Scrabster Beach
Just a short walk from the harbour, Scrabster Beach is a quiet stretch of sheltered coastline with golden sands and picturesque views across Thurso Bay. Sheltered by cliffs and looking out towards Holborn Head, it’s a lovely spot for a relaxing walk, beachcombing, or watching the Orkney ferries, fishing boats, and cruise ships come and go.
The area is popular with locals for dog walking, picnics, sailing, paddleboarding, and wild swimming – and you’ll often find hardy swimmers braving the North Sea here!
Scrabster is home to the NorthLink Ferries terminal, offering regular 90-minute sailings to Stromness in Orkney, passing the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack along the way.
The harbour area boasts several excellent restaurants, with award-winning seafood and fresh, locally sourced dishes, as well as tapas and cosy pub grub, all with views over the bustling harbour. It is also well connected and in walking distance to Thurso, which has a great range of local amenities, including shops, cafés, restaurants, and transport links.
The coastal walk stretching from Thurso East to Holborn Head has spectacular views, including the MV Hamnavoe ferry sailing between Scrabster and Stromness and is great for blowing off the cobwebs.
Scrabster
Caithness
KW14 7UJ