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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
903 reviews
Excellent
540
Very good
295
Average
62
Poor
6
Terrible
0
Tim C
Cambridge, UK6 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
With 4 hours to kill between the ferry from the Orkneys and the train south from Thurso, well worth the money to get a taxi out to Dunnet Head - and Rashid from Highland Cabs gave us a fascinating tour en route with lots of local history and nature knowledge.
Fabulous views of puffins and other seabirds crowding the cliffs at 'seabird city'. Hop over the fence to the left of the lighthouse and peer over the curve of the cliff 30m on. You need a head for heights and take care.
Fabulous views of puffins and other seabirds crowding the cliffs at 'seabird city'. Hop over the fence to the left of the lighthouse and peer over the curve of the cliff 30m on. You need a head for heights and take care.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DaveyB1962
Swindon, UK222 contributions
Jun 2021
The most northerly point on mainland Britain and far superior to 'tacky' John O'Groats.
The seascapes are amazing.
Just two points of caution.
1. You are very exposed to the elements
2. The drive up is on a single track road with a few tight bends
The seascapes are amazing.
Just two points of caution.
1. You are very exposed to the elements
2. The drive up is on a single track road with a few tight bends
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KevinP1314
Monifieth, UK1,949 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
Drove up to our northern most mainland point with my wife during a quick circuit of the highlands on the NC500 and almost had the car doors blown off. Yet we laughed at the madness of the wild wind buffeting the cliff scape on this particular day.
An awesome vista where ocean meets cliffs.
An awesome vista where ocean meets cliffs.
Written November 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anna Kerr
Bristol, UK13 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.
Louise C
27 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.
BarbaraRiekwel
Coatbridge, UK492 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.
David A
Middlesbrough, UK139 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.
Stephen C
Wollongong, Australia758 contributions
May 2022
Spied this landmark and opted to drive up for a Captain Cook, as not to out of the way. Was pretty blowy and a light drizzle and cold. Reasonable views given the conditions. The additional information around war time use was an added bonus
Would be really nice on a sunny clear day.
Would be really nice on a sunny clear day.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike C
Guildford, UK1,166 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.
Melsy1
Ipswich, UK3,730 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
A tick in the box to go to the most northern point of mainland Britain.
It was a misty foggy September day. When we arrived the lighthouse was peaking out from behind the Dunnet Head sign. By the time we left you wouldn't even know that there was an lighthouse there it was such thick fog.
We couldn't see what was meant to be seen from the viewpoints but we did take a misty walk along the cliffs which was good. Plenty of sea birds unfortunately we were too late to see the Puffins.
Mostly single track road there and you can't actually visit the lighthouse shame about the weather when we were there not to see the v views but it actually made it a bit atmospheric.
It was a misty foggy September day. When we arrived the lighthouse was peaking out from behind the Dunnet Head sign. By the time we left you wouldn't even know that there was an lighthouse there it was such thick fog.
We couldn't see what was meant to be seen from the viewpoints but we did take a misty walk along the cliffs which was good. Plenty of sea birds unfortunately we were too late to see the Puffins.
Mostly single track road there and you can't actually visit the lighthouse shame about the weather when we were there not to see the v views but it actually made it a bit atmospheric.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LetsGoExploring
Belfast, UK61 contributions
How far is it across the North Highland Way? and does it stick to the coast. I want to walk from here.
LetsGoExploring
Belfast, UK61 contributions
150 miles....ish!
LetsGoExploring
Belfast, UK61 contributions
How does it relate to the North Highland Way?
reloader22
Aberdeenshire, UK369 contributions
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 .
Gershwin12
Forest Hills, NY1,669 contributions
The picture that states nesting puffins is a picture of nestingfulmars a type of pelagic bird.
ColonelMonty
Glasgow, UK265 contributions
I didnt include any photos in my review! However I did see PUFFINS there! The other photos I cannot be responsible for!
Jack Yuken
Jupiter59 contributions
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.
LetsGoExploring
Belfast, UK61 contributions
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.!
AnneC4freedom
Long Sutton, UK165 contributions
Where is the nearest toilet and cafe please
LetsGoExploring
Belfast, UK61 contributions
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!
are there buses or trips to Dunnet head from thurso?
Nigel N
Newtonmore, UK38 contributions
Hi,
Sorry don't know. The TI should be able to help.
Monkey2015
Geelong, Australia5 contributions
Where do you see puffins- on the cliff faces or higher up?
LetsGoExploring
Belfast, UK61 contributions
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.
Dunnet Head (Thurso) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Dunnet Head
- We recommend booking Dunnet Head tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Dunnet Head tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Dunnet Head:
- (1.01 mi) Windhaven Camping and B&B
- (2.40 mi) Northern Sands Hotel
- (4.96 mi) The Hawthorns Bed & Breakfast
- (7.18 mi) Camfield House
- (7.10 mi) Pennyland House B&B
- Restaurants near Dunnet Head:
- (6.82 mi) Bydand
- (7.05 mi) Pride of Bengal Indian Restaurant and Takeaway
- (6.98 mi) Capilla Tapas Restaurant
- (6.89 mi) Spice Tandoori
- (2.40 mi) Northen Sands Hotel Restaurant
- Attractions near Dunnet Head:
- (2.37 mi) Dunnet Bay Distillery
- (1.20 mi) Dunnet Head Lighthouse
- (6.51 mi) North Coast Watersports
- (7.70 mi) Wolfburn Distillery
- (5.19 mi) The Castle & Gardens of Mey