Halkirk – a River Stroll and a Dram by the Galleon Fireplace
A few hours.
The route
Halkirk is a quiet planned village on the River Thurso, one of Scotland's great salmon rivers, and the Ulbster Arms, its corner turret dated 1878, is the anglers' hotel beside its bridge.
Take a stroll along the riverbank from the door, then settle into the Lounge Bar, where a fireplace carved from a Dutch galleon warms the booths and the whisky shelf leans on Caithness's own distilleries. Dogs are welcome in the lower part of the bar, so it suits a walk with the dog and a pint after.
Before you go
Book accommodation nearby
If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.
The nearest of ours is House of the Northern Gate, 9 miles away. Sleeps 18.
Book supper at The Ulbster Arms, Halkirk
Book a table for supper at The Ulbster Arms, Halkirk on 01847 831641; it's served every day from 4pm to 8.30pm, and the dog can only join you in the lower part of the Lounge Bar.
The day
Halkirk
A short walk by the river while the light lasts, then a seat by the fire and supper in an old sporting hotel.
About two and a half hoursAbout 1.5 miles on foot
The Ulbster Arms, Halkirk
A drink
The Ulbster Arms stands on Bridge Street in Halkirk, beside the bridge over the River Thurso, and there's free parking at the hotel. Start with the river: walks along the bank begin at the hotel's door, and the hotel describes circular ones, so ask at the bar which suits the light and the dog. Then come in to the Lounge Bar, open from 11am until late, with booth seats and a carved fireplace salvaged from a Dutch galleon, and a fire lit in autumn and winter. There are cask ales, Old Pulteney and Wolfburn whisky from up the road, and gin from Dunnet Bay and North Point. Supper is served every day from 4pm to 8.30pm: book a table on 01847 831641. Children are welcome in the bar, and so are dogs on a lead in its lower part. From November to February the light is gone by mid-afternoon, so walk first.
If it rains
The bar and supper are by the fire; on a wet night keep the riverside walk short, or sit in the library, which has its own open fire.
Where to stay
