Keiss Castle

About Keiss Castle

Keiss Castle is a striking 16th-century tower house ruin dramatically positioned on the clifftop above Keiss beach on the Caithness coast. The roofless tower stands adjacent to the later Keiss House (18th century, still occupied) creating an interesting architectural pairing of old ruin and successor building. The ruin is easily visible from the beach below and from the road through the village. The castle was a Sinclair family stronghold and forms part of the extraordinary concentration of castle ruins on this stretch of the Caithness coast.

Highlights

16th-century tower house ruin

Clifftop above Keiss beach

Views north to John o'Groats

Adjacent new Keiss House (18th century)

Easy beach access

🚐 Motorhome Tip Limited parking in Keiss village — not suitable for large motorhomes. Park carefully and walk to the beach for the best views of the castle above. Combine with a visit to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe (8 miles south near Wick) — the finest of the Caithness coastal castle ruins.

Getting There

On the A99 between John o'Groats and Wick. Turn into Keiss village. Castle is visible from the beach.

Best Time to Visit

Year round. Best photographed at low tide from the beach below.

Nearby Attractions

Map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Quick Facts

Region Caithness

Type 🏰 Castle

Duration 20 minutes

Admission 🆓 Free

For MH ⚠️ Check access

NC500 Mile ~342

OS Grid ND 350 609

Directions Open in Google Maps →

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