Spring salmon on the River Thurso
For well over a century, anglers have made the Ulbster Arms Hotel their base on the River Thurso. And by spring, the salmon season is in full swing. The main spring run builds from March, and May can be very productive given the right conditions. The river is fished by fly only across 12 rotating beats, from 11th January to 5th October.
Here at the hotel, everything is set up for a day on the water. There’s a rod room for made-up rods, a drying room for wet gear, and a ghillie’s room where you can meet before heading out. What’s more, experienced ghillies can be booked to guide you.
Driving the NC500 in spring
Spring is one of the best times to drive the North Coast 500. The roads are quieter than in summer, and the landscape is fresh and green. Halkirk sits just off the route’s northern stretch, which makes the Ulbster Arms Hotel a natural overnight stop in Caithness.
If you’re travelling by electric car, you’ll find six of the fastest EV chargers in the Highlands in our private car park. So, you can charge overnight and set off each morning with a full battery and a full Scottish breakfast.
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