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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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.
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodAug, Sep: 4/3mm + Boots
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet year-round; only attracts more surfers when conditions are exceptional.

Storm/Rain Season

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.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Point break
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.
Forecast

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.

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
  • Pollution
  • Cold water
  • Strong currents
  • Submerged boulders
  • Large slippery rocks
  • Kelp beds
  • Shallow reef sections
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsGlovesHoodHarnessKnife

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A quiet, rural North Highlands coastal area known for outdoor adventure and cold-water surf culture, with dramatic coastal scenery nearby.

Dunnet Head8km

The most northerly point of the British mainland with dramatic cliffs and a lighthouse

Castle of Mey12km

Former home of the Queen Mother with gardens and historical tours

North Coast 5001km

Scenic driving route passing through the Murkle and Dunnet area

The Northern Sands Hotel5km

Local hotel and restaurant serving traditional Highlands fare in Dunnet

Dunnet Forest4km

Community-managed woodland with trails and sculptures suitable for all ages

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.