Escape to the Wilds of Scotland's North Coast

Explore dramatic scenery and beautiful beaches from this cosy cottage

Discover Tranquillity by the Sea

Experience a relaxing holiday in our charming seaside cottage located on Scotland's picturesque north coast. The perfect way to get away from it all. Escape to the village of Bettyhill, remote yet conveniently located on the famous NC500 tourist route. Our distinctive cottage offers breathtaking views of the beautiful Torrisdale Beach and River Naver estuary. With comfortable amenities, The Captains makes an ideal base to enjoy the beautiful local area or to explore further afield. Book your stay now and indulge in a truly memorable holiday in a charmingly unique location you will want to return to time and time again.

Building & Garden

Traditional 2 bedroom white stone cottage, distinctively decorated with fishing floats, with parking space and hillside garden

The View

Breath-taking views of the sea, the River Naver and the surrounding hills. Plenty of wildlife to spot, fantastic sunsets over the sea and, occasionally, the Northern Lights

Inside

Known as The Captains, the cottage has a seaside nautical theme throughout, giving the feel of a traditional cottage with all the comforts of modern specifications

The Master Bedroom

Cosy double bedroom with two windows overlooking the River Naver

Twin Bedroom

The second bedroom is made up with two single beds with children in mind but suitable for adults too, and there are views to the river from the window.

Lounge

Open plan lounge with sofa, dining table, TV, broadband, books, games and DVDs

Kitchen

Open plan, well-equipped kitchen with modern appliances but a cottage feel. Good size fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster, microwave, oven, hob, smart speaker

Bathroom

The compact shower room is equipped with a WC, shaving point, basin, power shower and heated towel rail

Short-term Let Licence

Licence no: HI-00433-F Fully compliant to Scottish Government Short-Term Let Licencing, including EPC

Beautiful Coastline

Scotland's north coast boasts an array of beautiful beaches, ranging from creamy white sands to rocky headlands. Pack your bucket and spade for family fun on wide expanses of sand without the crowds, take your fishing nets to explore rockpools or simply enjoy a robust walk.

Nature

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this part of Scotland whether that be from The Captains doorway or with a hike through breathtaking landscapes. Choose coastal walks, mountain hikes, a riverside meander or woodland rambles. Enjoy everything this unspoilt area has to offer from native flora and rare bumble bees, to sea birds, fish and sealife.

Geology & History

This Victorian traditional crofters cottage has a story of its own to tell, whilst the landscape it stands in has geology that can be traced back as far as the turbulent PreCambrian era, over a billion years ago. Raised beaches, brochs and cairns hark back to the early era of man, and information boards tell the story of the Highland Clearances and the peak of the salmon fishing time.

The Post Office, Bettyhill

Less than 1mile away, at the top of the hill, the Post Office is 2 minute drive or 12-15 minutes on foot. Its small convenience store has all the basic food and drink essentials as well as hot pies and pasties cooked fresh daily. Open 8am to 6pm

The Store

Bar, cafe, takeaway, music venue, off-licence and part-time evening restaurant all rolled into one. Located a 3 minute drive or 18 minute walk away, taking the road to the left just after the Post Office.

The Bettyhill Hotel

Open to the public as a restaurant and bar and for takeaways, it is easy to spot at the top of the hill. Ample free parking.

Bettyhill Tourist Office & Clachan Cafe

Located at the bottom of the hill near to the church and next door to the Strathnaver Museum, the shop sells maps, books & gifts and has tourist leaflets. Clachan Café is a volunteer run cafe open 11am-3pm Monday to Friday from May to October.

Strathnaver Museum

Located inside the former parish church of Farr, it tells the fascinating story of 8000 years of human habitation in the area. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm 1st April to 31st October and Tues-Thurs 11am-3pm, 1st November to 15th Dec

Farr Bay Inn

The Farr Bay Inn is located next to Farr Beach and is open to the public as a bar and restaurant. It can be worth booking if you wish to eat there in the evening

North Coast Leisure Centre

An unexpected gem on your doorstep, this leisure facility boasts a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and well-equipped gym. Go down Munro Place to park. Check website for opening hours.

Recycling

General recycling is collected from the property. Bottles and clothing can be deposited in recycling units located 2.5 miles way just outside Bettyhill to the east

Further Afield

For supermarkets, other high street shops, more eating out options and train station, you will need to head into Thurso, 45 minutes drive away to the east. Nearest A&E and airport is in Wick, 1 hour 10 minutes drive away.

Torrisdale Beach

The beach that you can see from the window is Torrisdale Beach, a beautiful wide expanse of pale sand with unspoilt sand dunes and a shipwreck.

River Naver to Bettyhill Pier

The walk from The Captains along the banks of the River Naver to the pier is a gentle way to while away a few hours.

Farr Beach

Farr Beach is the closest and easiest beach to access and can make a nice location for a short trip out or somewhere to spend the whole day.

Kirtomy Pebbles

The small pebbly beach at Kirtomy comes alive with colours in the rain

Port Mor

If you fancy a challenging trek to a beach that people rarely get to, then Port Mor might be the place for you.

Armadale Beach

A beautiful wide expanse of pristine sand, with wide rivers, rocks, pools and sand bars.

Strathy Beach

A beautiful wide beach with dunes, river and caves.

Strathy Lighthouse

An impressive cluster of buildings out on Strathy Point, surrounded by sea and impressive rock formations.

Port Skerra

Here you will find a jetty, a rock beach, caves and some of the most impressive rockpools you will find along this coast.

Melvich Beach

The beach next to Big House, boasts orange sands, chunky rocks and waves suitable for surfing.

Borgie Forest & The Unknown

The Borgie Forest offers pleasant walks amongst the trees, wildflowers, bees and butterflies.

Skerry Harbour

A quiet harbour, stony beach and unexpected artwork.

Coldbackie

At the foot of Watch Hill, this beautiful sandy beach boasts caves, rocks and shells, and amazing view of the Kyle of Tongue.

Tongue

The village of Tongue has a post office/store, hotels, cafe and enviable views over the Kyle of Tongue and Ben Loyal.

Castle Varrich

This small ruined castle gives a focal point in the stunning landscape and the walk out to it promises spectacular views.

Kyle of Tongue Causeway

The impressive causeway across the Kyle of Tongue offers amazing views across the kyle and to the mountains beyond. An ideal place for wildlife spotting.

Melness & Skinnet Beach

On the other side of the Kyle of Tongue, Melness has amazing views both up the kyle and out to sea, whilst a walk out to Skinnet Beach makes you feel as if you are part of the Kyle itself.

Talmine

This hidden gem has a lot to offer from a quiet harbour, a campsite, rocks and rockpools, shells, and views.

Port Vasgo

A tiny pebbly beach and rocky outcrops to explore.

Achininver Beach

Off the beaten track, this impressive large sandy beach is the perfect place for a day of family fun.

Sandside Bay, Reay & Dounreay

Sandyside Bay is a well-signposted beach, easy to park and boasts fossil fish.

Forss

A small village with a tunnel of trees and a mill.

Thurso

The largest town on the North Coast of Scotland, Thurso is very much both useful and functional but also has plenty to offer tourists.

Murkle & Castletown

This part of the north coast offers wide beaches coupled with heritage and history.

Dunnet Bay & Dunnet Head

Despite the popularity and fame of John O'Groats, Dunnet Head is actually the most northerly point of mainland Britain so it is worth a visit for this reason alone, but it has plenty more to offer too.

Castle of Mey

A favourite with the Royal Family, the Castle of Mey is an interesting Castle and garden to visit, with a café and visitors' centre.

John O'Groats

The famous John O'Groats is a must-visit location along this coast

Camster Cairns

Two impressive Neolithic cairns dating from 5000 years ago.

Lybster Harbour

A picturesque harbour.

Day Trip to Orkney

From John O'Groats it is possible to get a passenger ferry to the Orkney Isles and have a day trip coach tour.

Helmsdale

A picturesque historic fishing village.

Brora

A popular beach location along the NC500 route.

Dunrobin Castle

A spectacular castle that looks like something out of a fairytale, complete with extensive gardens and falconry.

Golspie

An easy to access beach next to this small town.

Loch Fleet

A haven for nature lovers, this area offers plenty of opportunity for spotting wildlife from estuary birds and seals, to woodland wildlife.

Dornoch

Sutherland's only town, it is steeped in history from its cathedral to the old jailhouse.

Spinningdale

Woodland walks with the possibility of spotting red squirrels and a ruined mill with impressive views across the Dornoch Firth.

Bonar Bridge

An impressive bridge and an attractive picnic area with geological information

Falls of Shin

An impressive waterfall, well supported with a visitors centre.

Lairg

The Crossroads of the North, with a loch and various amenities.

The Crask

A welcome stop in the middle of nowhere.

Altnaharra

A small hamlet with a famous weather station.

Moine House

The ruins of a welcome refuge for travellers along this often bleak and remote road, now providing a focal point on the skyline, with the mountains behind.

Loch Hope

A long loch with impressive views of the mountains and historical brochs.

Loch Eriboll

Large sea loch with pleasant views as you navigate your way round.

Ceannabeinne

A beautiful beach with a zip line attraction.

Smoo Cave

An impressive cave that is well-worth a visit, and if you believe the tale, the home of a dragon.

Durness

Despite its remote location, Durness is a vibrant community with shops and even an arts and crafts centre.

Balnakeil Beach

A very long, white sand beach.

Cape Wrath & Oldshoremore

The most north-westerly point of mainland Britain is not at all easy to get to.

The Story of The Captains

Who even was the captain? Find out how this charming, nautical themed cottage got its name and how it has evolved over the years

The seaside cottage was a dream come true for our family vacation. The stunning views and cosy atmosphere made it a memorable experience. We will definitely be coming back!
Emily Thompson
Family with children

I wanted to get away from it all with this holiday and the location was perfect. Quite a different pace of life to down south but surprisingly not as isolated and remote as I feared it might be. Just enough local amenities in Bettyhill and home comforts in the cottage to meet all my needs whilst feeling like I had properly got away from the usual stresses. I couldn't have asked for a better place to unwind, tranquil surroundings and beautiful scenery.
John Roberts
Business professional

As a nature enthusiast, the location was a paradise for me. Waking up to the sound of curlews and being able to bird watch from the cottage front door was just perfect. Plenty of lovely locations to explore and I didn't get time to visit them all so I can't wait to return!
Sarah Jenkins
Nature lover

The Captains, Achina, Bettyhill, Thurso KW14 7SG, UK

If approaching Bettyhill from the south, pass the Welcome to Bettyhill sign, continue over the bridge and you will find The Captains directly at the roadside on the right half way up. If you are approaching from the east, go past The Bettyhill hotel and you will find the cottage on the left.

Visit our Google Map of favourite locations

The Captains holiday Google Map

Map

Upcoming Events

Title	Date	Day	Location
Booked - 3 guests	24 May 2024	Friday	The Captains
Booked - 2 guests	04 Jun 2024	Tuesday	The Captains
Booked - 2 guests	13 Jun 2024	Thursday	The Captains
Booked - 2 guests	20 Jun 2024	Thursday	The Captains
Booked - 1 guest	30 Jun 2024	Sunday	The Captains
Booked - 4 guests	29 Jul 2024	Monday	The Captains
Booked - 1 guest	07 Aug 2024	Wednesday	The Captains
Booked - 3 guests	17 Aug 2024	Saturday	The Captains

Past Events

Title	Date	Day	Location
Booked - 2 guests	12 May 2024	Sunday	The Captains

Escape to the Wilds of Scotland's North Coast

Explore dramatic scenery and beautiful beaches from this cosy cottage

The Cottage

Building & Garden

The View

Inside

The Master Bedroom

Twin Bedroom

Lounge

Kitchen

Bathroom

Short-term Let Licence

highlights

Beautiful Coastline

Nature

Geology & History

Local Amentities

Local Area

Tongue & Surrounding Area

Caithness

Sutherland's East Coast Round trip

sutherland's west coast

The Story of The Captains

Testimonials

Contact

Bookings

Upcoming Events

Past Events