ND2076 : Nesting seabirds at Dunnet Head

Dunnet Head

129m Elevation
103m Prominence
Scotland Country
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ND2076 : Nesting seabirds at Dunnet Head

Trevor Littlewood Photo source

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Route planning notes

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Dunnet Head Circular Walk

Starting from the car park at the Dunnet Head viewpoint, this circular route takes you along coastal paths with stunning views of the Orkney Islands.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 100-199m hill

Elevation

129m

423 ft

Prominence

103m

Coordinates

58.6690, -3.3718

ND205765

OS Map

7 12

Explorer: 451E

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a historic lighthouse that dates back to 1849, along with a panoramic viewing platform. Don't forget to snap a selfie because, after all, a picture is worth a thousand likes!

Terrain & Geology

Mostly grassy with some rocky areas and cliffs along the coastal path.

Dunnet Head is primarily composed of Old Red Sandstone, which gives it a dramatic cliff face and a rich geological history, showcasing sedimentary features from the Devonian period.

Views & Scenery

You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Orkney Islands, the dramatic cliffs along the coastline, and on a clear day, you might even spot distant landmarks in the far north.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Dunnet' is thought to derive from the Old Norse 'Donn', meaning 'hill' or 'mountain'.

Historical Significance

Dunnet Head is the northernmost point of mainland Britain and has a rich maritime history, being a crucial landmark for ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Pentland Firth.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a dedicated car park at the Dunnet Head lighthouse, which offers enough space for multiple vehicles.

Public Transport

Buses operate from Thurso to Dunnet Head, but check local schedules as service can be infrequent.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities at the summit, but nearby Thurso offers cafes, restaurants, and toilets, ideal for a post-hike refreshment.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of steep cliffs and uneven ground, particularly near the summit and coastal paths. The weather can change surprisingly quickly, so pack an extra layer just in case!

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 Dunnet Head?

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

Are there other walkers around Dunnet 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 Dunnet Head search or of course create your own walk for Dunnet Head

Can I organise a walk to Dunnet 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 Dunnet 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 Dunnet 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 Dunnet 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: ND205765

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