The Left (Crosskirk)
- Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
The Left (Crosskirk) is an exposed left-hand point break on Scotland’s north coast, known for fairly consistent surf throughout the year. It’s described as a heavy, world-class left with hollow sections and substantial power over a rocky reef. The wave works best with a solid northwest swell and offshore southerly winds. In February, wind conditions are reported as clean on 43% of days, but blown out on 47%, so selecting the right wind window is important for making the most of the wave. Conditions here are cold and demanding, with strong rip currents and a rocky, boulder-filled entry/exit. Getting in and out can require scrambling across large, slippery boulders, and the reef includes shallow sections that become more dangerous depending on tide. Because of the combination of remote access, strong currents, and significant rock hazards, the spot is best treated as an expert/advanced surfing location. Winter gear is strongly emphasized, and additional caution is recommended: beware of rocks and rips, and aim for a safer tide timing while watching experienced locals for the best entry/exit line.
- Iconic, heavy left-hand point break
- Hollow, very-powerful wave over a rocky reef
- Best with NW swell and offshore southerlies
- Long rides that can wrap into the bay
- Iconic, highly regarded left-hand point break
- Fairly consistent surf year-round
- Offshore southerly winds can groom the wave and keep barrels open
- Long rides on good days that wrap into the bay
- Cold water year-round
- Heavy, powerful waves with significant hazards
- Strong rip currents common, especially on larger swells
- Remote access with difficult entry/exit over slippery boulders
- Wind can be blown out frequently in February
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SE
- Offshore directions
- S, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind pattern described as frontal/gradient-driven for the coast; spot wind works best with offshore southerlies.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on North Atlantic low-pressure systems. In February, conditions are clean on 43% of days and blown out on 47% of days.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- February, October, November, December, January, March
- Shadow Zones
- Somewhat sheltered from westerly winds by surrounding cliffs (per the bay description).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky shoreline.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Reported as can hold significant size; capable of heavy hold-downs on bigger swells.
- Launch
- Small — No sandy launch. Entry and exit require scrambling over large, often slippery boulders.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Rough access and scrambling over large, slippery boulders for entry/exit.
Through the year
Can become crowded on peak winter weekends when the swell is good; usually quiet during the week or in smaller summer conditions.
Winter months are frequently subject to severe North Atlantic storms and high winds; Atlantic storms throughout the year with highest frequency of gale-force winds from October to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed left-hand point break with fairly consistent surf year-round. Heavy left-hand barrels over a rocky reef with hollow sections.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- NW, N
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid-tide is recommended to avoid the most dangerous shallow sections.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed; also described as somewhat sheltered from westerly winds by surrounding cliffs.
- Wind Effect
- South or South-East winds are offshore, grooming the wave faces and keeping barrels open. The best wind at the point is described as south offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size; becomes increasingly heavy and hollow as swell increases.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Known for power and hollow sections; regarded as one of the most respected waves in Scotland.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Powerful, hollow left with heavy hold-downs on bigger swells.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long — On good days, rides can wrap into the bay.
- Typical Ride Length
- 200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides can start from the outside peak and wrap into the bay; reported on good days around 100-300 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for The Left (Crosskirk) in the full forecast view.
The Left (Crosskirk) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–44 ktsGusts 70 kts
- Direction
- SW223°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2544 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–8.3 m8s period
- Temperature
- 3–12 °C
Over the next 7 days, The Left (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.
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
- rips
- Large submerged boulders
- Shallow rock reef
- Heavy hold-downs
- Strong rip currents
- Cold water immersion
- Slippery entry/exit points
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Emergency coverage via HM Coastguard; nearby lifeboat services typically operate out of nearby towns in the region.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is Caithness General Hospital in Thurso. Dial 999 for Coastguard assistance.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Sensitive and challenging spot; respect the local lineup.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup at this sensitive and challenging spot.
- Beware of rocks and rips.
- Entry and exit are across large, slippery boulders which can be very dangerous in a big swell.
- Wait for a mid-tide to avoid the most dangerous shallow sections of the reef.
- Watch local surfers to identify the best keyhole for entering and exiting the water.
- Wear a quality winter wetsuit, a neoprene hood, gloves and boots.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Thurso
- Nearest Town
- Crosskirk
- Parking
- Limited parking available at the end of the track near the ruins; be respectful of farm access and do not block gates.
- Access
- Accessible via a rough farm track leading down toward the St. Mary's Chapel ruins. A short walk is usually required from the parking area.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses, hotels, and campsites are available in nearby Thurso.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities at the spot; shops and restaurants are located in Thurso, about 10-15 minutes away by car.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf shops in Thurso provide rentals and gear.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated gear storage is scarce; most riders store equipment in private vehicles or at their accommodations.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs may be possible at surf shops in Thurso.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A wild, rugged north-coast destination where tourism is shaped by rugged landscapes and the cold-water surf culture.
The most northerly point of the British mainland, with dramatic cliff-top views and a lighthouse.
Former residence of the Queen Mother, with gardens and historical tours.
A scenic driving route that passes directly through this region of the Highlands.
Local favorite serving fresh seafood and traditional Highland fare.
A more sheltered area for walking, beachcombing, and watching the local surfing community.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at The Left (Crosskirk)?
The best overall months at The Left (Crosskirk) are October, November, December, February. The best wind months are February, October, November, December, January, March.
Which wind directions work at The Left (Crosskirk)?
The Left (Crosskirk) works with S, SE winds. Offshore directions are S, SE.
What skill level is The Left (Crosskirk) suitable for?
The Left (Crosskirk) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.