ND4073 : Duncansby Lighthouse

Duncansby Head

64m Elevation
42m Prominence
Scotland Country
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ND4073 : Duncansby Lighthouse

Fergus Mather Photo source

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Duncansby Stacks Walk

A scenic coastal walk from the car park to the iconic Duncansby Stacks, featuring breathtaking clifftop views.

5 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

0-99m hill

Elevation

64m

210 ft

Prominence

42m

Coordinates

58.6431, -3.0258

ND405732

OS Map

7 12

Explorer: 451E

At the Summit

The area is marked by striking sea stacks, known as the Duncansby Stacks, and has an impressive lighthouse that dates back to 1924.

Terrain & Geology

Clifftop grassland and rocky coastal terrain

Duncansby Head is characterised by stunning cliffs of Old Red Sandstone, formed over 400 million years ago, which provide stunning views of the North Sea.

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views of the North Sea, John o' Groats, and the Orkney Islands on clear days.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Duncansby' is derived from the Norse 'Dun' meaning 'hill' and possibly a personal name, suggesting the area's historical significance.

Historical Significance

Duncansby Head has been a landmark for sailors for centuries, marked by its historic lighthouse.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a dedicated car park at Duncansby Head, located a short walk from the lighthouse.

Public Transport

Buses regularly operate from nearby Wick and Thurso; however, the service may be infrequent.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities at Duncansby Head itself; the nearest amenities are in John o' Groats, including cafes and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Strong coastal winds, slippery grass, steep drops from the cliffs, and unpredictable weather.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Duncansby Head?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Duncansby Head through the maps

Are there other walkers around Duncansby Head?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Duncansby Head search or of course create your own walk for Duncansby Head

Can I organise a walk to Duncansby Head?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Duncansby Head.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Duncansby Head?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Duncansby Head here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: ND405732

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