Caithness tours and day trips

The Ulbster Arms Hotel is based by the NC500 in Halkirk, which is a great place to enjoy peaceful village life. But if you’re keen to get out and explore, it’s also an excellent base for day trips and tours. Whether you’re looking to explore with your very own tour guide or prefer to take part in a planned excursion, we’re ideally located for access to the various ports and harbours from which you can set sail to Orkney or journey around the spectacular Caithness coast.

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Scrabster Lighthose sitting at the top of a rugged rock face

Above and Beyond Tours of Caithness

Above and Beyond offers driving tours of the North Coast of Scotland. They explore the magnificent scenery and hidden gems of Caithness and the surrounding area. In addition, walking tours of Wick and Thurso are available, which take you to some of the best sites in our local towns.

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Arched stone bridge over the river in winter at Thurso

John O' Groats Ferries

Sailing from John O’ Groats, you can take the ferry across to the Orkney Islands for the day with John O’ Groats Ferries. You can also book a full day tour, which will show you highlights, including Skara Brae stoneage village. In addition, Wildlife Cruises are available from John O’ Groats. These offer the chance to see puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and more!

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A stone-built Neolithic settlement on Orkney

Caithness Seacoast

Choose from coastal adventures, harbour cruises and mini boat tours with Caithness Seacoast. Great for family-friendly days out, introducing you to our beautiful coastal scenery and wide array of seabirds and wildlife.

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Two puffins on a rock

North Link Ferries

Explore the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient sites of Orkney with ease by taking a scenic journey on NorthLink Ferries. From Scrabster, embark on a memorable ferry ride across the Pentland Firth to reach Stromness or Kirkwall in Orkney. Immerse yourself in the unique charm of these islands and return to the comfort of Ulbster Arms Hotel after a day of exploration.

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Stromness in Orkney

Pentland Ferries

Setting sail from Gills Bay in Caithness, Pentland Ferries offers services to St Margaret’s Hope on the Orkney Islands. Take in sights such as the Old Man of Hoy and look out for island wildlife including seabirds, seals and dolphins along the way.

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The view to the cliffs at The Old Man of Hoy sea stack

Exploring Caithness

In addition to the many tours and trips listed above, there is so much more to see and do around Caithness. Explore our things to do guide for more ideas, from walking and hiking in the beautiful Scottish countryside to travelling the North Coast 500.

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Book your stay in Caithness

Book your stay at the Ulbster Arms Hotel on the North Coast 500 in Halkirk. The perfect base for these trips and tours around Caithness and beyond! Call us today on 01847 831 641 or contact us for more information.

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Ulbster Arms Hotel Map

Accommodation

Discover our hotel rooms at Ulbster Arms Hotel on the North Coast 500 …

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Testimonials

After many years hoping , with good friends I finally got my first opportunity to visit for an angling trip last week of season. I stayed in a chalet which was spotless each day no matter how bad I I had managed to leave it.. The food was exceptional, no other words and its testimony how many non fishers are in every day from late afternoon dining.

Fishing was all the more made special by morning encouragement from Geordie, The two Pats and all the rest of the team that were always around to see everyone off…

Finally I cant point out that not one staff member that was nothing but professional and charming.. Its a small hotel operation at first glance, but its a much bigger operation than you imagine. It gets everything right and I cant wait to return. Whether as angler or just a resident guest… quite excellent.. All I can say.. They are very good at what they do and can feel proud …

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