Stay at the at the most northerly point of the Scottish mainland in a traditional Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage.
Dunnet Head Lighthouse sits on a remote moorland peninsula at the northernmost point of the Scottish mainland. Perched on top of stunning 300ft cliffs, the lighthouse is reached by a single track road that winds its way across a loch-strewn heather moor – truly a location for those seeking to “get away from it all”.
The lighthouse was built in 1831 by renowned engineer Robert Stevenson and the adjacent cottages were home to the keepers and their families until 1989 when the light was automated. Today, the tower and keepers’ cottages are protected with Grade B Listed Status.
Miles of uninhabited moorland can be explored on foot straight from the cottage while the spectacular cliffs are home to thousands of nesting birds (in season) including guillemots, razorbills and the much-loved puffin. The high cliffs at Easter Head, upon which the lighthouse sits, provide a fine vantage point for whale-watching – pods of orcas, porpoises and dolphins can be spotted on migration around the north coast of Scotland.
“Seal song” is often heard drifting up to the lighthouse and guests wishing to see these beautiful mammals can head down to nearby Brough Bay. The bay is home to many seals and at quiet times they can be glimpsed sunning themselves on the rocks. The slipway at Brough was the historic landing-place for lighthouse supplies – the store-house can still be seen – and today provides an ideal launching place for canoes and kayaks.
Dwarwick Pier on the west side of the headland is the starting point of a beautiful cliff-top walk to the “Peedie” Beach – the pristine white sands are accessible only at low tide. A short distance on will take you to the wide sweep of golden sand and spectacular dunes at Dunnet and the nearby forest also provides plenty of opportunity for tranquil walks.