Dunnet Head
Dunnet Head
4.5
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Promoting the north of Scotland. We have a wealth of knowledge about the walking, wildlife and general information about the North. Dunnet Head is the focal point of the North Highland Way.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
920 reviews
Excellent
546
Very good
300
Average
65
Poor
8
Terrible
1
Nikki
4 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The parking is not free and is very limited and there are far too many caravans for so few spaces. There’s an ice cream van but no loos. Very disappointed; especially after the torture of the 3 mile drive and antagonistic people who don’t understand passing spaces.
Written May 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oh dear. We did try to get toilets, but no funding, and therefore no toilets.
Written November 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anna Kerr
Bristol, UK69 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Made the trip out to Dunnet Head RSPB in the hope of spotting a few puffins or other sea birds. After reading the accessibility statement on the RSPB website (one of our party uses a wheelchair) I was disappointed to find that although the path to the observation point was accessible, there were then several steps down. The observation point itself is rather small - but having said that we did see some lovely birds. Unfortunately there are no toilet facilities - a shame considering how far away the nearest facilities are. Parking is ample and the suggested charges are very reasonable and the ticket machine accepts cash and cards.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy O
23 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We drove out to the Dunnet Head Lighthouse, we were not with a tour group. This is apparently the most northerly point in Britain (I guess aside from the islands). There isn't much there, a lighthouse and some buildings. The lighthouse was built by Robert Louis Stevenson's grandfather. It started to rain as soon as we arrived and there was quite a cold wind blowing in off the North Sea, so we didn't stay. Due to the geographical importance, it was good to see, otherwise, nothing much.
Written August 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry the weather was not great. We used to live there, so we know what the weather can be like.
Written November 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BarbaraRiekwel
Coatbridge, UK930 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Good single track road with stunning scenery up to Dunnet head. There is a short path to the cliff views and a slightly longer path (uphill but not much of an effort) to the summit where you have spectacular 360 views. It was a very pleasant sunny day and you could even see the old man of Hoy on the Orkneys. I actually liked John O’Groats but you can’t skip the real most Northerly point of mainland Britain, really spectacular!
Take your time on the single track road, plenty people realising too late there is oncoming traffic when they come thundering round the bends with passing places😆 reverse!
Take your time on the single track road, plenty people realising too late there is oncoming traffic when they come thundering round the bends with passing places😆 reverse!
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David A
Middlesbrough, UK160 contributions
Oct 2020
Its about a 10 minute drive off the main road to a large enough car park, though the influx of camper vans soon fills it up. Great views (but lots more similar or better views along the route) and unless you want to go for a long walk there's not much else to do other than say you have been there. We stayed for about 20 minutes walking to the edge and up the hill and then it was off. Been there "Dunnet" one ticked off.
Written October 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise C
19 contributions
Oct 2021
Worth doing but even on a dull foggy day it was atmospheric. Can only imagine what the views would be like on a beautiful autumnal day. Never mind. Took a photograph of the stone sign proving that we were at the UK's most northerly point. Another bucket list destination ticked. Good to stretch the legs and take a wander.
Written October 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon W
West Haddon, UK112 contributions
Aug 2020
After a winding drive to the northern most part of the UK, Dunnet head offers a fantastic 360 view- seeing most of the northern coast line ( weather permitting ) As well as a light house and there are great opportunities for a cliff top walk. Theres a stone aberration point guiding you to the sights / land marks available. Well worth a visit if you're in the area
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony C
Dumfries, UK527 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
This is the most northern point on main land Britain and boasts a lighthouse. The single track road allows breath taking views leading up to head. A short walk from the carpark to the cliff edge allow a bird watcher to see sea birds circling both below and above.
If you are lucky you can see a squall moving along the straight between the head and Orkney. If the sun is right rainbows. All without getting wet.
There are many small locks on the way up for a refreshing swim.
If you are lucky you can see a squall moving along the straight between the head and Orkney. If the sun is right rainbows. All without getting wet.
There are many small locks on the way up for a refreshing swim.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kpnutts
Birmingham, UK24 contributions
Aug 2020
We decided to visit after hearing this was a good place to see puffins.
As we were in Scotland in early August we thought our chances were pretty slim, as it was slightly out of breeding season. We’d already tried a few other spots on the way with no luck.
Well, we took a walk along the coastal path back out of the entrance to the car park. Just a 10-15 minute walk and the view opened up to reveal HUNDREDS of puffins on an easily visible cliff face. We spent the afternoon watching them flying about and perching on the cliffs in the sun - It made our holiday!
As we were in Scotland in early August we thought our chances were pretty slim, as it was slightly out of breeding season. We’d already tried a few other spots on the way with no luck.
Well, we took a walk along the coastal path back out of the entrance to the car park. Just a 10-15 minute walk and the view opened up to reveal HUNDREDS of puffins on an easily visible cliff face. We spent the afternoon watching them flying about and perching on the cliffs in the sun - It made our holiday!
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike C
Guildford, UK1,073 contributions
Aug 2021
Compared to John O'Groats this is positively quiet for some reason. There is a decent sized car park and then a pathway leading you down to a place to look out.
It has a lovely lighthouse just by it, but you cannot get to it.
Given the crowds there were at John O'Groats it is amazing how that place is so much popular than the most northern point of the UK mainland. I guess because it doesn't have a sign!
It has a lovely lighthouse just by it, but you cannot get to it.
Given the crowds there were at John O'Groats it is amazing how that place is so much popular than the most northern point of the UK mainland. I guess because it doesn't have a sign!
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far is it across the North Highland Way? and does it stick to the coast. I want to walk from here.
Written January 18, 2019
How does it relate to the North Highland Way?
Written January 18, 2019
Hi .
Dunnet Head is only about 15 minutes drive from Thurso . Its just a little detour off the North 500 . There is plenty accommodation in the area which i would recommend for a stopover to do some exploring . Magnificent views , great wildlife and relaxing area .
Written March 7, 2019
The picture that states nesting puffins is a picture of nestingfulmars a type of pelagic bird.
Written December 8, 2018
I didnt include any photos in my review! However I did see PUFFINS there! The other photos I cannot be responsible for!
Written January 15, 2019
Is there public transportation from Scrabster or Thurso to RSPB Scotland Dunnet Head nature reserve? If so, what are the times, distance & costs. We are arriving August 7 by cruise ship 8am – 5:30 pm. Thank you.
Written May 22, 2017
Yes, there is transport from Thurso. Catch the bus to Thurso, then to Brough corne and walk the three miles to the Head. A great walk on a nice day. Sorry for the late reply.... hope it helps other people.!
Written January 18, 2019
Where is the nearest toilet and cafe please
Written April 8, 2017
There used to be a great cafe at Dunnet Head, but I think it closed down. There are toilets during the summer at the caravan park (I think they are still maintaining them). We did apply to the Council for toilets on Dunnet Head to support the North Highland Way but the minimum grant was £71,000!
Written January 18, 2019
Hi,
Sorry don't know. The TI should be able to help.
Written September 21, 2016
Where do you see puffins- on the cliff faces or higher up?
Written June 14, 2015
They are on the cliff faces. Park near the viewpoint and walk to the coastal path - part of the North Highland Way! As you walk along, look back along the coast and that is one of the places they nest. Also at Nybreck. Park in the car park, walk back through the gates over the cattle grid, turn right and walk along the cliff path, taking care not to get too close. You will see them in front of you at the promontory jutting out.
Written June 15, 2015
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