This is a nice hidden gem up here in Thurso. We stayed just around the corner for a few days, so…read morenaturally I had to check this place out. The church was founded circa 1220 by Gilbert Murray, Bishop of Caithness. But currently it's quite speculated that there actually was a church here before even longer ago...100 years earlier or even more. By the end of the 18th Century, structural problems were beginning to appear and a new church was built in Thurso. Old St Peter's Church was de-roofed in 1833 and has stood as a ruin ever since. But: Efforts are underway to conserve and restore the Old St Peter's Church. When I visited the church and its graveyard there was nobody else there. Quite a surprise, because it's a stunning ruin and there's lots to see - even though not that big in size. But it's a very interesting place to around and to explore. Hopefully the ruins will be conserved and restored, so many more visitors can enjoy this pretty church and grounds. Surely worth a look when in Thurso.

Castle Sinclair up here in the very north is a smaller ruin, but one of the most impressive ones…read morewe've visited. And we've visited many. The location is really just breathtaking, sitting here by the sea on the cliffs. Dunnottar castle has a similar location and is bigger, but this one here is equally impressive I'd say. In 1379, the Earldom of Orkney passed by marriage to Henry Sinclair. It was possibly him who first built a castle here which he called Castle Girnigoe. Then it was remodelled and redeveloped in the 1400s with more work done in the 1500s and 1600s. In 1680 a party of men led by George Sinclair stripped it of roofs, floors and furniture. Now the ruins still sit there on the rock formations, making it a very impressive sight when you approach it. It's an easy, short and flat walk from the carpark. Nowadays the castle is easy to access via a bridge built in 2008. A lot of the ruins are open to explore. You even can walk a short path down to the shore. It's a real fun place to explore. And it's still a bit of a hidden gem. We really only met few visitors on this pretty sunny summer day. There's not even any entrance fee - I'm suprised that this isn't more popular. A real highlight and definitely a must-do when up here in the North.

This once impregnable medieval stronghold is now the most spectacular ruin in the North of Scotland…read moreis a extremely wonderful and historic place to visit, it has spectacular views over the north sea as it is right on the cliff edge, which is great news for bird watchers and the marine wildlife is great you might catch a sight of orca whales dolphins and seals. It has just had new path ways and bridges erected so it is easier to access.

We've been here 10 years ago. It was very impressive and a nice area to walk. This time we've…read moredecided to come back. And it is still as impressive and as beautiful as we've remembered. There's a good sized carpark at the Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself isn't that impressive, but most visitors come for the stacks and some walk. From the carpark it's a nice and easy walk where you can spot the stacks from far away. You will also walk by the "Geo of Sclaites", worth a stop and a look. When you hit the flatter area (with lots of sheep) is a great first stop to take pics and take in the views. That's where most folks stop and turn back to their cars. But that wouldn't do this area justice....there's a lot more to explore and the walk along the coast goes as far as your legs carry you. We continued our walk and headed up on the other side. More and different views of the stacks here. Also a good view of "The Knee" rock formation. We kept going a good while before turning back. It's just such a beautiful scenery and walking here a rewarding thing to do. Our English Bulldog Girl enjoyed it as well...and kept going with us without problems. Some parts are fenced off to protect the nature. Naturally some visitors ignored that and even had a picnic in the fenced zone. So if you're visiting please respect the rules and don't litter.

What a find! A true hidden gem - definitely off the typical tourist trail but well worth a quick…read morestop. The church ruins date back to "at least" 1125AD according to Wikipedia - but 1220AD according to the signage around the ruins. The kirk (church) ruins are surrounded by a small kirkyard (graveyard) and are all in remarkably excellent condition given their age. It existed as the main church of the town and the county of Caithness as well. This site has served mostly as a place of worship, but also as a jail and a courthouse and even imprisoned witches at some point during the 17th and 18th centuries apparently. There's a spectacular memento mori on one of the headstones with "TIT" carved above it haha! Not sure the significance (or insult?) of the carving but my juvenile sense of humor made me giggle lol. I couldn't find much more historical info on the site other than a list of the "possible" bishops and vicars and the like. The church is closed off to entry - appears to be undergoing restoration - but you can meander around the headstones and marvel at the exterior and amazing preservation of the walls and tombs. We never would've known it was there if it wasn't for our amazing tour guide Helen with Rabbies tours - we were lucky enough to stop here during our North Coast 500 tour. I highly recommend if you ever get the chance!

this has to have five stars because it is such a beautiful and historic place, it was one of the…read morequeen mothers homes, and when she died, they decided to open most rooms to the public, it really is worth seeing, especially the gardens, where all her own fruit and veg were grown, any excess was and still is sold to help keep the house and gardens looking good, there is also her majestys herd of highland cattle and sheep, just roaming around. this really is delightful place to see

very nice place, the Queen mother liked her drink tho lolread more