Brimms Ness (Crosskirk)

Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Advanced to Expert
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Moderate
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Brimms Ness (also known as Graveyards) is an exposed, cold-water reef break on Scotland’s North Coast near Thurso. The lineup is made up of several distinct reef sections (The Point, The Bowl, and The Cove), and the waves are typically heavy, fast, and hollow—qualities that suit high-performance surfers. The spot works best with a northwest swell, producing powerful surf on shallow rock shelves. While it can be active year-round, the most emphasized best month is February, and winter conditions are noted for the most consistent and powerful swell. Ride experiences vary by peak: The Bowl is described as offering very intense hollow right-hand barrels, while the Point can produce longer, wall-oriented rights. Wind conditions are highlighted as south-offshore: south (and south/southeast) winds are described as offshore and capable of grooming the swell. Wind stats for the best month point to a split between clean and blown conditions (47% blown, 43% clean), so riders should still expect variability even in favorable wind regimes. Safety-wise, the beach is rocky/reef with hazards including sharp rocks, submerged boulders, kelp, and strong currents/tidal surges around the point. Access involves a long, exposed walk and limited parking at a farmyard, with rules emphasizing strict lineup priority and careful respect for farm property and livestock. Lifeguards are not present, and rescue availability is limited with emergency response via Coastguard/HM Coastguard and nearby services.

  • Distinct reef peaks: Point, Bowl, and Cove
  • Heavy, hollow, fast waves on shallow reef shelves
  • Northwest swell preferred; south winds described as offshore/grooming
  • Cold-water winter surfing emphasis with strong hazard profile
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Consistent, high-performance reef waves with distinct peaks.
  • Well-regarded power and quality in winter.
  • Offshore southerly winds can groom the swell.
Heads up
  • Very heavy, hollow performance on a shallow reef (not for inexperienced surfers).
  • Difficult and dangerous entry/exit with strong currents/tidal surges near the point.
  • Very limited parking and long/exposed gear carry from the farm track.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S
Offshore directions
S
Wind Range
15–35 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Wind Type: frontal (also noted as south to southeast).
Reliability
47% blown, 43% clean (monthly distribution).
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
February
Shadow Zones
Cliffs can provide some shelter from Southwest winds but may create turbulence.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Rocks
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Big — Also described as medium in some guides; larger winter swell is a key feature.
Launch
Small — Shallow rock shelves; rocky scramble over boulders and slippery reef plates.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Shallow rock shelves with rocky/scrambly access; difficult entry/exit reported.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mm or 6/5mm + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

Very quiet in summer; can get crowded with high-level surfers on best winter days.

Storm/Rain Season

Frequent Atlantic depressions bring heavy rain and gales from October to March.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break with several distinct reef peaks (Point/Bowl/Cove). Known for heavy, hollow, fast waves breaking across shallow rock shelves; can be shallow and critical for take-off on the shallowest sections.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
NW
Swell Height
1.5–4 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed reef break; cliffs may provide limited shelter from some wind directions but can add turbulence.
Wind Effect
Offshore in southerly and groom the swell for south or southeast winds.
Bigger Swell
Holds massive size, but take-off becomes extremely critical and dangerous on the shallowest reef sections.
Wave Quality
World class — Rated excellent/world-class for high-performance reef surfing.
Wave Power
Powerful — Described as powerful; some sources characterize the performance as extremely high-performance.
Wave Shape
Hollow — Heavy, hollow waves with distinct sections (The Point, The Bowl, and The Cove).
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Medium — Some sources also describe longer runs depending on the section.
Typical Ride Length
100–200 m
Ride Length Details
The Bowl is noted for intense, hollow right-hand barrels; the Point is noted for longer, wall-oriented rights.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Brimms Ness (Crosskirk) in the full forecast view.

Brimms Ness (Crosskirk) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
6–44 ktsGusts 70 kts
Direction
SW225°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2544 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–8.3 m8s period
Temperature
3–13 °C

Over the next 7 days, Brimms Ness (Crosskirk) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–44 kts, peaking around 44 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 70 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.8–8.3 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • rocks
  • sharp rocks
  • heavy barrels
  • strong rip currents and tidal surges around the point
  • cold water exhaustion
  • difficult entry/exit
  • submerged boulders
  • kelp forests
Ability Level: Advanced to Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestHoodWetsuitLeashBootsGloves

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — HM Coastguard / lifeboat services operate from nearby Scrabster or Wick.
Emergency Info
Nearest emergency department is in Wick (Caithness General Hospital). Coastguard station located in Scrabster. Emergency number: 999.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate

Rules of the spot

Respect farm property; priority is strictly enforced in the lineup and parking requires consideration due to very limited space.

Restrictions
  • Very limited parking at a farmyard; do not block access or gates.
  • Access requires extreme respect for local land owners and livestock.
  • Priority is strictly enforced; respect the local lineup at high-performance peaks.
Local Tips
  • Car parking is very limited—respect the farm property and park with consideration.
  • Walk to the point is long and exposed; bring all gear with you.
  • The Bowl is the most competitive peak and requires precise positioning.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Thurso
Nearest Town
Scrabster
Nearest Airport
Wick John O'Groats Airport (WIC)
Parking
Very limited car parking at a farmyard/small informal parking area near farm buildings; park with consideration and respect access signs/gates.
Access
Follow the A836 West from Thurso. Turn right beside a small house and follow the road to the end at a farmyard. Access is via a small track on the right once out of town; walk from the farm track.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and hotels are available in Thurso and Scrabster; also options in Crosskirk.
Food & Drink
No facilities on-site; Thurso has supermarkets and pubs.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rentals are limited; rentals may be available via surf schools in Thurso.
Gear Storage
Dedicated gear storage is scarce/ not available as a dedicated facility.
Gear Repair
Basic repairs available through local surf shops in Thurso.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Dunnet Head20km

The most northerly point of the British mainland, with dramatic cliff-top views and a lighthouse.

North Coast 5000km

A scenic driving route that passes directly through this region of the Highlands.

Thurso Bay10km

A more sheltered area for walking, beachcombing, and watching the local surfing community.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Brimms Ness (Crosskirk)?

The best overall months at Brimms Ness (Crosskirk) are February.

Which wind directions work at Brimms Ness (Crosskirk)?

Brimms Ness (Crosskirk) works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.

What skill level is Brimms Ness (Crosskirk) suitable for?

Brimms Ness (Crosskirk) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.