Dunnet Bay, Caithness

ADD COMMENT
/ Highlands and Islands United Kingdom
  • ABOUT THE SPOT
OVERVIEW HOW TO GO GALLERY

Surfing in Dunnet Bay, Caithness, Highlands and Islands United Kingdom

Level:
5 -10
Best season to visit:
October 1 - April 1
Hazard:
Watch out for rocks, especially at low tide
Enjoy your stay within the Highlands of Scotland and find your destination for surfing at the magnificent beach of Dunnet Bay. This 3.2 km/2 mi long beach is the perfect destination, as it combines sport adrenaline and a cosmopolitan air coming from Thurso town.

Dunnet Bay is a magnificent 3.2 km/2 mi beach, laid next to Castletown town. This is a famous destination in Northern Scotland and when weather condition is adequate, it can give you one of the best surfing experiences in UK, with a 150 days duration per year! The best period for visiting is from April to October, but be aware that during summer it can get very busy and that could ruin you surfing day.

The beach is formed by white sand and that gives you a more exotic feeling, but don’t get overexcited as at low tide rocks are rising from the sea, so be careful! Wind is usually blowing from the south, but if you want to have a good surfing day, then always check the forecast and try to visit while it is north-northwesterly. At that time, you can start working your surf at less than 1 m/3 ft going right to 2.5 m/8 ft. The waves tend to be both left and right beach breakers and are hollow and not too fast. That’s great news for beginners, since this beach can give a 300 m/984 ft long riding distance.

Dunnet bay is an organized beach with public toilets and many picnic kiosks, if you are family visiting. You can also meet a visitor information center and many restaurants and hotels around the area and in Castletown city.