Murkle Point
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Murkle Point is a rugged, highly exposed right-hand point break on Scotland’s North Coast, best when a significant northwest swell meets offshore southerly winds. It’s described as working only once in a while, so patience is required—sessions depend on a tight combination of swell direction and wind direction. When it’s on, surfers can get medium-length rides, with reports of roughly 50–100 meters when the sections connect on good days. The break is sensitive to conditions: offshore southerly winds provide the cleanest setup, while other wind angles can create heavy chop, and very large winter swells may cause fast closure or unsafe conditions over the rocks. The main hazards are rocky entry/reef features and pollution risk from local outfalls. Before paddling in, it’s advised to check local water quality reports; the walk down can also be tricky over uneven rocks. Strong tidal currents are typical in this area and add to the challenge. For timing, October is consistently highlighted as the best month, with winter generally offering the overall best surfing window. Cold water is a major factor; winter surf gear is strongly recommended including a hood, gloves, and boots.
- Exposed right-hand point break over a rocky shelf.
- Most likely conditions highlighted in October (and broader autumn/early winter).
- Rock-and-current hazards plus pollution risk—check water quality first.
- Uncrowded, low-profile surfing when conditions line up.
- Point-break shape can produce longer rides on connected sections.
- Best odds typically come in autumn/early winter with the right wind/swell combination.
- Murky Point is exposed and only works infrequently; conditions can be unreliable.
- Cold water and rocky, difficult entry increase risk.
- Pollution has been an issue historically; check water quality before entering.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSE
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind described as frontal/Atlantic systems driving conditions in this region.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gusting.
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs to the west may create wind shadows in certain westerly conditions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky shoreline/rock bottom.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Surf reports describe a medium wave size when working.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Northerly onshore winds can cause heavy chop; offshore southerlies are cleanest.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline with limited space for entry and exit.
Through the year
Generally quiet year-round; only attracts more surfers when conditions are exceptional.
Winter months from November to March are prone to severe Atlantic storms and heavy rainfall; regional guidance also notes winter storm season (October–March or November–February depending on source).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed right-hand point break that breaks over a rocky shelf and requires specific swell plus offshore wind conditions; highly exposed to swell and serves as an alternative when other breaks are too large or crowded.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide reported as mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with offshore southerly winds; sensitive to northerly onshore winds which cause heavy chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Starts to close out or become too dangerous over the rocks during massive winter swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality reported as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power described as moderate.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling, right-hand point break over a rocky shelf.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides can reach about 50–100 meters on a good day when sections connect.
- Typical Ride Length
- 75 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can provide rides of 50 to 100 meters on a good day when the sections connect.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Murkle Point in the full forecast view.
Murkle Point wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–40 ktsGusts 64 kts
- Direction
- SW222°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2540 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–7.6 m8s period
- Temperature
- 3–12 °C
Over the next 7 days, Murkle Point is forecast for daytime winds of 6–40 kts, peaking around 40 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 64 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.8–7.6 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Pollution
- Cold water
- Strong currents
- Submerged boulders
- Large slippery rocks
- Kelp beds
- Shallow reef sections
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional guidance indicates limited rescue availability; RNLI provides emergency maritime rescue coverage via Scrabster Harbour (limited reported for the immediate spot context).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital reported as Caithness General Hospital in Wick.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Described as mild localism.
Rules of the spot
South wind is best; offshore conditions from south are required for optimal surf. Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the environment and be mindful of water quality warnings.
- Check local water quality reports before entering as pollution has been an issue historically.
- The walk down to the water is tricky over uneven rocks.
- Best surfed when Thurso East is maxing out but requires a solid North swell.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Inverness
- Nearest Town
- Thurso
- Nearest Airport
- Wick John O'Groats Airport (WIC) ~25 km; Inverness Airport (INV) ~185 km
- Parking
- Limited informal parking available near the track entrance; do not block farm access.
- Public Transport
- Limited rural bus services; car recommended for transporting gear
- Access
- Accessible via a track off the A836 between Thurso and Castletown, followed by a walk across fields to the shore.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Bed and breakfasts and hotels available in nearby Thurso and Castletown.
- Food & Drink
- Food options reported in Thurso (about a 10-minute drive).
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available on-site; the nearest surf shops are in Thurso. (Regional baseline also notes local surfing/SUP rentals.)
- Gear Storage
- Not generally available at the shoreline; visitors usually store gear at accommodation or in vehicles.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A quiet, rural North Highlands coastal area known for outdoor adventure and cold-water surf culture, with dramatic coastal scenery nearby.
The most northerly point of the British mainland with dramatic cliffs and a lighthouse
Former home of the Queen Mother with gardens and historical tours
Scenic driving route passing through the Murkle and Dunnet area
Local hotel and restaurant serving traditional Highlands fare in Dunnet
Community-managed woodland with trails and sculptures suitable for all ages
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Murkle Point?
The best overall months at Murkle Point are October, November, December, January.
Which wind directions work at Murkle Point?
Murkle Point works with S, SSE winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is Murkle Point suitable for?
Murkle Point suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.