HU5539 : Gannets off the Noup of Noss

Noss Head

181m Elevation
181m Prominence
Scotland Country
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HU5539 : Gannets off the Noup of Noss

Mike Pennington Photo source

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Noss Head Coastal Path

A scenic coastal walk starting from the car park at Noss Head Lighthouse, leading to stunning vistas and rugged landscapes.

2.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 100-199m hill SIB

Elevation

181m

594 ft

Prominence

181m

Coordinates

60.1397, -1.0046

HU553398

OS Map

4

Explorer: 466N

At the Summit

The summit features a small grassy knoll with a prominent lighthouse, Noss Head Lighthouse, providing a stunning backdrop for photographs.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops and some coastal cliffs.

Noss Head is primarily composed of Dolostone, a type of limestone that has been altered by magnesium-rich fluids. This gives the rock a unique appearance, making it interesting for both geologists and hikers alike.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the North Sea, Dunnet Head, and the Orkney Islands on clear days.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Noss comes from the Norse word 'næs', meaning headland or promontory, reflective of its coastal location.

Historical Significance

The area is rich in maritime history, with the lighthouse being a key navigational point since its commissioning in 1871.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park near the Noss Head Lighthouse, providing convenient access to the coastal path.

Public Transport

Buses from Wick and Thurso frequently serve the area; the nearest stop is a short walk from the parking area.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities at the summit, but Wick offers cafes, restaurants, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of steep coastal cliffs and changeable weather conditions.

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 Noss Head?

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

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

Can I organise a walk to Noss 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 Noss 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 Noss 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 Noss 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: HU553398

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