Home › Europe › Scotland › North Scotland
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Photo: Demi Taylor/halfnelson.co.uk |
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The highlight of Scotland's 'Norse Shore', this reeling right-hander nestled in the shadow of brooding battlements, is a Celtic case-study in topographic perfection. The smooth, kelp covered slab-stone reef at the mouth of 'Thor's River' condenses and converts the raw power of Arctic swells rolling into the bay - with more east in it, the wave walls, but with more west, it transforms into a dark, cavernous pit up to 100m in length. Having been spat into the channel, the gentle rip carries you back to the peak with little effort. The lip is marbled trademark brown with run-off from the peaty Caithness moorland and this influx of frigid water means that even in the summer a 4/3 is advisable and in winter, gloves, boots and hoods are essential. Likened to a cold water Nias and discovered in the same year.
-- Chris Nelson
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All tides
W, NW
3 to 10ft
SE
8
slab-stone reef
intermediate/advanced
shortboard
autumn
easy - through the farm but be respectful
small crowds
friendly/tolerant
4
3
1
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Thurso has a number of cheap and cheerful take-aways and pubs serving up everything with a side order of chips (fries). Somerfield supermarket does a good line in cheap, filling 'all day breakfasts', Central Café is the place to grab a coffee and a piece of homemade cake while Le Bistro does a good line in moderately priced evening meals.
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This is not a glamorous town and for many surfers, Sandra's Backpackers on Princes St (with dorm or double rooms, communal kitchen and internet access), is a popular choice. Open through the summer, Thurso Caravan & Camping Park has views over the reef. At the other end of the scale is The Royal Hotel on Trail Street, which sometimes offers off-season deals.
Or try
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There is a cinema and bowling alley at The All Star Factory, as well as an 18 hole golf course just to the south of Thurso. To the north lie the Orkney Isles - an archipelago consisting of more than 70 islands home to awesome Neolithic monuments including standing stones, stone circles, ancient tombs and uncovered villages. The ferry takes about one and a half hours and leaves daily from Scrabster Harbour.
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Tempest Surf Shop, Thurso Harbour.
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