Bay Owl Inn & Restaurant Motorhome Stopover Information

About the Pub 🍺

The Bay Owl Inn & Restaurant is a welcoming family pub located in Dunbeath, situated prominently on the A9 trunk road as part of the famous NC500 route. The pub offers outstanding views and a warm local atmosphere, with friendly staff and a clean, fresh environment. It is known for reasonably priced food and drinks, making it a popular stop for travelers and locals alike[5][8].

Opening Times ⏰

While exact daily opening hours are not fully detailed in the available sources, typical pub and restaurant hours in this region are usually around mid-morning to late evening, often from 12 PM to 10 PM. It is advisable to contact the pub directly for precise opening times during your visit[10].

Food 🍽️

The Bay Owl Inn & Restaurant serves a varied menu with an emphasis on comfort and local cuisine. Popular dishes include char-grilled sirloin steak, breaded walleye fillet, parmesan crusted dishes, slow-cooked ribs with BBQ sauce, and creamy fettuccine noodles with chicken and broccoli. They also offer submarine sandwiches such as ham & turkey with Swiss cheese, grilled chicken with Swiss, and prime rib on sourdough subs[1].

Facilities 🛠️

Facilities suitable for motorhome owners include a convenient location on the main trunk road, ample parking space near the pub, and access to quality food and drink. The pub is clean and well maintained and offers views that enhance the stopover experience. Specific motorhome services such as water refill or waste disposal are not explicitly mentioned, so checking on arrival or in advance is recommended[5][8].

Reviews ⭐

The Bay Owl Inn enjoys positive reviews for its friendly service, appetizing food, reasonable prices, and outstanding views. Locals praise the pub’s welcoming atmosphere, and travelers note it as one of the better dining options in Caithness, especially for those traveling along the NC500 route[5][7].

Dog-Friendly 🐕

The pub is dog-friendly, welcoming guests who travel with their dogs, making it a pet-friendly stopover choice for motorhome owners exploring the area[7].

Beer Garden 🌳

While direct confirmation of a dedicated beer garden is not found in the search results, the pub's location with outstanding views suggests there is outdoor seating available for customers to enjoy the fresh air and scenery[5][7].

Interesting Things to Do Near Bay Owl Inn & Restaurant (Within 5 Miles) 📍

1. Dunbeath Heritage Centre – This local museum and heritage centre celebrates the history and culture of Dunbeath and the surrounding Caithness area. Visitors can explore exhibits about local life, archaeology, and natural history in a friendly community setting.

2. Dunbeath Castle and Harbour – Just a short distance away, the castle ruins and picturesque harbour offer scenic walks and stunning views of the North Sea coastline. It is an ideal spot for photography and gentle exploration.

3. Bay of Dunbeath Beach – A beautiful sandy beach perfect for a peaceful walk, wildlife spotting, or simply relaxing while enjoying the coastal landscape. It is ideal for families and dog walkers.

4. Caithness Broch Centre (Nearby in Lybster) – About 5 miles from Dunbeath, this centre provides insight into the ancient brochs of the region, well-preserved Iron Age towers unique to northern Scotland, combined with beautiful coastal views.

5. Walking the North Coast 500 Route – Bay Owl Inn stands along the famous NC500 route, which offers numerous scenic walking paths and cycle routes. Exploring short loops here gives access to rugged and breathtaking highland landscapes with varied wildlife.