About Dunnet Bay
Dunnet Bay is a magnificent 3-mile arc of sand on the north Caithness coast, frequently cited as the finest surf beach in mainland Scotland. The bay faces directly north into the Pentland Firth — one of the most powerful tidal passages in the world — and the resulting beach break produces excellent conditions for surfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing. The northern end is dominated by the great headland of Dunnet Head, the true most northerly point of mainland Britain.
Highlights
3-mile sweep of sand
Scotland's best surf beach
Views to Dunnet Head
Dunnet Bay Caravan Club site
Wind and kitesurfing
🚐 Motorhome Tip
Dunnet Bay Caravan Club site is directly behind the beach — excellent facilities in a superb location. NOT recommended for swimming due to powerful surf and undertow. Thurso (7 miles west) has fuel and supermarkets.
Getting There
On the A836 between Thurso and John o'Groats. Car park at the southern end near the campsite.
Best Time to Visit
Year round for surfing. Summer safer for walking the beach. Puffins on Dunnet Head May–July.