caithness beach, then Peedie Sands is a good bet. Not a lot of people know about it, and it’s easy to miss. This means it is often quiet and you only have to share it with local wildlife. It is just north of Dunnet Bay Beach and offers a different feeling, being a smaller and more compact beach. It is enclosed with high rocky cliffs, although they can be crumbly so don’t walk on them or under them. You get more beach for your buck when the tide is out, and there is a bit of a clamber over some rocks to get here. But if that is something you can manage, it’s well worth a visit.
Explore Caithness beaches with Mackays
There are so many stunning beaches near Wick in Caithness that every one has something special to it. Wherever you go, just make sure that you take a camera so you can capture the beauty! Mackays Hotel in Wick is the perfect base for exploring these magnificent beaches. Take a look at our hotel rooms and holiday homes and book your stay today!
