River Thurso

The River Thurso rises in the peatlands of Caithness, near Loch Rumsdale, and for its first stretch it is called Strathmore Water. It flows east then north-east through Loch More and Loch Beg, gathering smaller burns like Glutt Water and Little River. Near the village of Halkirk it turns north, passing under railway bridges before reaching the burgh of Thurso. The river finally meets the Atlantic in Thurso Bay, where a small harbour marks its mouth. Salmon numbers here are unusually high for southern rivers, earning the Thurso a special area of conservation. The waterway supports multi sea-winter salmon, drawing anglers to its banks. Three footbridges cross the river within the burgh, while highways and railways span it at Halkirk and Westerdale. The main port for larger vessels lies just west at Scrabster. Visitors can walk the riverside paths in Thurso or follow the quiet tracks beside Loch More. The railway viaducts frame views of the valley, and the bay offers a wide Atlantic horizon. Salmon leap in season, and the peat-stained water reflects the moorland hills. The river’s clean gravel beds and steady flow make it a recognised stronghold for wild fish.