The north coast of Scotland is shaped by the sea. Every cliff, inlet, and curve of sand around Beyond North holds the story of tides, wind, and weather. Staying at Haar or Drift places you right at the water’s edge — close enough to hear the Atlantic move, taste salt on the air, and step into a coastline that feels wild, ancient, and beautifully untouched.
Whether you’re drawn to cold-water immersion, coastal wildlife, or simply watching waves break across a long stretch of sand, here are the ocean activities waiting just beyond your cabin.
1. Cold-Water Swimming in Dunnet Bay
Just minutes from Beyond North, Dunnet Bay offers one of the most striking wild-swimming spots in the north.
Two miles of soft sand arc between cliffs, with clean, refreshing water that ranges from calm to dramatic depending on the weather.
Swimmers love it here for:
- Wide, open space
- Soft sand entry
- Crystal-clear shallows
- Sunrises that light the entire bay
On still mornings, the water feels almost glassy. On stormy days, the Atlantic energy is unforgettable.
A neoprene wetsuit is recommended for year-round dips.
2. Surfing at Dunnet and Thurso East
Up here, the ocean belongs to surfers as much as it does to seabirds.
Dunnet Bay Surf
Perfect for beginners or those looking for softer waves, Dunnet Bay regularly catches rolling Atlantic swells. A good day here means long rides and gentle whitewater training.
Thurso East
A short drive from the cabins lies Thurso East — one of Europe’s most iconic cold-water reef breaks.
It’s world-class, powerful, and not for beginners, but even watching locals carve clean lines across dark, peaty water is an experience in itself.
Whether you’re surfing or spectating, the coastline here is pure drama.
3. Wildlife Watching on the Waterline
The north coast is a haven for marine wildlife. Keep your eyes on the horizon:
- Seals regularly haul out along the quieter bays.
- Porpoises and dolphins are often spotted hunting offshore.
- Orcas occasionally pass through the Pentland Firth in summer (rare, but absolutely real).
- Seabirds — fulmars, puffins, terns, kittiwakes — fill the sky in the warmer months.
For the best vantage points, walk the coastal paths between Dunnet Head and Brough Harbour, or stop at Gills Bay and scan the water.
4. Sea Kayaking Along the Northern Shoreline
For those who prefer a slower, more immersive experience, sea kayaking offers a completely different perspective of the coastline.
Experienced paddlers can explore:
- Quiet coves around Dunnet Bay
- The sheltered waters near Scarfskerry
- The dramatic cliffs below Dunnet Head
- The kelp-filled shallows between Gills Bay and Mey
There are also guided options in Thurso for guests who want to try sea kayaking safely with an instructor.
5. Beachcombing & Shoreline Wandering
Not every ocean encounter requires a wetsuit.
Low tide uncovers an entire world of colour, texture and quiet detail:
- Kelp forests washed ashore
- Smooth Caithness stones
- Driftwood bleached by weather
- Hidden rock pools
- Sea-worn pottery and rare shells
Explore the far ends of Dunnet Bay, Peedie Sands, Murkle Beach, or the shoreline around John O’ Groats Harbour.
Each has its own shape, mood, and rhythm.
6. Boat Trips into the Pentland Firth
From John O’ Groats Harbour, local operators run seasonal boat trips into the Pentland Firth and out towards Stroma and the Orkney coast.
Trips offer the chance to see:
- Sea stacks from below
- Dramatic cliff faces
- Puffin colonies (in summer)
- Dolphins and porpoises
- Rare bird species
- The sheer force of tidal currents that make this channel one of the most powerful in the world
It’s rugged, raw, and unforgettable.
7. Simply Watching the North Atlantic Move
Some of the best ocean moments at Beyond North come from stillness.
From the deck of Haar or Drift, you can:
- Watch haar roll in from the sea
- Listen to waves through the night
- See the horizon burn gold at sunrise
- Track storms moving across the water
- Witness the Northern Lights reflected on the ocean surface
Up here, the sea is always changing — never the same colour or texture twice.
It invites you to slow down, notice more, and settle into the rhythm of the north.
Where the Sea Shapes Everything
The ocean is at the heart of Beyond North.
Whether you come for cold-water adventure, sweeping clifftop views, or simple coastal quiet, the north coast offers something extraordinary just steps from your cabin.
A place of salt, swell, and stillness.
A coastline that feels both grounding and wild.
A reminder that some of the most memorable moments happen right at the water’s edge.
