Visit Dunnet Head Lighthouse: the most northern point in UK
Many visitors travelling to the far north of Scotland mistakenly believe that John O’Groats is the most northern point in the UK. However, you may be surprised to know that that’s not exactly true. Although it has earned worldwide recognition as the finishing point of the famous Land’s End to John O’Groats route, Dunnet Head is the real northernmost tip of Britain.
And over the years, this headland has become one of the key things to do in John O’Groats and the wider area. It’s famed for its spectacular scenery overlooking the Orkney Islands and the iconic Dunnet Head Lighthouse.
And while Dunnet feels wonderfully remote, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to experience this rugged part of the world.
Because under an hour away, Ulbster Arms Hotel offers luxurious four-star accommodation in Halkirk, Caithness. It’s therefore the perfect base for exploring Scotland’s northern coastline. What’s more, you’ll be greeted with warm Highland hospitality, good food, and stylish, comfortable rooms. What more could you ask for?
Now, onto the real most northern point in the UK.
Where is Dunnet Head – the most northern point in the UK?
Dunnet Head sits around 10 miles west of John O’Groats and just a 20-minute drive from Thurso. If you’re driving here, the Dunnet Head car park costs £5 for 24 hours. There are also several dedicated spaces for motorhomes.
From Dunnet Head, you can reach the Ulbster Arms Hotel by car in around an hour. The route takes you south through some of the most striking Highland scenery, where dramatic coastal views gradually shift into wide-open moorland.
And in our opinion, this journey is a real experience in itself that needs to be seen first-hand to be fully appreciated.
Dunnet Head lighthouse: History and the Stevenson legacy
Perched dramatically on the cliffs Easter Head, Dunnet Head Lighthouse has guided vessels on the Penland First since the beginning of the 19th century.
Its construction was completed in 1831, built under the direction of Robert Stevenson (Scotland’s most renowned civil engineer). Stevenson dedicated much of his career to improving maritime safety around Scotland’s coastline. Today, his legacy still lives on around the Scottish coastlines, and many of the country’s modern lighthouses reflect his influence in their design and structure.
And here’s a fun fact: Robert Stevenson was the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, born in 1850. He was the renowned author of novels, including Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Today, Dunnet Head Lighthouse is still fully operational. Whilst it isn’t open to the public, visitors from across the globe venture here to witness the outstanding scenery. Standing at the edge of the cliffs, you’re met with vast, uninterrupted views across the sea to the Orkney Islands. And on a clear day, the panoramic outlook really is a feast for the senses.
After a day being windswept out at Dunnet Head, there’s not much better than heading back to warm and welcoming accommodation. A short drive brings you back to the Ulbster Arms Hotel, where you can properly unwind after a day of sightseeing. And as well as staying in some of the most beautiful 4-star accommodation in Northern Scotland, you can enjoy a hearty meal in our restaurant, or enjoy a tipple or two in our lounge bar.
What to see and do at Dunnet Head: the most northern point in UK
Alongside its famous lighthouse, Dunnet Head offers far more than meets the eye. Simple walking routes take you across the headland and open out onto a series of coastal viewing platforms. In fact, the Dunnet Head viewpoints are considered among the best in the world. And on a sunny day, find a quiet spot on the headland with a picnic, and simply watch the world go by.
Dogs on leads are also welcome at Dunnet Head. In addition, the Ulbster Hotel offers dog-friendly rooms, meaning your four-legged companion can join you for the trip too.
Dunnet Head also a favourite spot amongst photographers. The natural landscape and shifting conditions consistently produce spectacular high-impact images. Expect wide, uninterrupted views in almost every direction, cliff lines that naturally frame the scene, and fast-changing light as weather systems move across the northern coast.
If you want to avoid the crowds, aim for an early morning visit or head out later in the evening. When you’re in a great stopover hotel like the Ulbster Arms, you can get here without having to travel too far.
Wildlife is a real highlight here, too, especially in the summer months. Keep an eye on the cliff edges for the famous Dunnet Head puffins, for example. Many visitors also catch sightings of guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes.
And if conditions are still, you may be lucky enough to spot seals along the shoreline below. Dolphins and porpoises sometimes peek between the waves out in the Pentland Firth.
How to get to Dunnet Head, Scotland
From Southern Scotland (Edinburgh/Glasgow)
The most direct driving route is to follow the A9 north through Perth and Inverness, continuing on towards Thurso. From Thurso, it’s a straightforward 30-minute drive north-west along rural roads to Dunnet Head.
The journey from Edinburgh or Glasgow is around 6 hours (roughly 270 miles) by car. Follow the A9 north through the Highlands to get there. The Ulbster Arms Hotel works as a convenient stop off once you’re in the far north. To get to the hotel from Inverness, continue up the A9 past Dornoch, Golspie, and Helmsdale. Follow the coastal road as it heads into Caithness, stay on the A9 beyond Helmsdale, then take the turn-off for Halkirk as you approach the Thurso area.
And finally, if you’re using public transport, take the Far North Line train from Inverness up to Thurso. Then, finish the journey by taxi or a local bus to Dunnet Head, or to the Ulbster Arms Hotel.
From major Scottish airports
From Scotland’s main airports, travel typically routes via Inverness. Inverness Airport is the closest option, with a drive of around 3 hours to Thurso and then onward to Dunnet Head.
From Edinburgh or Glasgow airport, you’ll need to reach Inverness, either by plane, train, or car, before heading north for Dunnet Head.
From Aberdeen, you can take a longer coastal drive, but most travellers still choose the A9 via Inverness because it’s the most reliable and direct route into Caithness.
Plan your stay at one of the best hotels in John O’ Groats: The Ulbster Arms
Planning a successful trip to Dunnet Head is also about choosing accommodation that helps you properly unwind after a full day of exploring the far north. Given the remote setting as the most northern point in the UK, staying at a well-located hotel provides a convenient base to rest while remaining close to key Caithness sights.
So, for those searching for accommodation in John O’Groats, Scotland, come and stay with us at Ulbster Arms Hotel. You’ll be within easy reach of Dunnet Head and other coastal highlights, and you can treat yourself to a luxury four-star experience with us, and a warm Highland welcome!