Rowan Cottage,by Castletown ref: 511203

About the local area

Rowan Cottage is situated just 5 minutes away from one of the most fantastic beaches in the UK. With miles of golden sand and massive sand dunes forming a backdrop, Dunnet beach is simply spectacular. Surfing, body boarding, sand buggying, swimming, horse riding and wild life watching are all local pastimes, yet this superb beach is never crowded. Nearby Dunnet Forest boasts miles of lovely walks and cycling trails, with picnic areas and unusual sculptures to encounter on the way. It is also close to the Highland Tourist trail that runs from Wick harbour in the east through to Ullapool in the west. This trail follows a route right across the far north and west of Scotland, taking in some of the most dramatic scenery, with mountain ranges, stunning beaches and awe inspiring and ever changing coastline along the way. The nearby Castle of Mey, beautifully restored by the late Queen Mother is a must. This fairytale Castle has a fascinating history and the gardens, grounds and views are simply stunning. The whole area is renowned for its bird and sea life. Puffins, Great Skua, otters, seals, dolphins and whales are all seen around these coastal waters. An excellent boat trip runs from John O'Groats to encounter the sea life close to hand and to explore this fascinating coastline from a different perspective. At Dunnet Head just along the coast there is also a colony of puffins, and at Forsinard, Strath Halladale, there is an RSPB nature reserve, where local rangers will take visitors to explore the bird life, flora and fauna of this area. Historical sites and places of interest abound. A local archaeological trail provides a tantalising glimpse into times past with brochs, cairns and ancient sites along the way. Take a day trip across to the Orkney Isles and explore Neolithic villages, standing stones, Scapa Flow and the amazing Italian chapel built by prisoners during the Second World War. There are also many excellent golf courses in the region, and plenty of opportunities for fishing, coast and forest walking, and cycling, taking advantage of the quiet country lanes and spectacular coastal scenery. The town of Thurso, 8 miles away, has an excellent selection of bars, cafes, shops and restaurants. Originally built by the Vikings and added to over the centuries it now offers visitors a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. The new Caithness Horizons visitor centre is well worth a visit. Facilities also include a swimming pool. leisure centre,  boating lake, quad biking, horse riding and sailing. The local beach plays host to the world championship surfing competition and the wide sweeping sands are enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Rowan Cottage is also ideally located for exploring the myriad of small bays and variety of old fishing villages situated all along the north east coast which add to the magic of this enchanting and unexplored part of Scotland. There are many excellent golf courses in the region and the quiet local roads and trails are ideal for cycling enthusiasts.

 Dunnet Forest also has miles of horse riding and off road mountain bike trails for all ages and abilities.

Things to do nearby