Dunnet Head

There is a common misconception that John O’Groats is the most northerly point of mainland Scotland. But this title actually goes to Dunnet Head, which is about 12 miles away and a couple miles further north.

Dunnet Head is a small peninsula, and at its northern tip you will find a 19th century lighthouse, perched on a clifftop that drops 91m into the sea. The place feels quite remote and it really has that “edge of the world” feel, so it does live up to its title.

Dunnet Head is a great spot for watching the sunset - that’s when we were there. You get a direct view of the sun going down below the horizon. And you can see all the way across to the Oarkney Islands. There is also a platform for birdwatching and you might spot the occasional puffin flying past. Like most promontories around coastal Scotland, the place can get quite windy.

Back in the day, keepers would watch over the lighthouse at Dunnet Head, however since 1989 this has been automated - today, it’s actually monitored from Edinburgh. Some of the keepers’ cottages have been converted into accommodation. Spending the night by the lighthouse at the northern tip of Scotland sounds pretty cool - what a way to get away from it all (though it appears there is a requirement of minimum three nights stay).

A fact for the monarchy enthusiasts out there - the Queen Mother who would often spend her time at the nearby Castle of Mey, visited the lighthouse at Dunnet Head on a few occasions.