When planning a holiday in the north of Scotland, John O’Groats is widely thought of as the most northerly point of the British mainland, partly due to the popularity of the Lands End to John O’Groats route and the famous signposts at each point! However Dunnet Head is the true most-northerly point of the British mainland. Being just a short drive from our lodges, it’s a popular viewpoint spot for all and worth a visit for nature lovers, photographers and history enthusiasts in particular. See our Location page for a map of our section of the NC500.
What to see and do at Dunnet Head
Dunnet Head Lighthouse
Dunnet Head is a RSPB nature reserve, with both towering sea cliffs and atmospheric moorlands.
Upon arriving, you will notice Dunnet Head Lighthouse, one of many lighthouses built in Scotland by Robert Stevenson in 1831. Robert Stevenson was the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, author of famous titles including Treasure Island and Kidnapped – so it’s easy to see where his nautical influences may have come from!
The late Queen Mother who owned the nearby Castle and Gardens of Mey was known to visit the lighthouse over many years, and enjoyed tours with the resident lighthouse keepers.
The Lighthouse has been operated remotely by the Northern Lighthouse Board since the late 1980s. The light flashes white every 30 seconds.
There is no public access to the lighthouse, but you do get a good view of it over the low stone wall, and an appreciation for the lonely existence but incredible views that the lighthouse keepers would have had in times gone by, overlooking the treacherous Pentland Firth and Orkney!
Coastal Viewing Platform
An all-abilities path leads downhill from the car park to a viewing platform, providing a fantastic view west to the adjacent cliffs and further ahead to Thurso and beyond, and northwards to Orkney at any time of day. It’s worth taking your binoculars to see the views at sunrise or sunset, or camera if a clear night and the Northern Lights are visible!
In the spring and summer, Dunnet Head becomes a popular place for wildlife and seabird watching, as nesting birds including puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills make the headland their seasonal home. Walking back out of the car park and down towards the cliffs (keeping the stone wall on your right) provides some opportunity to get photos of the lighthouse and nesting birds underneath the lighthouse.
Take extreme care – as there is no fencing at the cliff side, and avoid visiting this section during windy weather. Please also keep your distance to avoid disturbing the birds during their nesting season.
Cetacean spotting is also a popular activity, with various whales and dolphins passing by throughout the year. The annual Orca Watch week (end of May/beginning of June) sees many wildlife enthusiasts from all over the UK and beyond come to the north of Scotland and Dunnet Head is one of the official watching locations.
Summit Viewpoint
Heading uphill from the car park on a gravel trail leads you to a 360 degree viewpoint. On a clear day you can see eastwards to the Duncansby Head lighthouse, inland southwards to the Caithness hills of Morven (a Graham), Maiden Pap and Scaraben, Cape Wrath when looking west, and Orkney. There’s a handy Caithness flagstone illustration to help you identify the landmarks.
On this short trail you’ll notice some small buildings. These were instrumental during World War Two, assisting in the protection of Scapa Flow, the northern base for the Royal Navy. If you are interested in finding out more about the war history of Caithness, take a look at https://caithnessatwar.com/.
How to find Dunnet Head
Dunnet Head is not served directly by public transport, and is best accessed on four or two wheels unless you like a good 6.5 mile walk! From Celtic Lodges, drive west on the A836 and follow the signs to Ham/Brough/Dunnet Head. The roads are single track which use passing places throughout.
There is a car park (pay and display) operated by Highland Council.
If you use What3words for location finding, use the following: craftsman.cornfield.shunts
There are no public toilets at Dunnet Head, the nearest are at Dunnet Bay which are open all year round.
Eating and Drinking near Dunnet Head
Windhaven Cafe (Brough)
The closest place to pick up a drink or snack to Dunnet Head, the Windhaven Cafe at Brough is open seasonally so check their opening hours before you travel.
Northern Sands Restaurant
The Northern Sands Hotel offers a wide selection of Scottish and European favourites including locally landed Scrabster haddock. It’s worth booking in advance as it’s a popular spot with locals!
Near to Dunnet
While you are visiting Dunnet Head, why not enjoy exploring other attractions in the area?
Brough Harbour
You will pass Brough harbour when travelling to Dunnet Head, and is marked with a sea stack rising out of the water. One of Caithness’s many small harbours, it’s a favourite for spotting the resident seals.
Mary Ann’s Cottage
Mary Ann’s Cottage offers a time capsule-esque insight into traditional crofting life from 1850 until 1990. It’s a real treasure trove containing family belongings, tools, furniture from local Mary Ann Calder and her ancestors. Volunteers guide you around the cottage with fascinating stories about life from days gone by. The cottage has seasonal opening hours from May to September and is listed on our Day Trips and Activities page. Follow the signs to the cottage from Dunnet village.
Dwarwick Pier and Peedie Sands
Passing by Mary Ann’s Cottage and heading towards the coast leads you to Dwarwick Pier. The late Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, the then Prince Charles and Princess Anne landed here in 1955 on a visit to the late Queen Mother at the Castle of Mey. It’s a lovely picnic spot overlooking Dunnet Bay. From here you can also walk uphill in the direction to access Peedie Sands, a secluded beach. Time your visit with low tide and be prepared to scramble down the hill to one of Scotland’s best hidden beaches!
Dunnet Bay Distillery
Home of one of Caithness’s most popular exports – Rock Rose Gin, Dunnet Bay Distillery has been making gin and vodka using local botanicals for over a decade. Their Distillery is well worth a visit, hosting tours and tastings throughout the year. Advanced booking for Distillery Tours is highly recommended.
In Summer 2025, the Dunnet Bay Distillers team will be opening the redeveloped Castletown Mill at the western end of Dunnet Bay, as the home for Stannergill Whisky.
Dunnet Beach and Seadrift Centre
Dunnet Beach is well worth a trip at any time of year in all weathers! Popular with walkers, swimmers, horse-riders and watersports enthusiasts, it’s a fantastic sandy beach which stretches for miles.
If you are keen on learning to surf, North Coast Watersports host lessons for all ages.
The Seadrift Centre at the eastern end of Dunnet Bay is a visitor centre which hosts a host of wildlife exhibitions and a viewing area, and is open seasonally. The public toilets are accessible to visitors all year round.
Dunnet Forest
Opposite the beach, Dunnet Forest is the most northerly community owned woodland in Scotland. There are multiple trails to explore, wooden sculptures including a xylophone, and a log cabin to take shelter in case of wet weather.
