To explore the wildlife of Caithness fully would take several days. There are many opportunities to see birds, peatlands, sea cliffs and a wide range of other wildlife.

The county offers many unique and unspoiled places to visit and observe the natural landscape and it inhabitants

Going with the Flow

THE peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland are one of Scotland’s natural treasures. Truly unique, they form one of the largest single expanses of blanket bog found anywhere in the world – and right at the heart of it is RSPB Scotland’s Forsinard Peatlands Nature Reserve.

Sometimes referred to as the Flow Country, the habitat itself is a sight to behold. The rolling moor is studded with shining bog pools know as dubh lochans in Gaelic, where the pretty bogbean flowers bloom in spring. The peatlands themselves are covered in a Persian carpet of bog mosses and lichens, with the beautifully-scented bog myrtle on drier areas and carnivorous plants such as sundew and butterwort just waiting to attract passing insects.

Stroll along to the sea-stacks

WITH spectacular scenery, superb seabird colonies and bracing sea air, the coastal walk from John O’Groats to Duncansby Head is an unforgettable outing.

Two Caithness flagstone markers indicate the start of the route between the back of the Last House and the First and Last shop by the harbour pier.

Follow the path along the foreshore, with the uninhabited island of Stroma just across the firth, and the low-lying Orkney Islands beyond. Keep a lookout for seals and eider ducks as you go.

The path continues to a burn where, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an otter. Over a stile and beyond a burn bridge lies Robert’s Haven, a beach leading on to the Ness of Duncansby.

The best route is along the top of the beach – but remember to look out for "Groatie buckies", small cowrie shells once used as a currency. Round the ness lie the white sands of Sannick Bay, and from here there is a climb to the Duncansby Head lighthouse car park – the famous Stacks of Duncansby rise up from the sea over to your right.