Dunnet Head
The northernmost point of Great Britain, with sea cliffs, a lighthouse and a seabird reserve, and views across to the Orkney Islands.
Dunnet Head lies on the north coast of Caithness in Scotland. Its northern tip, Easter Head, is the northernmost point of Great Britain, even further north than John o' Groats, which is often mistaken for it. A lighthouse built in 1831 stands at the top of the headland, surrounded by towering sandstone sea cliffs. The area is an RSPB reserve. In summer, storm petrels, guillemots, kittiwakes, puffins and Arctic skuas nest on the cliffs, and viewing platforms overlook the cliff faces. On clear days you can see the Orkney mainland and Hoy about 15 km to the north, and Stroma to the east. From the village of Dunnet, follow the single-track B855 road about 6 km to the lighthouse car park. It is about 20 km from Thurso and about 20 km from John o' Groats, and it connects with ferries to Orkney from Scrabster or Gills Bay. Admission is free, but take care at cliff edges where there are no railings.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Rackwick Bay
- Dwarfie Stane
- Old Man of Hoy
- Scapa Flow Museum
- Hackness Martello Tower
- Stromness Museum
- Stromness
- Pier Arts Centre