Wildlife & Other Activities

Watten is the ideal place from which to explore the county of Caithness, and enjoy a range of outdoor activities. From The Brown Trout Hotel in Watten you have easy  access to the Towns of Wick & Thurso either by car or the use of public transport. Visitors to the area can either relax or take a stroll along one of many beaches on the Caithness coastline. With water on the north and east of the county, Caithness has a long coastline and the sea has had a significant impact in its history, economy and outlook of its people.

Mainly rugged cliffs but with beautiful beaches made up variously of sand, shingle and rock. Many small coves and harbours abound on the coast often tucked away out of sight at the end of small twisty single track roads. Most can be visited by car and a few are just a short walk over a field. The coastal views are spectacular and teaming with birds especially in the spring.

Some of the Wildlife you can expect to see out and about in Caithness.

The habitat around supports many species of birds from osprey, buzzards, oyster catcher, curlew, greylay geese, razorbills, guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, shags and cormorants.

The various animals you can see in the waters around Caithness include orca, basking sharks, porpoise, seals and dolphins.

Other Sports/activities in Caithness

Golf

Caithness has some fine golf courses available. 

Lybster Golf Club is about 20 miles from the hotel – Tel: 01593 721 486

Reay Golf Club 11 miles west of Thurso – Tel: 01847 811288

Thurso Golf Club has a parkland location two miles outside the town – Tel: 01847 893807

Wick Golf Club situated just outside Wick at Reiss. – Tel: 01955 602726

Horse Riding

Achalone Activities, the only BHS approved riding school in the far North of Scotland. Located in Caithness and established in 1989, this family owned and operated business has been providing horse riding for all ages and riding abilities for almost 20 years. Ask at the hotel or visit  Achalone Activities

Shooting

Shooting is available around the area please ask at reception for further details or contact C H Haygarth & Sons

Surfing

Thurso holds one of the best surfing locations it is a far cry from Australia’s Bondi Beach or Hawaii but that hasn’t stopped Thurso having some of the best waves in Europe.  Some world’s leading surfers have enjoyed surfing at Thurso and this year saw the launch of the local Wave North Festival and tying in with the Cold Water Classic back in April 2011.

Walking

Caithness has some beautiful coastlines and countryside to explore if you like walking see Walkhighlands for a selection of walks available.