Caithness has often been described as "The Lowlands beyond the Highlands". "Spectacular" is the best description of the coastline where high craggy cliffs alternate with peaceful harbours. Along the coast are a number of Heritage Centres which tell the story of these Northlands, of the local Clans and of the Viking influence.

Dunbeath Heritage Centre portrays early settlers, crofting, fishing and the life of writer Neil Gunn. Laidhay Croft Museum brings the farming past to life, while, further north, clan history is portrayed in the Clan Gunn Museum by Latheron.

A variety of early archaeological sites, particularly between Latheron and Wick, include excellent examples such as the Grey Cairns of Camster, while north of Wick, the Northlands Viking Centre reveals the Scandinavian influences.

Wick and Thurso are the two main centres of the area, both with a good selection of High Street shops. There's also Wick Heritage Museum, telling the story of this 19th-century herring "boom town".

For examples of two contrasting lifestyles, you can also visit the Castle of Mey, Caithness home of the late Queen Mother, or, alternatively, Mary-Ann's Cottage, showing how successive generations of a crofting family lived and worked.

The coast between Wick and Thurso is spectacular and includes, near John O' Groats, the Duncansby Stacks, as well as Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on the British mainland. All of which provide stunning views of the Orkney Islands.

The county also offers plenty outdoor activities. Water sports and sea angling, hill walking, bird watching, boat charter, wildlife cruises, golf, fishing are just some of the activities on offer here. Caithness really is a spectacular county with a special atmosphere of its own.