We’re lucky to have a couple of lovely walks directly from the site. Turn left and you’ll soon reach the quiet shoreline below the Castle of Mey, with Harrow Harbour a little further along.

Alternatively, turn right and pass through the gate just beyond the blue house to wander across the moorland. From here, you can head down to St John’s Point — a favourite vantage point for spotting sea life crossing the firth — or continue straight ahead to Scotland’s Haven, where you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view across the bay. Please note that access down to the shore here is best suited to those who are steady on their feet.

Enjoy exploring!

For keen walkers, it’s also well worth checking out www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/caithness.shtml, as well as the dedicated website for the John O’Groats Trail at www.jogt.org.uk.

Finding somewhere great to eat can be very personal — whether you’re looking for a cosy meal, fresh local seafood, or simply a good coffee and cake stop.

Rather than trying to keep a long list updated, we recommend browsing google maps here.

And of course, once on site, we’re always happy to suggest a few local favourites during your stay. While we wouldn’t claim to be food critics, we do know where guests tend to enjoy a relaxed meal after a day exploring the coast.

Open on selected days from May to September, the Castle of Mey is an easy 30-minute walk from The Crofter’s Snug. Built around 1570, the castle was the much-loved Caithness home of The Queen Mother from 1952 until 1996, and a visit offers a fascinating insight into her life here in the far north.

Alongside the castle itself, visitors can explore the restored walled garden, visit the animal centre, or relax in the visitor centre, which also houses the gift shop and tea room. Entry to the café and shop is free.

Please check the Castle of Mey website for up-to-date opening days, times, and visitor information.

Visitor Info

Staying with the castle theme, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is also well worth a visit! This dramatic coastal ruin lies around a 10-minute drive from Wick, with parking available close by and a short 10-15 minute walk to the castle. Perched on the sea edge along the John O’Groats Trail, it’s a wonderfully atmospheric spot, whatever the weather.

Entry is free, with informative boards on site. Stunning in sunshine and hauntingly beautiful in mist or wind — we absolutely love it and it's also a firm favourite with visitors.

See here for Google Maps location

For a tiny place and only a 15 minute drive away, Dunnet packs in a remarkable amount to see and do. Dunnet Beach - wow - it's vast! 2 miles long. You can also explore the footpaths around Dunnet Head which is geographically the most northerly point on mainland Scotland and home to a lighthouse and an RSPB nature reserve: beautiful and wild. It's home to razorbills, guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes and where we saw our first puffin! Lots of space to ramble and enjoy the views from the car park at the top of the sheer cliff face - 105m above sea level! In the village, there's also Dunnet Bay Distillery producing, amongst other labels, Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka.  Mary-Ann's Cottage: built 1850 and virtually unchanged for over 170 years is well worth a visit if you want to find out more about local heritage. Dunnet Forest is fun too: a community woodland, rarely busy and covers over 100 hectares with trails for all ages and abilities.

A selfie with the iconic signpost is an absolute must! A ten minute drive away and free to visit 24/7. There is a Tourist Information/Visitor Centre, 8 Doors Whisky Distrillery, John O'Groats Brewery, Post Office, gift shops etc. Various eateries are open during the day. A coastal footpath runs all the way from John O'Groats to Duncansby Head/Stacks which is a fabulous 90 minute walk!

Don't miss this opportunity! It would be so unfortunate to reach John O'Groats without seeing the geological marvel that is Duncansby Stacks. You can either walk from John O'Groats or drive a couple more miles and park at the lighthouse for an easy and spectacular walk to the Stacks along the cliff tops. We first encountered them on a misty day. Absolutely stunning - truly a 'must do'!

A slight detour on your way to/from John O'Groats is well worth it for the array of breads and cakes etc Annie produces in her bakery. They are soooo delicious! Annie has created a sheltered cafe offering soups, sandwiches and more. Cafe open 10-2pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. We get lots of excellent feedback from guests :-). Make sure you use Google maps to find it - there's a windmill at their property if that helps! Annie's Bakery & Cafe

If you have the time, consider extending your road trip to include Orkney Mainland, the largest island in the Orkneys. We loved our motorhome road trip in 2019 - see here. You can reach Orkney travelling from either Gills Bay (via Pentland Ferries) to St Margaret's Hope or Scrabster (via Northlink Ferries) to Stromness. Gills Bay is closer, just a 5-minute drive from The Crofter's Snug and Scrabster is c.30 minutes. Northlink also provide routes to the Shetland Islands.

It is feasible to visit the main tourist sites as a self-drive day trip - perhaps leaving Gills Bay and returning Scrabster to save you going back on yourself? For more info see Orkney tourist info :-)

If you have the time, consider extending your road trip to include Orkney Mainland, the largest island in the Orkneys. We loved our motorhome road trip in 2019 - see here. You can reach Orkney travelling from either Gills Bay (via Pentland Ferries) to St Margaret's Hope or Scrabster (via Northlink Ferries) to Stromness. Gills Bay is closer, just a 5-minute drive from The Crofter's Snug and Scrabster is c.30 minutes. Northlink also provide routes to the Shetland Islands.

It is feasible to visit the main tourist sites as a self-drive day trip - perhaps leaving Gills Bay and returning Scrabster to save you going back on yourself? For more info see Orkney tourist info :-)

Would you like a different vantage point of the coastline? Caithness Seacoast Ltd was started in 2008 by local couple William and Adelaine Munro. The arrival of a new modern marina in Wick Harbour provided the inspiration to start their tour boat company. They operate 1st April to 31st October and offer various options to suit your budget and timetable. Family friendly, the boat seats 12 and is similar to new in-shore RNLI lifeboats. Excellent feedback from guests. Go on... book an adventure!

We know nothing at all about fishing! but... hopefully these links will help.... All fishing up here at the top is either Fly or Sea fishing - no coarse fishing. Further info regarding fishing in Caithness can be found at www.caithness.org/fishing/ and www.nc500fishing.com/caithness-fishing.asp If sea fishing is your thing, then check out www.britishseafishing.co.uk/east-coast-of-scotland/  and finally!.... www.nc500fishing.com/nc500-fishing-map-features.asp

You might be surprised to find that Thurso is known worldwide for its surf. Northcoast Watersports run the majority of their lessons from Dunnet Bay which is only 15 minutes away. The instructors are very experienced and fully ISA trained. Iona was the 2019 ladies Scottish Champion and Finn is a previous Under 18s champion. Go on.... give it a go - you know you've always wanted to! 

Parkrun is a collection of 5-kilometre events for walkers, runners and volunteers that take place every Saturday morning at more than 2,000 locations in 22 countries across five continents. . The closest to us takes place in Thurso and is the most northerly Parkrun event in Scotland. We plan to do it.... one day! Wikepedia Factoid: Parkrun was founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt on 2 October 2004 at Bushy Park in London, England. Find out more here! https://www.parkrun.org.uk/thurso/

Puffin Croft Petting Farm is on the road opposite the Post Office in John O'Groats and has been awarded a 3-star Visit Scotland visitor attraction and as one reviewer said, "it's a lovely place to bring the kids to spend time with friendly animals and good value for money. There's also a little shop to buy fresh veggies and homemade food stuff."  

For big kids, little kids and animal lovers everywhere! ... If you're happy to travel to Thurso, then you'll definitely enjoy Geise Farm which, as well as a vast array of animals, also has a fabulous woodland walk! Highland Cows, KuneKune Pigs, Meerkats, Fluffy Sheep, Mini Shetland Ponies, Rabbits, Pygmy Goats, Chickens, Maine Coon Cats, Collie Dogs, Peacocks, Alpacas, Llamas, Barn Owls, Roe Deer

Lichen Caithness is home to Sven, Levvi and Mr Antlers, the UK’s most northerly reindeer according to owners of the Halkirk attraction. The furry residents are the stars of the centre’s daily reindeer experiences, which give visitors the chance to learn about their original habitat, food sources, and climate-specific adaptations. Visitors can also feed the hoofed inhabitants with reindeer moss, as well as being able to enjoy a yummy hot chocolate with marshmallows toasted over a fire or in a Nordic-style Kota hut.

To find out more about the history of our nearest village, Castletown, and its surrounding area, then a visit to this community run heritage centre is a must.  Themed exhibitions are held throughout the year featuring the history, heritage, biodiversity and social history of Castletown (often referred to as the flagstone village) and the parish of Olrig. Castlehill Heritage Centre is located within renovated seventeenth century farm buildings and sits amongst the old flagstone quarry works. Open Sundays 1.30-4.30pm. A couple of lovely easy walks to be done here too!

A lovely new addition to the area, the John O’Groats Mill Trust opened to visitors in 2025 and is restoring this historic mill back into use after more than 20 years.

Built in 1901, the mill offers a fascinating look at local heritage, with artefacts, small museum displays, and plenty to discover.

Open 10am–5pm (except Wednesdays) from April to October, it also has a new extension with coffee facilities, seating, a gift shop, and restrooms.

It’s a great stop for families too, with hands-on activities for children, including puzzles, colouring, and even a chance to grind your own grain.

The mill hosts seasonal events throughout the year — from local talks to Halloween and Hogmanay celebrations.

For the latest opening details and admission prices, please see the mill’s website.

The far north of Scotland was named one of Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel” destinations for 2024. The region, which includes Caithness and Sutherland, is one of only two UK locations to feature on the coveted annual list from the travel guide. Venture North is a tourism website dedicated specifically to our region and is a terrific resource to help you organise your road trip both before and during your stay. Fyi, The Crofter's Snug is situated in "North Caithness".

Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles (516 to be exact…) of stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, remote fishing villages, hidden gems, and a wealth of unforgettable experiences; the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed break, a chance to relax or simply want to see more of the North Highlands’ breath-taking scenery, you will find it on the NC500.

15 minutes away you'll find Dunnet Bay Distillers who make Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka and offer a visitor experience. For Whisky lovers there is the new 8 Doors Distillery in John O'Groats which has a lovely cafe and gift shop as well as offering tours. You can also tour the distilleries for Wolfburn, the most northerly distillery on your way out of Thurso if you're heading west, and Old Pulteney in Wick. The newest additiion to local distilleries is Stannergill Whisky in Castletown which opened in November 2025 offering tours, a restaurant, a shop - and whisky!

In Wick you'll find this fabulous museum hidden away near the harbour. It is an absolute rabbit warren of discovery showcasing hundreds of artefacts and photographs of Wick's development and herring fishing heritage. It also has fully furnished household rooms portraying past life and times containing a vast array of household items and furnishings. Just wonderful - we loved it - so much social history. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm (last entry 3.45). Saturday 11am to 3pm.

Set in the former Thurso Town Hall and Carnegie Library, the Visitor Centre has been extensively refurbished and houses a magnificent collection laying out the history of Caithness and the Dounreay Exhibition. The centre has a cafe, art gallery, shop and much more - perfect for a wet day outing!. See North Coast Visitor website for opening times.

We haven't been ourselves (tut tut) but by all accounts the Halkirk Heritage and Vintage Motor Centre holds a really wonderful collection of vintage cars and related memorabilia, as well as other historic artefacts, information and photos relating to Halkirk. Edward Sutherland, who ran a garage business in Halkirk was a well-known vintage and classic vehicle enthusiast. He was a founding member but sadly died in 2019 before his ambition to open the centre could be fulfilled. Staffed by volunteers, free admission but donations welcome.