I’ve written previously about a trip to Lybster Harbour, which has taken a star turn recently in featuring as a filming location for The Crown. However, the East Coast of Caithness is jam packed with more harbours, and after we visited Laidhay Croft Museum, we chose a beautifully day to visit Latheronwheel Harbour.
You could easily spend an hour or two relaxing here. Peer over the harbour wall to see the waves crashing into the rocks and cliffs – it’s mesmerising to watch!
Choose your picnic spot – take a perch at the picnic tables, sit atop the harbour wall. or get closer to the water by the pebble beach – of course taking the time to find a shell, piece of sea glass or stone to take home as a reminder of your trip!
A fellow local also told me that it’s also possible to explore the caves to the south – check the tide times to make sure you choose an appropriate time to explore!
There’s also a Fairy Glen forest walk which I need to explore for myself as various friends have said it’s worth visiting. For views of the amazing coastline going southbound, cross the 18th century bridge – reminiscent of a bridge in Lord of the Rings and crosses the burn below it.
Latheronwheel is on the 10th stage of the John O’Groats Trail – experienced walkers can expect a mostly marked trail with some fences to cross.
From the bridge there is a lovely view back to the harbour, as well as a small sea stack – that you might even be able to swim out to, if you are a confident swimmer!
Another top tip is to stop by the butchers in Latheronwheel – to stock up on delicious fresh prepared meat and pies, bread and other ready-made goodies. Make sure you take cash (cards not taken) – we nearly got caught out and had to have some emergency help from the (visiting) bank of my Mum and Dad who were fortunately with us!
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