We have just launched our Official Accommodation Scheme for Orca Watch 2023 (May 27th – June 3rd). The following businesses are once again generously supporting Orca Watch, joining our Sponsorship Scheme by making a donation. If you are thinking of staying in the Orca Watch area during 2023, they will welcome you with open arms. We will publish the details of more businesses as they sign up to the scheme.
Pentland Lodge House
“Situated near the centre of Thurso, it is convenient for exploring the North Coast being about 20 miles from John O’Groats (to the East). We are delighted that guests come to sample our area and love if they linger longer so if you stay for 3 nights or more we offer a 5% discount on all double rooms.”
“Our area is beautiful and to help explore we have prepared lots of information with favourite walks and tours. We particularly like the coast, the rocks, the sea and the birds. Favourites are the Oyster Catchers along the shore and the diving Cormorants. We are very interested in promoting “Natural Tourism” such as sky-watching (& Aurora), walking, and nature watching because it’s what we like to do ourselves, hence our support for Orca Watch.”
Harrow Lodges
“Harrow lodges is situated in Mey (5 miles from John O’Groats) directly above Harrow Harbour. We have two self catering luxury lodges (one of which is pet friendly) with their own private decking and hot tub. The lodges have panoramic views overlooking the Pentland Firth and Orkney islands and is in the perfect location for relaxing and taking in the sea views and spotting the marine life. Harrow lodges would be delighted to offer a 10% discount to anyone who would like to book a stay with us during the period of Orca watch. This can be done via our email address Harrowlodges@outlook.com or our Facebook page
Harrow harbour is famous for its colony of seals and this is a favourite for ourselves and many of our guests, along with the orcas that have been spotted. The lodges have their own telescopes to aid with this.”
John O’Groats Campsite
“We are a family run caravan and camping site also with 2 self catering caravans in the heart of John O’Groats. Our Campsite has panoramic sea views of the Pentland Firth and across to the Orkney Islands. We have a well stocked campsite shop with souvenir’s, supplies, a hot drinks machine and microwave Duncansby Head is a short drive or walk away.”
“Our visitors are very lucky having had lots of sightings of Orca and bottle nosed dolphins in the past, hopefully we will be as lucky this year!”
Northern Sands Hotel
“Beautifully refurbished hotel in the idyllic village of Dunnet, situated 4 miles from the mainland’s most northerly point Dunnet Head. Northern Sands hotel is 11 miles from John O’Groats on the A9. After a busy day why not sit back and relax in Logan’s Bar with a cold drink. Book via our website or call 01847851300”
John O’Groats Guest House
Overlooking the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands, the Guest House
“We are a family run Guest House located in John O’Groats 1 mile from the the harbour with arguably the best views in the area, overlooking the Pentland Firth, ocean and Orkney’s Islands. We have 5 rooms (2 singles, 2 doubles, 1 twin double) which can sleep from 1 to 4 people, all with en-suites. We provide a quality hearty breakfast, using the best quality ingredients and local suppliers where possible along with our famous homemade pancakes. Our key goals are to provide our guests with the comfort for the best quality nights sleep along with a delicious breakfast to set them up perfectly for the day enjoying all the area has to offer.
For both of us (Adam and Leonna) our favourite animals in the area are the seals. Found along the coastline all year round we love spotting the seals along with keeping in with the local tradition of singing to them. They are such curious creatures and will always stop to see you if they catch you waving or singing. We had the pleasure, in late autumn, of having the John O’Groats coastline full of the seals and their new born pups. It was a delight being able to admire them from afar to see their transformation from fluffy white pups to them taking their first paddles in the shallows with their mums.”
The Mey Hotel
The Mey Hotel was originally built as a staging inn for mail coaches and still retains many of its original features. The hotel is situated in the village of Mey overlooking the Orkney Islands, and is less than 4 miles away from the terminal for the Pentland Ferry, who offer offering daily crossings to and from the islands.
The Mey Hotel is offering a 10% discount to volunteers staying during the period of Orca Watch.
Ferry View Camping
“Ferry View is a small, friendly, family run, eco campsite in the far north of Scotland. Open all year & just 4.5 miles from John O’Groats, the site is just off the A836 at Gills Bay, between Thurso and John O’Groats. On site we have:
- Hardstanding and a generous grass area on all motorhome / campervan pitches;
- Large, all grass tent pitches;
- The Den, our stunning glamping pod;
- Electric Hook Up available on all pitches;
- Motorhome waste and water points (for those on site and passing through);
- Showers and toilets on site (available to those not staying on site between 10am & 5om);
- Communal outdoor games area with giant jenga, swingball and more;
- Woodland walk (watch out for the fairies!);
- Viewing Point with views over the Pentland Firth;
- On site takeaway – Mr Eddy’s, for those on site and passing through (re-opening 6th March 2023);
- Converted bus for sitting, eating, relaxing or playing board games (we even have Highlands and Islands Monopoly!)
- ;Communal firepit area.
Vikki’s personal favourite wildlife species is the Puffin – she is Puffin mad and just adores everything about them.”
