This website is dedicated to promoting and providing information about Lybster Harbour and the surrounding area.  Please note that it is **not affiliated** with the 'Lybster Harbour Society' or 'The Waterlines Trust'. For accurate and unbiased details about Lybster Harbour, explore our content!.

Places to Visit

Camster Cairns :The monument consists of a long cairn and a round cairn. The long cairn has two internal chambers and the round cairn a single chamber with three compartments. 

The cairns are hauntingly sited on a windswept moor, in the middle of the famous Caithness ‘Flow Country’. This lonely location has likely aided the cairns’ preservation, protecting them from the ravages of modern farming. 

Whaligoe Steps: The Whaligoe Steps are a remarkable feat of engineering located near Lybster Harbour. These historic steps were built in the 18th century to provide access to the Whaligoe Haven, a natural harbor used by fishermen. The steps consist of 330 uneven stone steps leading down a steep cliff facing the water below. Visitors can descend the steps and admire the breathtaking coastal views or explore the ruins of the old fishing station at the bottom. 

Both attractions offer a unique glimpse into the history and natural beauty of the Lybster Harbour area, making them must-visit destinations for tourists and history enthusiasts alike. 

Latheronwheel Harbour is a quaint and scenic spot in the northeast of Scotland, originally established as a fishing village in 1835. The harbour, once bustling with boats fishing for herring, now serves a few local people who keep boats for lobster and crab fishing, or for leisure fishing off the Caithness coastline. Visitors can enjoy the small free car parking area, picnic benches, and the peaceful setting, which is perfect for relaxing, birdwatching, drawing, and painting. The harbour and jetty are surrounded by an interesting rocky coastline and nesting birds, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts.

To get to Latheronwheel Harbour from Lybster Harbour, you would head south on the A99, which is the main road connecting the two locations. The journey is relatively short and straightforward, taking you through the beautiful Scottish countryside. Once you arrive, you can find a spot to relax and perhaps even explore the nearby caves or take a walk in the Fairy Glen forest, as suggested by local insights2. Remember to check the tide times if you plan to explore the caves and always ensure you have cash on hand if you stop by the local butchers for some fresh meat.

Dunbeath Harbour is a picturesque location on the east coast of Caithness, Scotland, steeped in history and natural beauty. The village of Dunbeath has been a settlement since Neolithic times, and the harbour area is rich with archaeological sites and scenic walks. Visitors can explore the Dunbeath Heritage Centre to learn about the area’s cultural heritage, stroll through the stunning castle gardens, or take a walk through the birch and hazel woodlands to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and spot local wildlife.

For those interested in literature, Dunbeath is the birthplace of novelist Neil M. Gunn, and a statue celebrating his life can be found by the harbour. The harbour itself, once a hub for the herring boom with up to 100 boats operating, is now quieter but still offers a glimpse into Scotland’s fishing history.

To get to Dunbeath Harbour from Lybster Harbour, you would travel north on the A99 road. The journey is a short drive along the beautiful Caithness coastline, offering views of the North Sea. Once in Dunbeath, the harbour is easily accessible and provides a tranquil spot for visitors to relax and immerse themselves in the local history and natural surroundings

Sarclet Harbour, nestled in the historic village of Sarclet, is a serene and picturesque destination along the Caithness coast of Scotland. Once a thriving hub during the herring boom of the late 18th to early 20th century, Sarclet Harbour, also known as Sarclet Haven, is steeped in maritime history. The harbour area, though no longer used for landing fish, retains its charm with the ruins of old storehouses and a path leading down to the rocky beach. It’s a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the poignant history of the local fishing community and enjoy the wild beauty of the Scottish coastline.

Today, Sarclet is a peaceful crofting and residential community, offering a tranquil escape for those looking to explore the natural landscape. The area is rich in wildflowers, and visitors may spot seals frolicking in the haven or seabirds soaring above the cliffs. The remnants of the fishing industry, including caves and buildings from the 1800s, add to the harbour’s allure, inviting tourists to ponder the past while surrounded by the stunning vistas of the North Sea.

To reach Sarclet Harbour from Lybster Harbour, you would travel south on the A99 for about 8 miles. The journey takes you through the picturesque Scottish countryside, with the sea often in view. Upon arriving at Sarclet, parking is available above the harbour, from where you can walk down the path to the harbour area and enjoy the scenic views and historical ambiance.

We need your consent to load the translations

We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.