ACTIVITIES IN JOHN O GROATS

Transcription

1 ACTIVITIES IN JOHN O GROATS

2 Air Extreme Bike Hire Bumble Bee Sanctuary Caithness Seacoast Ltd Caithness Wildlife Tours Castle of Mey Clay Pigeon Shooting Duncansby Stacks & Sea Cliffs Dunnet Forest Dunnet Head -Beach & Centre Geo Caching Gold Panning Golf at Wick Golf Club Guided Loch & River Fishing Horse Riding Old Pulteney Distillery Orkney Day Tours Puffin Croft Sea Angling Whisky Tasting CONTENTS Wild Brown Trout Loch & River Fishing

3 AIR EXTREME The most Northerly Ropes Course in the UK! Directions: Air Extreme is open for bookings every day, and open to all, 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and right through the weekend. Each session can take a maximum number of 10 people, this may be made up from smaller groups. Booking is advised, but if we have space on sessions when you arrive, we will fit you in. Please note that this is an outdoor, weather dependent activity and cannot operate in certain weather conditions, such as high wind. In these circumstances, groups will be contacted and given the option to move their booking. As well as offering a high flying experience, Air Extreme has now opened a Zorb Ramp to add to the thrills and spills on of designed motivate, build relationships, improve communication and build your team! 5 per person Tel: or pop in to see us! Gauze cottage, Gills bay, Canisbay, Wick From John O Groats, head towards Thurso. Signpost for Air Extreme is on the left just after the Gills Bay Ferry.k

4 BIKE HIRE Take in the amazing sights of John O Groats and discover the beauty it holds. From cliffs overlooking Stroma to the spectacular Duncansby Stacks. For the keen explorer why not combine with Geo caching for the ultimate Scottish bike experience! 25 per day (deposit for full cost of bike if non resident) 20 for extra days and 125 for the week. a member of the team in The Storehouse for details or call

5 CAITHNESS SEACOAST LTD Join the Geo Explorer in nearby Wick for an exciting tour of the East Caithness coastline. Exploring caves, Whaligoe Haven, castles, geos, natural arches and much more. Don't forget your camera as you witness close up views of seasonal nesting birds and marine wildlife with an informative commentary throughout. Family friendly seating for up to 12 passengers. Fitted with twin outboard engines for additional safety. Cruising at up to 30 knots when sea conditions permit. Sailing times are very flexible depending on demand. 90 minute tours: Adults 30/Children Under minute mini tour: Adults 19/Children Under minute leisurely harbour cruise: Adults 10/Children Under 16 7 Address: Caithness Seacoast South Quay, Wick Harbour, Wick, Caithness, KW1 5HA, Scotland Telephone: Office: Mobile: enquiries@caithness-seacoast.co.uk Website:

6 BUMBLEBEE SANCTUARY Natural Retreats in partnership with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and the Countryside Rangers are trying to preserve and grow the numbers of the near extinct Great Yellow Bumblebee. Bees are often perceived as dangerous however this couldn t be further from the truth. Come along and view the sanctuary we have created and support the regeneration of these beautiful species. Free On site

7 CAITHNESS WILDLIFE TOURS Full Day Tours for Natural Retreats

8 DISCOVER CAITHNESS Wildlife, coastal scenery and Historic Sites Natural Retreats is delighted to offer guests a choice of day trips with Caithness Wildlife Tours. Bespoke excursions and half-day tours are also available. Price for a full-day tour is 140 per person for two people including lunch at The Storehouse John O Groats (soup, sandwich, and tea/coffee). Price for each extra person is 40. Directions: a member of the team in The Storehouse for details or call Picking up at Natural Retreats at 9 am. Dunnet Beach (beach and rocks at the eastern end), Dunnet Head, Ham Mill pond, Harrow Harbour, Duncansby Head. Lunch break at John O Groats. Travelling down the east coast passing Freswick Castle, stopping at the Broch Centre and Nybster Broch, passing Keiss Castle and Ackergill Tower, stopping at Castle Sinclair Girnigoe or Camster Cairns (guests choice). Returning to Natural Retreats 4 to 5 pm. OR Picking up at Natural Retreats at 9 am. Dunnet Beach (beach and rocks at the eastern end), Dunnet Head, Ham Mill pond, Harrow Harbour, Duncansby Head. Lunch break at John O Groats. Travelling down the east coast passing Freswick Castle, stopping at the Broch Centre and Nybster Broch, passing Keiss Castle and Ackergill Tower, stopping at Castle Sinclair Girnigoe or Camster Cairns (guests choice). Returning to Natural Retreats 4 to 5 pm. Tour can be personalised to suit your needs.

9 ANCIENT CAITHNESS Historic Sites Directions: Price for a full-day tour is 130 per person for two people lunch at Whaligoe Steps Cafe or Mackays Hotel is not included Price for each extra person is 40. Picking up at Natural Retreats at 9 am. Travelling down the east coast passing Freswick Castle, stopping at the Broch Centre and Nybster Broch, passing Keiss Castle and Ackergill Tower, stopping at Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. Lunch break at Whaligoe Steps Cafe (Thursday - Sunday), or Mackays Hotel in Wick (Monday - Wednesday). Stopping at Whaligoe Steps, Hill O Many Stanes, Camster Cairns, Dunbeath Castle Gardens (prior notice required) Returning to Natural Retreats 4 to 5 pm. Tour can be personalised to suit your needs. Booking and Payment: Guests will book their tour and pay Natural Retreats, with the finer details of each tour to be organised by CWT and the guests. Booking Terms To confirm booking a deposit of 140 is required with the balance falling due 3 months prior to your tour date. To confirm bookings within 28 days of the tour date, the full balance is required. Cancellation up to 28 days prior to your tour is eligible for a full refund. Cancellation between 15 and 27 days prior to your tour is eligible for a 50% refund of the tour price. Cancellation between 1 and 14 days prior to your tour then the refund will be 20%. No refund if you cancel your tour on the day. Should your tour be cancelled by the tour guide you will receive a full refund. Other tour options/add-ons: North Coast Tour and Coast to Coast Tour combined (see CWT website). Puffin Tours May to July (see CWT website). Visits to the bird hide at St John s Loch for keen birders/photographers. Trips to the Flow Country (Forsinard and beyond). Red Deer Rut Tours in October. Seal Tours in November (Grey Seal pupping season

10 CASTLE OF MEY Normal opening times for The Castle and Gardens of Mey will be from 7 th May to 30 September 2014 inclusive but will be closed from 29th July to 12th August inclusive, although the closure dates may be subject to change, please check their website for updates. The castle is open every day from am until last admission at 4.00 pm. The visitor centre, tearoom, shop, grounds and animal centre are open every day during the normal season from am until 5.00 pm. Castle, Gardens & Grounds: Adult - 11 Senior Child Family - 29 Garden and Grounds Only 6.50 Family - 19 Directions: Shirley Farquhar shirelyfarquhar@castleofmey.org.uk The Castle of Mey is located on the north coast of Caithness in the very north of Scotland, on the A836 in the parish of Canisbay, about 15 miles east of Thurso and six miles west of John O'Groats. Postcode: KW14 8XH

11 CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING Caithness Clays located on a family farm is the ideal place to try clay pigeon shooting for the first time, or to rekindle the interest! Clay pigeons for everyone from the age of 12 upwards. (Any children from the age must be accompanied by at least one adult) Cater for all sizes of groups from one person upwards. Provide all equipment to allow people to shoot including PPE. Provide Clays tailored to suit the complete novice to the most experienced. No experience necessary We operate evenings from 6.30pm in the late spring through to early autumn and available for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 24hours notice required for pre booking. Suitable clothing for weather conditions with good comfortable shoes. Cost for a round of 25 clays including a box of cartridges, gun and PPE each incl VAT csgs.gordy@btinternet.com Telephone: Mobile: Web: From the A9 at Spittal, take a left turn towards Westerdale, following signs for Achannaras Quarry.

12 DUNCANSBY STACKS & SEA CLIFFS Walk or drive The walk starts at the harbour. Follow the path along the foreshore looking out for Seals, Eider Ducks with their chicks in mid-season,or a host of other sea birds. The path rises up and continues along the top of the bank through two Kissing Gates to a burn frequented by Otters but rarely seen. Over a style, across the burn bridge and you are at Roberts Haven a sandy beach which leads you to the Ness of Duncansby. This is open common grazing, and the best route is along the top of the beach head but do not forget to look out for Groatie Buckies, a small cowrie shell once used as a currency. Round the Ness you come to Sannick Bay, from here there is a climb to Duncansby Head Lighthouse car park. You can now see the Stacks to your right. Follow the fenced cliff edge round to the Stacks and marvel at the numerous seabirds that nest during the breeding season. You can return via the road from the lighthouse, or the way you came. Alternatively, you can drive to the Duncansby Lighthouse Car park and enjoy the walk along the cliff tops and to Duncansby Stacks.

13 DUNNET FOREST Just 8 miles west from John O Groats go and explore the beautiful 8 miles of Dunnet Forest. It is the Highest Forest above sea level in the mainland UK. A variety of walks suitable for all ages. They include two signpost walks - red is 1 mile, yellow is 2.2 miles Dunnet Forest is great for that family picnic and ideally located next to Dunnet beach which is well known for its brilliant surf and views. Throughout the season (April-September) there are various guided walks Free

14 DUNNET HEAD Visit the most Northerly Point on the UK Mainland Dunnet Head is the most northerly point on the UK mainland. It is Caithness in miniature. Being at 58 degrees north, geographically it is the most northerly point on the UK mainland. Historically it is very important as the very pinnacle of Dunnet Head, Easter Head, was a WWII radar station and nearby Burifa Hill was a Gee station. There is an abundance of wildlife and birdlife. some great places to walk, cycle and horse ride, and generally become one with nature. Visit the Seadrift Visitor Centre and enjoy educational and fun Guided Walks with the Caithness & Sutherland Countryside Rangers Dunnet Head Webpage: Seadrift Centre: /visitor_centres/4 Caithness Rangers Guided Walks: Paul Castle, North Sutherland and North Caithness Countryside Ranger Tel: paul.castle@highland.gov.uk Events calendar:

15 GEO CACHING Geocaching is a real world treasure hunting game where using GPSenabled devices you try to located hidden containers called geocaches with prizes and information about the location. Places to discover include: Scotland s Haven where over 100 seals can gather throughout the year Hidden abandoned piers, slipways and old fishing ports Shell beach which has to be seen to be believed! Pick up a device today and begin the hunt 10 a day (per unit) 100 deposit (non-residents) staff in The Storehouse

16 GOLD PANNING Search for that big gold rock that will make you rich! The Kildonan Burn contains small fleks of gold making it a ideal spot for a family day out. Recommended for children 5 years and over with all panning equipment available to hire or buy from the Strath Ullie Crafts & Visitor Information Centre in Helmsdale. 5 for hire of equipment (paid upon arrival at Helmsdale) Equipment includes gold panning outfit, gold pan, riddle, trowel, instruction leaflet and most importantly a canister for findings. Telephone

17 GOLF Take a relaxing round in at Wick Golf Club, the Oldest Established Golf Club in the Highlands. The course is a traditional 18 hole Links layout consisting 9 holes out and 9 back to the clubhouse. The Fairways are generous and fast running, with firm and true links greens. The course is playable all year round with rarely any winter tees or greens in operation so it's always a fair test of your game. Green Fees: Adult - 25 per round Junior - 10 Trolley Hire - 2 Club Hire - 5 Directions wickgolfclub@hotmail.com Located 2 miles outside of Wick alongside Reiss Beach. Postcode: KW1 4RW

18 GUIDED LOCH & RIVER FISHING Join us on the lochs of Caithness & Sutherland for an 8 hour guided Trout & Salmon fishing trip. We ll collect you by Landrover from The Storehouse at either 8am for day fishing or 6.45pm for night fishing. 100 per person includes 8 hours fishing and use of rods and bait a member of the team in The Storehouse for details or call

19 Directions: HORSE RIDING Achalone Activities Suitable for beginners and experience riders alike, explore Caithness from a different perspective and receive professional tuition. Marion Bain enquiries@achaloneactivities.co.uk Located in Halkirk on a family run farm. Postcode: KW12 6XA

20 OLD PULTENEY DISTILLERY TOUR Opening Times: Built in 1826, the Pulteney Distillery is rich in history and atmosphere. The fascinating history is brought to life in the Pulteney visitor centre. The tour offers a behind the scenes look at how the famous malt is distilled and bottled. A must for whiskey connoisseur s! Only suitable for persons aged 18 and above. October to April Mon Fri: 10am 4pm Tour Times: 11am and 2pm (or by prior arrangement) May to September Mon Fri: 10am 5pm, Sat: 10am 4pm Tour Times: 11am and 2pm (or by prior arrangement) The distillery silent season (annual maintenance period) takes place during July and August. There will be disruptions to tours during the period please call in advance for up to date information. The Pulteney Tour 6 per person Includes 2.50 off 70cl bottle Old Pulteney Single Malt) Approx. 1 Hour The Pulteney Tour with Additional Expressions per person Includes an additional dram of Old Pulteney 17yo and 21yo whisky at the end of the tour Approx. 1 hour

21 The Manager's Masterclass Tour 45 per person Tour and Masterclass by Distillery Manager MUST be booked in advance Tasting of 5 Old Pulteney whiskies specially selected by the Distillery Manager Approx. 2 hours for tour and tasting Directions onlineshop@interbevgroup.com Located in the town of Wick off the main street Francis Street and to the South of Wick Harbour. The distillery is accompanied by the eye catching Pulteney Visitor Centre Postcode: KW1 5BA

22 ORKNEY DAY TOURS Just a 40 minute crossing to Orkney, take in the spectacular Pentland Firth on the crossing then enjoy the history and iconic tourist spots on the famous Isle. A coach will be waiting for you on your arrival and stop off at 8 popular spots including Skara Brae (stoneage village), Stromness, Kirkwall, and the iconic Italian Chapel. MAXI DAY TOUR 1 May to 30 Sept 2016 Every Day from John O'Groats 9am Price 55, under 16 yrs half price, under 5 yrs free Ticket includes ferry crossings and coach tour Family Ticket adults & 2 children Admission to Skara Brae and your lunch are an additional cost. Packed Lunch available from The Storehouse Café please book by 6pm the night before your trip. HIGHLIGHTS DAY TOUR 1 June to 31 Aug 2016 Every Day from John O'Groats 10.30am Price 51, under 16 yrs. ONLY 16 (in family groups), under 5 yrs free Ticket includes ferry crossings and coach tour Family Ticket adults & 2 children The tour is similar to the Maxi Day Tour but does not visit Stromness, some stops are shorter and there is about 1 hour in Kirkwall.

23 WILDLIFE CRUISES 20 June to 31 August 2016 Every Day from John O'Groats at 2.30pm No booking necessary. Just turn up by 2.15pm & pay at the Ferry Office in John O'Groats. Enjoy one of our spectacular 90 minute afternoon cruises this summer. Pass rugged cliff scenery and see arctic skuas, storm petrels, colonies of guillemots, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, atlantic grey seals and much more! Price 18, children under 16 yrs half price, under 5 yrs free. Family Ticket 45-2 adults & 2 children Family Ticket 50-2 adults & 3 children Suitable for groups - large or small - capacity 250 passengers. Sit on deck or in covered saloon. The particular route for the cruise will depend on the prevailing tide and weather conditions, however the two main routes are: Cruise through the Pentland Firth past Duncansby Head lighthouse passing close to sheer 200 ft high clifs teeming with sea birds followed by a close up view of the famous Stacks of Duncansby. Cross the inner sound of the Pentland Firth for a close up view of the uninhabited Island of Stroma and colonies of Atlantic Grey Seals. View the various cliffs and birds of Stroma. Birdlife can be seen on all our cruises however some have distinct breeding cycles and after their particular nesting season will travel far out to sea. For example Puffins will be seen in large numbers in June and July but in much smaller numbers in August. You may be lucky enough to see some killer whales. Plenty sightings last June. Check out our Facebook for pictures. Ferry Office

24 PUFFIN CROFT FARM Farm shop and petting zoo Located in the centre of John O Groats village by the Post Office and Shop. At Puffin Croft Farm and Shop you can see the animals (weather permitting) and browse in the shop which sells home grown produce and great home baking as well as eggs, sausages and all the thing you would expect in a farm shop and more. You can also buy a wide variety of plants grown in Caithness and already hardened for the local climate. Opening Times: Mon Sun 10am 6pm Tel:

25 SEA ANGLING Experience the thrill of sea angling, aboard a well-equipped vessel with all equipment you require to reel in that big catch! Enjoy four hours in the open sea, fishing for your dinner and creating a memory you will never forget. 25 per person (min 4 persons) includes 4 hours fishing and use of rods and bait Calum or James at info@wickseafishing.co.uk

26 WHISKY TASTING Seaview Hotel, John O Groats Enjoy a selection of the finest malts Scotland has to offer, under the expert knowledge of a member of the Seaview s team. All the staff taking the sessions have Scottish Whisky Heritage Centre passes making these tasting sessions as authentic and enjoyable as possible Each session lasts 45 minutes with 5 malts sampled per person. Only suitable for persons aged 18 and above. 20 per person or larger parties by arrangement Andrew Mowat or

27 WILD BROWN TROUT LOCH FISHING Hire a boat on Lochs Watten, St Johns & Toftingall. Expert advice from Hugo Ross in Wick On application Hugo Ross: