North Coast
Highland Whisky Tour
Experience the spirit of Scotland’s Far North with our exclusive North Coast Highland Whisky Tour, crafted for travellers exploring the northeast Highlands and the most remote reaches of the North Coast 500.
This bespoke tour is designed for guests staying along the scenic route between Dornoch and Bettyhill, including Golspie, Brora, Helmsdale, Lybster, Dunbeath, Wick, Thurso, and nearby areas. It offers a rare opportunity to explore the rich whisky heritage of Caithness in comfort and style.
With privileged access and local expertise, we guide you through a handpicked selection of northern distilleries. Highlights include the maritime character of Old Pulteney in Wick, the northern craftsmanship of Wolfburn, the contemporary edge of 8 Doors, and the bold spirit of North Point Distillery. Each visit reveals a unique flavour of the north’s whisky tradition, set against the dramatic landscapes of Scotland’s coastal Highlands.
There is time for up to five thoughtfully planned experiences in a day, including distilleries, scenic stops, and hidden local gems. Your itinerary will be tailored to your preferences, your pace, and your base location. Whether you are staying in Caithness or travelling the north coast as part of a wider adventure, this tour offers a truly memorable and personal whisky experience in one of Scotland’s most captivating regions.
Distilleries along the route:
Each potential stop on our North Coast Highland Whisky Tour offers a unique glimpse into the spirit, innovation, and resilience of Scotland’s Far North whisky scene.
At Old Pulteney in Wick, you'll encounter one of the most iconic coastal distilleries in Scotland, where sea spray and maritime air shape a truly distinctive spirit.
“Our distillery sits near Wick’s historic harbour, where Old Pulteney has been crafted since 1826. Once inaccessible by land, our whisky was shipped out by sea - a heritage still captured in every drop. Known as ‘The Maritime Malt,’ Old Pulteney offers briny, honeyed notes with a smooth, coastal character unlike any other.”
Wolfburn, located in Thurso and now the northernmost mainland whisky distillery in Scotland, brings tradition and craftsmanship to the edge of the Atlantic.
“Our distillery was rebuilt in 2013, just a short distance from the original 1821 site. We use traditional hand-made processes to craft whisky slowly and naturally, with no rush and no shortcuts. Every expression is smooth, bold, and characterful - the product of time, patience, and care.”
At 8 Doors Distillery in John O’Groats, innovation meets authenticity at one of the newest and most northerly distilleries in the UK.
“Inspired by the myths, weather, and remote beauty of Caithness, 8 Doors Distillery was born from a passion to bring whisky back to John O’Groats. Our small-batch spirits reflect the raw power of the land and sea - robust, complex, and deeply rooted in place.”
North Point Distillery, located near Forss on the rugged north coast, produces not only whisky but also award-winning rum and gin - all with sustainability and community at their heart.
“North Point is a carbon-conscious, locally driven distillery set on the edge of Scotland’s wildest coast. We create Highland-style spirits that honour traditional values while embracing modern flavour and innovation. Our cask-aged spirits are bold, warming, and full of Highland soul.”
With each carefully chosen destination, you’ll experience a new chapter in the story of northern Highland whisky - from legacy distilleries to bold new ventures. As always, we tailor each tour to your preferences, ensuring a perfectly paced day filled with character, flavour, and unforgettable Highland hospitality.
Alternative Stops and Points of Interest
While whisky is at the heart of this tour, the North Coast offers so much more. If you're looking to diversify your experience, we can include a range of exceptional alternative stops, including craft gin distilleries, scenic wonders, and historic landmarks — all tailored to your pace and preferences.
Dunnet Bay Distillers, creators of the award-winning Rock Rose Gin, offer a premium gin tasting experience on the north coast near Dunnet Head.
Known for their beautifully packaged gins and handcrafted spirits, Dunnet Bay uses locally foraged botanicals and a slow distillation process to create expressions full of Highland coastal character. Their visitor experience is warm, relaxed, and perfect for gin lovers or those curious to try something new.
Ice & Fire Distillery, located near Latheron, is a family-run micro-distillery producing small-batch Highland spirits.
From wild heather-infused gin to unique liqueurs and whisky-in-progress, Ice & Fire takes inspiration from ancient Gaelic legends and the untamed northern landscape. It's a true taste of Caithness craft and creativity, nestled in a peaceful rural setting.
For guests interested in history, photography, or simply soaking in the northern atmosphere, we’re happy to include a number of remarkable cultural and natural points of interest along the route.
Whaligoe Steps: A dramatic man-made stairway of over 330 steps carved into a steep cliffside, once used by fisherwomen hauling catches from the harbour below. The view from the top is simply unforgettable.
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe: Perched on a windswept cliff near Wick, this ruined 15th-century stronghold offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Scotland’s turbulent clan history, with breathtaking views over Sinclair Bay.
Iron Age Brochs and Cairns: The region is scattered with ancient sites, including the impressive Nybeag Broch, Cairn Liath, and Achvarasdal Woods, where you can walk among the remnants of prehistoric life and absorb the deep time of the Highland landscape.
These stops can be built into your itinerary as desired - whether for a moment of scenic reflection between tastings or as a central focus of your day. As always, we design every tour to reflect your interests, allowing you to experience the full richness of the North Coast Highland journey.
Ready to book?
When choosing your tour on our booking page, simply select "Highland Whisky Tour", then choose "North Coast Highland Tour" from the drop-down menu to ensure we tailor the day to your northern location.
We’d be delighted to help craft a tour that’s perfect for you.
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Visiting up to 5 distilleries
Bottles of water
Snacks
Private whisky tasting
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Any meals (Lunch etc)
Entry fees
Tastings within distilleries
(I can offer discounts where applicable)