4 Day Luxury Beginner Surf Weekend in the North Coast of Scotland, UK
Surf and Restoration Weekend Scotland
Stay at the House of the Northern Gate, perched above the Atlantic, for this long-weekend surf retreat- combining guided surf lessons with the deep recovery of a private sauna. We'll have exclusive use of the beautifully appointed estate house, overlooking a secluded beach, the North Atlantic and the waves of Dunnet bay. Expect expert coaching, immersive restoration and unhurried time in one of Scotland's most peaceful and uncrowded coastal settings. This unsung corner of the earth is the perfect place to escape the madness, feel the salt spray, and have an adventure. Bring a friend, partner, group, or yourself to have a guaranteed good time!
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- 3 guided surf sessions with expert in-water coaching
- In-water coaching and video analysis to refine technique
- Wood-fired sauna, whisky-barrel cold plunges, and heated barrel baths
- Time to explore the private estate and Peedie Sands beach
- Wetsuit and surfboard rental included
- 3 nights luxury accommodation at the House of the Northern Gate
- 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and packed lunches included
- Suitable for total beginner to early intermediate surfer
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Types
3 days with instruction in English
Accommodation
Facilities
- Gym
- Table tennis
- Dining area
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Lobby
- Lounge
- Smoke-free property
- Yoga studio
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
- Library
- Meeting room
At the very edge of the North Atlantic, the House of the Northern Gate offers a rare kind of luxury — space, comfort, and a front-row view of the sea. We will have exclusive use of this beautiful house which includes lots of cosy shared spaces such as a library, games room, movie room and living room with a wood burning stove. The house looks out across moorland, clear water, secluded sandy beaches, surf breaks, remote islands, and the open North Atlantic. Share a twin bedroom or enjoy a double to yourself, either way, you will get all the sea view you need to inspire you to jump straight into the ocean.
Program
Friday: Arrival and settle in
Arrive Friday afternoon and get comfortable at the House of the Northern Gate. Spend time exploring the private estate and the secluded beach at Peedie Sands, unwind after travel, and take in the coastline. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner, meet the group and get an overview of the weekend and upcoming surf conditions.
Please note: Check-in at the House is from 3:00 pm. If your travel plans mean a later arrival, you’re welcome to arrive anytime in the evening.
Saturday: Surf and Recover
Each day begins with a nourishing breakfast, with sandwich-making available so you can prepare lunch to take to the beach. You'll then head out for a friendly surf session focused on confidence, wave count, and enjoyment. Coaches are in the water with you, offering supportive 1-1 guidance throughout, whether that's helping you into your first wave or working on the next steps.
Mid-afternoon is all about recovery: with a wood-fired sauna session, whisky-barrel cold plunges, and heated barrel baths overlooking the sea. The day ends with a tasty group dinner. Meals are locally sourced and lovingly prepared by our talented chef.
Sunday: Technique and Flow
After breakfast, you'll head out for a surf lesson to the beach with the best waves on the day- this could be just down the road to Dunnet beach or further West along the coast to one of the many other beautiful beaches. This session includes beach-based filming to help you better understand your technique and movement on the wave. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to explore the area, join a guided stretching session, an optional massage, or an optional sauna and barrel session. After another delicious dinner, take part in a guided video analysis session, breaking down surf footage to highlight strengths and the clear next steps for progression.
Monday: Final surf and departure
One last morning surf to put everything into practice, followed by breakfast and departure around midday - leaving with lasting memories of surfing the North Atlantic and slowing down in the far north of Scotland.
Every room will be equipped with a goodie bag which includes a 'welcome pack'. This is filled with information on the favourite walks in the area and cool stories. Gin and snacks will also be included- What more could you want!?
This rough plan is totally dependent on the weather and waves. You will chat about the final plan the night before, so you can make the most of the conditions that get thrown at you!
Instructors
Iona McLachlan
Iona has grown up on the North coast of Scotland and has dedicated her time to exploring its secrets and sharing its beauty with others. Surfing came into her life at 12 years old and since then has won many Scottish national titles and surf coached around Scotland and New Zealand. After travelling around the world, Iona co-found North Coast Watersports in 2019 with her partner Finn. Iona is a qualified liferguard and level 2 instructor is both surfing and paddleboarding, dedicated to offering the best watersport experiences possible.
Finn Orion MacDonald
Finn grew up on the small Hebridean island called Tiree which shaped his lifelong love for surfing. With over 17 years of ocean experience, Finn has played a significant role in the progression of Scottish surfing and is recognised as one of the country’s leading surfers — winning a hatrick of national titles whilst competing as a junior. His enthusiasm is infectious, his coaching is insightful, and his relaxed approach ensures that everyone not only improves their skills but has a brilliant time doing it.
Location
You will be staying on the most Northernly headland on mainland Scotland. Here, world-class waves roll into these shores with Dunnet beach offering some of the best learn to surf waves we have come across. But there is more to experience here than just amazing waves. The feel of the place is different. The drive alone is breathtaking, through such a vast and varied landscape. Have a walk down to a secluded beach below the cliffs, swim off the pier, stroll through the local forest or coastal paths, or simply take in the view of the endless Atlantic sea. It's the perfect place to escape the madness, feel the salt spray and have an adventure.
Distances:
- Inverness Airport - 2.5 hour drive
- Thurso - 15-minute drive
Food
Breakfast
- Choose from cereal, fruit, yogurt, or toast
Lunch
- Food to prepare your own packed lunch will be available at breakfast time, including bread, fillings, juice, crisps, fruit, etc.
Dinner
- A private chef will lovingly prepare hearty meals each evening. These will be served as a generous spread for you to help yourself.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
- Hire a stand-up paddle board to explore the coast from another perspective - 20 GBP for 2 hours
- Have a taste at one of the local whisky or gin distilleries! Tours are available at Rock Rose Gin or 8 Doors whisky.
What's included
- 3 nights luxury accommodation
- 3 guided surf sessions
- In-water coaching and video analysis
- Wood-fired sauna, whisky-barrel cold plunges and heated barrel baths
- Guided stretching
- 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners and packed lunches for surf days
- Wetsuit and surfboard rental
- Time to explore the private estate and Peedie Sands beach
What's not included
- Transport
- Snacks
- Drinks
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer not provided
Wick Airport
24 km away from your destination
Transfer not provided
Inverness Airport
127 km away from your destination
Arrival by airplane
Wick John O' Groats Airport (WIC) is the closest airport you can fly to, with it being a half an hours drive to the house. However it is limited to only 1 route from Aberdeen Airport. Alternatively, rent a car from one of the further away cities and drive up (e.g Inverness, Glasgow/Edinburgh). It is recommended for you have your own car for transport if possible. If not, please get in touch and North Coast Watersports can arrange to pick you up (limited spaces).
Arrival by bus or train
You can also get a bus or train into Thurso which is then a 15-minute drive to the hotel.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
Reviews
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