Duncansby Head Lighthouse — Place photograph (1 of 3)

Duncansby Head Lighthouse — Place photograph (2 of 3)

Duncansby Head, near Wick, Caithness, Highland, Scotland

Duncansby Head Lighthouse

Industrial heritage

Place photograph

7.0

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Dramatic

Feel

CoastalWalkersPhotographersHistory loversWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

7.0

At Britain’s most north-easterly mainland point, an 11-metre lighthouse stands 67 metres above sea level. Its light has flashed across the Pentland Firth since 1924; the cliffs and offshore stacks make the approach as compelling as the landmark.

A working maritime landmark on an exposed headland gives this visit more than a lighthouse photo stop: the coastal path leads towards the striking Duncansby Stacks, with open views over the turbulent Pentland Firth.

Dramatic · Wild · Remote

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Duncansby Head, near Wick, Caithness, Highland, Scotland

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The experience

Visit the lighthouse exterior, then follow the coastal path towards Geo of Sclaites and the Duncansby Stacks. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public. Expect exposed coastal conditions and check the route before setting out.

Things to do

See the lighthouse from outside

Take in the square concrete tower, designed by David Alan Stevenson and established in 1924. The Northern Lighthouse Board states that the lighthouse is not open to public access.

Short stop

Walk towards the Duncansby Stacks

Follow the coastal path south from the lighthouse car park, passing Geo of Sclaites to a viewpoint of the sea stacks, then return by the described route.

30–60 minutes

Watch for coastal wildlife

Look out for seabirds along the cliffs and for seals in the water. The trail source mentions puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 30–60 minutes

Quick headland walk to the stacks

01
Start at the car park beside Duncansby Head Lighthouse.
02
Follow the coastal path south towards Geo of Sclaites.
03
Continue to the viewpoint of the Duncansby Stacks, then return by the described route.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of the coast

01
Spend time looking at the lighthouse exterior and its setting on the headland; the lighthouse is not open to public access.
02
Walk the coastal route towards Geo of Sclaites and the Duncansby Stacks.
03
Pause at the viewpoint to watch for seabirds or seals, then return to the start.

Verified history

A temporary fog signal was established at Duncansby Head in 1914. The lighthouse was designed by David Alan Stevenson and built in 1924. During the Second World War, a German bomber machine-gunned the lighthouse; the Northern Lighthouse Board reports no injuries or damage. The light was fully automated in 1997. The 11-metre tower stands 67 metres above sea level and its light flashes white every 12 seconds.

Folklore & legend

The Northern Lighthouse Board says the Pentland Firth’s tidal streams earned it the name “Hell’s Mouth” in the days of sail. This is a historical nickname for the hazardous waters, not a supernatural legend.

Hidden details

The light’s identifying flash — The light flashes white every 12 seconds, a detail easy to miss when attention is on the cliffs and stacks. The lighthouse is automated and not open to public access.

Named races in the Pentland Firth — The Northern Lighthouse Board names several tidal streams and races in the area, including the Swilkie, the Bore of Huna, the Duncansby Bore and the Merry Men of May.

When to go

· Choose a clear, relatively calm spell for coastal views; check the forecast before setting out.

The supplied sources do not establish a preferred season. Clear and calm conditions are likely to make the coastal views easier to enjoy.

The headland is exposed and the coastal route can be affected by weather. Check current conditions before walking.

The route

ascent: 74 m elevation gain
surface: Check before visiting
distance: 2.1 km
duration: 0.5–1 hour
difficulty: Moderate
route shape: Loop
start point: Car park beside Duncansby Head Lighthouse
parking start: The supplied trail source identifies a car park beside the lighthouse as the start point; confirm current parking arrangements.
shorter alternative: Visit the lighthouse exterior and walk a short section of the coastal path, returning to the car park; no shorter measured route is given by the source.

Duncansby Head Lighthouse
Geo of Sclaites
Viewpoint of the Duncansby Stacks
Coastal cliffs and possible seabird or seal sightings

What to look for

Notice the lighthouse’s square concrete tower and balcony, and look out from the coastal path for Geo of Sclaites and the Duncansby Stacks. The Northern Lighthouse Board describes the light as flashing white every 12 seconds.

The story

Industry, Maritime

Best time to go

Clear, calmer days offer the best conditions for coastal views and walking; check the weather before visiting.

Choose a clear, relatively calm day for the best views along the coast. Conditions can change quickly on this exposed headland, so check the forecast before you go.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Wick KW1 4YS

Website

nlb.org.uk

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.7 · 2,449 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

The lighthouse is not open to public access. A coastal walk is described from the car park beside it; check local conditions and access before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

A car park beside the lighthouse is identified as the walk’s start point in the supplied trail source. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park. It does not establish the accessibility of the coastal path or viewpoints; check conditions before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Sea