Why summer in Caithness is hard to beat

This far north, summer days seem to go on forever. In June, it barely gets dark at all, so you can walk the cliffs after dinner or watch the sun sink over the sea well into the night. As a result, a summer break here feels longer than anywhere else in the UK.

The landscape looks its best, too. The rain that falls through the year pays off in summer, when the countryside turns a rich, deep green and wildflowers line the coastal paths. Meanwhile, the seabird colonies along the cliffs are at their busiest, filling the air with life and sound. Put simply, it’s the season to see Caithness at full volume.

Ideal for families and groups

Summer is the season for bigger trips, and the Ulbster Arms Hotel has space for everyone. Alongside the main hotel, three lodge buildings sit within our private grounds. The largest, Dale Lodge, has nine rooms, while Milton Lodge has four and Ulbster Lodge has three. So, groups of friends, fishing parties and extended families can stay close together while still having their own space.

If you’re travelling with children, our family rooms make the summer holidays easy. And because every guest has access to the bar, restaurant and grounds, it’s simple to meet up at the end of each day. See all our accommodation to plan your summer stay.

Fishing on the River Thurso

The River Thurso is one of Scotland’s most productive salmon rivers, yielding over 1,000 salmon a year, and summer brings the grilse run. It usually starts in mid-May, peaks in the middle of July and continues to the end of August. Long evenings give you extra hours on the water, while the river’s rotating beats mean fresh water to fish throughout your stay.

The Ulbster Arms Hotel has been a fishing hotel for around 150 years, so we know exactly what anglers need. For example, there’s a freezer room for any fish you keep, and experienced local ghillies can be hired to share their knowledge of the river. You can even start early, with breakfast ready before you head out. Plan your trip on our River Thurso salmon fishing page.

Adventures with your dog

Long summer days mean long summer walks, and Caithness has plenty to offer dogs and their owners. Reiss Beach, at the southern end of Sinclair’s Bay, has no seasonal dog restrictions, so it’s a great place for an off-lead run. Alternatively, Dunnet Forest’s trails offer shade on warmer days, with dogs kept on the lead along the paths.

Back at the hotel, up to two dogs are welcome in our dog-friendly rooms. So, there’s no need to leave anyone at home this summer.

The dream stop on the NC500

Summer is peak season on the North Coast 500, and a comfortable base in the far north makes all the difference. Halkirk sits a short drive inland from the coastal route, so you’ll enjoy a quieter night away from the busier roads, then rejoin the route refreshed in the morning.

For electric vehicle drivers, our six fast EV chargers are a real advantage during the busiest months, when public chargers along the route can be in demand. Simply plug in when you arrive, and your car can charge while you enjoy dinner.