Caithness, Scotland

Thurso

Slab

The spot

Thurso east, on quite a tame day

World-renowned spot, but really not for its looks.

For the slab/reef lineups here, I would only really recommend it for experienced surfers. For beginners, check out the Thurso Beach lineup, or even nearby Dunnet Bay for something a little more forgiving.

Lineups

Thurso East (main)

Slab

This is the main line up when people think of "Thurso East". When it's firing, it holds one of the most iconic waves in all of Scotland. Tends to hold a ton of swell, and the formation of the flagstone ledges causes very consistent barrelling.

Park up behind the farm building and it's short walk down on the slab to the lineup. It's often times confusing, as the farm lane doesn't really give away that it's a popular surf spot. You'll know you're onto the right area by some of the stickers pasted onto the street signs.

Showers are also seemingly open to the public, courtesy of the North Shore Surf Club.

Open location

Shit Pipe

Reef break

Apparently it got it's name from an old sewage pipe that used to run through it, but not any more.

To get to these lineups, the best option is just [parking at the harbour](58.598508553724955, -3.5141278366084894) itself, and launching in from the river slipway or off from the north rocks.

As with Thurso East, I'd only really recommend for experts, and beginners should look to the beach break instead.

Open location

Thurso Beach

Beach break

The most forgiving and beginner friendly lineup compared to it's dangerous siblings. Tends to be overlooked due to the popularity of the other two spots, but this is your best bet if you're learning and don't want to seriously injure yourself on rock reefs.

No particular lineup, just check out where the peaks are during the day and try it out.

Open location

Photos

1 photo
  • From the pier, looking at "Shit Pipe" · 13 April 2026

Amenities

  • Toilets
  • Showers

Getting there

Nearby spots

Dunnet BayBeach break
9.1 km