Dunnet Head

Hill, Mountain in Caithness

Scotland

Dunnet Head

Many Lochs A view of the middle of the three lochs. — Many Lochs Credit: David Bremner

Dunnet Head is a prominent hill located in the county of Caithness, in the northernmost part of the Scottish mainland. Standing at an elevation of 82 meters (269 feet), it is often referred to as the northernmost point of mainland Britain. The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Situated near the small village of Brough, Dunnet Head is characterized by its rugged and dramatic landscape. The hill is predominantly covered in heather and grass, with scattered patches of gorse and wildflowers adding vibrant colors to the terrain. Its rocky cliffs and steep slopes provide a habitat for various bird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, making it a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Visitors to Dunnet Head can enjoy a range of activities, such as hiking along the well-maintained trails that wind their way up the hill. The paths offer stunning views of the North Sea, the Orkney Islands, and the nearby Dunnet Bay. On clear days, it is even possible to catch a glimpse of the Old Man of Hoy, a famous sea stack located off the coast of Orkney.

In addition to its natural beauty, Dunnet Head is also home to a lighthouse, which was built in 1831 and still operates today. The lighthouse serves as an important navigational aid for ships passing through the Pentland Firth, one of the most treacherous stretches of water in the British Isles.

Overall, Dunnet Head is a captivating destination that showcases the raw beauty of the northern Scottish landscape while offering a glimpse into the region's rich maritime history.

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Dunnet Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.669163/-3.3723685 or Grid Reference ND2076. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Many Lochs

A view of the middle of the three lochs.

David Bremner

Fish Craig, Dunnet Head

Looking along from Dunnet Head towards Thurso - shows Spear Head by Scrabster in the distance.

Kirsty Smith

Cliff view from Dunnet Head

Tom Pennington

The Neback, Dunnet Head

The Neback is a prominent crag on the Old Red Sandstone cliffs of Dunnet Head.

david glass

The Long Byre, Dunnet Head

The Long Byre is a dry ravine, probably created by fracture of the underlying bedrock. It lies on the Dunnet Head Common Grazing and is so named because it was used by the crofters as a natural cattle pen. Seen here from the East.

david glass

The Long Byre, Dunnet Head

The Long Byre, a naturally-formed cattle pen, seen from the South West.

david glass

Peatbank on Dunnet Head

Peats are cut for fuel in April and May so that they can dry during the summer months.

david glass

Quarry, Burifa Hill

A disused quarry on Dunnet Head

david glass

Peat banks on Dunnet Head

Old peat banks, now out of use. Peat is still cut elsewhere on Dunnet Head, although the practice has declined.

david glass

View to the west of Dunnet Head

Roy Haworth

Sea cliffs near The Neback at Dunnet Head

John Ferguson

Cliffs and skerries at Dunnet Head

John Ferguson

Bog cotton on the moor above the cliffs at Dunnet Head

John Ferguson

Anglers in the dying light off The Neback

It's after four in the afternoon on a coldish November day when a hungry, cold, easterly wind has been blowing all day as the sun rapidly falls in the west.

Des Colhoun

And when I said, "more tea vicar..."

The skipper talks tactics with one of his clients en route to the fishing grounds.

Des Colhoun

One that didn't get away - a Porbeagle shark

I was privileged enough to land this specimen the other day:this Porbeagle weighed in around the 230 pound mark and will never be forgotten. Found mostly in the colder waters of the North Atlantic, the Porbeagle is listed as a mackerel shark and can reach over 8 feet in length and 500 pounds plus in weight. The species is most streamlined with a stout mid section and long pointed snout. The Porbeagle has the ability to quickly change its body temperature which in turn enables it to adapt to a wide range of water temperatures. In truth this shark did get away as it was released immediately after capture, unharmed and unscathed.

Des Colhoun

Walking towards Dunnet Head at Long Byre

Colin Park

Water cascading off cliffs at Shira Geo, Dunnet Head

After a very wet night water was cascading off the plateau west of Dunnet Head. It made for an exceedingly wet walk underfoot from Dwarwick Pier with many small streams in spate.

Colin Park

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Dunnet Head is located at Grid Ref: ND2076 (Lat: 58.669163, Lng: -3.3723685)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands