From Durness to Duncansby, a day on the spectacular north coast will take you through a changing landscape – from beautiful uncrowded beaches, over vast sweeping expanses of moorland and through crofting communities strung along the coast into the fertile farmlands of Caithness where archaeological treasures hint at thousands of years of human habitation.
Smoo Cave
One mile east of Durness on the main coast road (A838) you will find the car park for Smoo Cave. Continue east on the main coast road, which becomes the A836 at Tongue. If you’re in no hurry, follow the short trail signposted round the Kyle of Tongue (you’ll see an information panel on the causeway). Continue several miles east of Tongue and take the loop coastal road through the crofting township of Skerray to reach the beach at Torrisdale.
Follow the signs along the coast for Thurso. The museum is in the former Thurso town hall in the pedestrian area, which is on your left as you come into the centre of Thurso. Park in a town centre car park.
From Thurso take the road signposted for Castletown (A836) and continue along this road for about 15 miles until you reach Mey. The castle, which is well signposted, is on the seaward side of the road.
Duncansby Head is a mile or so east of John o Groats, along a single track road.
