👁️ Viewpoint
Dunnet Head
📍 Caithness
⏱ 1–2 hours
🆓 Free entry
🚐 Motorhome friendly
Dunnet Head is the true most northerly point of mainland Britain — a fact that surprises many visitors who assume John o' Groats holds this distinction (it doesn't). The dramatic headland rises to 127 metres above the Pentland Firth, with views across to Orkney (just 8 miles away at its closest), and north toward the Arctic. The lighthouse, built by Robert Stevenson in 1831, still operates as an active navigation aid. The cliffs below the lighthouse are home to significant seabird colonies, including puffins from May to late July — the chunky, colourful birds nest in burrows on the clifftops and can be watched at very close range.
From Thurso, take the A836 east to Dunnet village (7 miles), then the B855 north to the lighthouse (5 miles). Road narrows near the top.