Ye Olde Quarry

Get a primer in the local prehistory with a visit to the remains of the burial chamber at Cairn of Get (10 minutes’ drive), followed by the round and long tombs at Grey Cairns of Camster (20 minutes), and the Achavanich Standing Stones (25 minutes). Keep your eyes peeled for hen harriers flying overhead. Whether you’re into watersports or sightseeing, it’s worth taking a trip to Thurso (25 minutes), with the dramatic ruins of its coastal castle and the North Coast Visitor Centre, a museum displaying large stones carved with mysterious symbols by Vikings and Picts. Thurso Beach is a long stretch of sand with reliable waves for surfing. Make your way to the northernmost tip of the UK at John o’ Groats (half an hour), where you can take a picture next to the iconic sign detailing distances to places like Edinburgh and Land’s End. From there, continue west along the coast to Dunnet Head (45 minutes), where you might catch sightings of puffins and guillemots, plus grey seals.