Mey & Dunnet

1. Start at the Castle of Mey Car Park

• Begin your walk at the Castle of Mey, the former Highland retreat of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

• Stroll around the castle gardens if open — highlights include the walled garden, animal centre, and views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney.

• The castle grounds are peaceful and well maintained, and the visitor centre provides historical background.

2. Walk Down to the Coastline

• From the castle entrance, walk north along the minor road toward the coastline.

• The road leads to Scarfskerry Bay and offers open views across farmland and out to sea.

• This section is quiet, with views of Dunnet Head and often seabirds overhead.

3. Coastline Lookout Point

• Pause along the coast for panoramic views across to Orkney, and enjoy the wild, exposed landscape.

• On clear days, you can spot ferries making the crossing, or seabirds nesting along the cliffs.

4. Return Loop via Rural Road

• Continue your walk west or loop back inland along the B876, a lightly trafficked road that curves back to the castle.

• Pass local crofts, open fields, and perhaps Highland cattle or sheep grazing.

• This part of the walk reflects the peaceful rhythm of Caithness rural life.

Optional Extension

• If you have time and transport, take a short detour (by foot or car) to Harbour at Harrow, a tiny, atmospheric port just east of Mey with excellent sea views and often crashing surf.

• Alternatively, extend westward to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain (not to be confused with John O’Groats).

Summary

• Distance: 2–2.5 km (short loop), or 4–5 km with extensions

• Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

• Terrain: Mostly flat, mix of paved minor roads and gravel footpaths

• Highlights:

  • Castle of Mey and gardens

  • Sea views toward Orkney

  • Rural landscape and crofting scenery

  • Quiet, off-the-beaten-track atmosphere

Parking in Mey (for Castle of Mey Visitors)

• Free parking is available at the Castle of Mey, the main destination in the village.

• The car park is located directly in front of the Visitor Centre and castle entrance.

• There are designated disabled parking spaces close to the main facilities, with level access routes to the visitor centre and gardens.

• Coach, motorbike, and campervan parking is also available, with signs guiding you upon arrival.

• For visitors with dogs, a shaded overflow parking area is provided along the outer wall of the estate to help keep vehicles cool.

• Parking is available during castle opening hours, typically between April and September.

Parking for Non–Castle Visitors

• No formal public car park exists in Mey village apart from the Castle of Mey’s car park.

• Roadside parking along the A836 or minor lanes is the primary option:

  • You may find space on the shoulder or in passing-place lay-bys.

  • Be mindful of any signage—though restrictions are rare, safe and respectful parking is advised.

• Private driveways exist but are generally not available for public use—avoid blocking access.

Drop-Off and Park Near the Castle

• The Castle of Mey car park is open during visitor hours and accessible to all — it's the most convenient spot even if you’re not visiting the castle.

• If visiting the castle grounds is not intended, you can park there briefly, then walk along the coast or rural paths around Mey.

Dunnet is a charming and historically rich village situated on the north coast of Caithness, Scotland. Overlooking Dunnet Bay, its sweeping beaches and rugged headlands frame a landscape that has drawn settlers and travellers for thousands of years.

The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the presence of Iron Age brochs, Pictish symbol stones, and Neolithic chambered cairns scattered throughout the surrounding countryside. These archaeological remains speak to a long and continuous human presence shaped by both sea and land.

During the Norse period, Dunnet lay within the powerful influence of Viking settlers, who left a legacy of place names and maritime traditions that still echo through the region. In the post-medieval era, the village grew as a crofting and fishing community, with local men working the North Atlantic waters and participating in the booming herring trade that once dominated the northern coastline.

Dunnet also played a part in Scotland’s maritime and military history — its proximity to Scapa Flow and strategic headlands made the area significant during both world wars. Today, Dunnet Head, just a few miles from the village, is not only the northernmost point of mainland Britain, but also a place of reflection and natural beauty, offering panoramic views to Orkney and beyond.

Modern-day Dunnet blends history with outdoor adventure: visitors come for beach walks, wildlife spotting, surfing, and to explore the cultural legacy of Caithness. Its low, stone-built houses, traditional kirks, and welcoming locals preserve a strong sense of Highland identity amid its dramatic coastal setting.

Mey to Dunnet is about 5–6 miles west along the Caithness coast.

By Road

• Follow the B876 west from Mey toward Dunnet Head; after about 1.5 miles, turn south onto the A836, then continue for around 3.5 miles into Dunnet village.

• Total driving time: 10 minutes, covering approximately 5.4 miles

By Public Transport

• Take the Stagecoach North Scotland bus service 80:

  • Departs from the main lay-by or bus stop in Mey (near castle area).

  • Travels west via Dunnet Head and Brough.

  • Arrives at Dunnet telephone kiosk or Post Office stop in the village.

  • Cheaper than a taxi (£3–5 one way), journey time around 22–39 minutes

Dunnet Bay (North End) Car Park

• Large car park next to the campsite, granting access to the north part of Dunnet Bay.

• Facilities include toilets, an information point, and bins.

• Charges (2024): approximately £1 for 2 hours or £10 overnight.
  

Dunnet Bay (South End) Parking

• Informal roadside parking available at the south end of the beach—ideal for quick stops or beach access.

• No marked facilities but convenient access to sands and dunes.

Dunnet Head Car Park

• Large Highland Council-run car park near the Dunnet Head lighthouse, the northernmost point of mainland Britain.

• Suitable for visits to the nature reserve and viewpoints.

  
  Dunnet Forest

• Free car park at the entrance to the community woodland, with easy access to trails and sculptures.
  

Summary & Tips

• For beach walks: use the north-end car park or south-end laybys.

• For cliff-top views or wildlife: park at Dunnet Head.

• For woodland paths: park at Dunnet Forest.

• Charges apply primarily at Dunnet Bay north car park; other sites are usually free.

• Check for overnight motorhome spaces in marked bays at Dunnet Head and Seadrift via the Highland Campervan Scheme.

1. Start at Dunnet Village Green

• Begin at the heart of the village near the green and Dunnet Church, a traditional stone building with a walled kirkyard.

• The churchyard holds centuries-old gravestones, some dating to the 1600s, offering insights into the area’s deep-rooted history.

2. Walk to Dunnet Bay

• Head north along the signposted footpath or road toward Dunnet Bay.

• The route is flat and peaceful, with views opening out toward the vast curve of the beach and the Pentland Firth beyond.

• Once at the beach, walk along the sand or the grassy dunes. The area is known for seabirds and occasional sightings of seals and dolphins.

3. Explore the Beach and Dunes

• Dunnet Beach stretches for over 2 miles, backed by sand dunes and machair.

• Choose a short section to explore — west for quieter, wilder stretches or east toward the car park and surf-friendly waters.

4. Return via Dunnet Forest or Roadside Loop

• If time allows, extend your walk slightly by heading west on the road toward Dunnet Forest — the most northerly community woodland in mainland Britain.

• Alternatively, loop back through the village lanes, passing small cottages, the local shop, and glimpses of crofting land.

Optional Add-On

• Dunnet Bay Distillery: Near the eastern end of the village, this small, award-winning gin distillery offers tours by arrangement and has a shop featuring local products.

• Dunnet Head: For a more extended walk or short drive, head to the dramatic cliffs and lighthouse at Dunnet Head — the northernmost point of mainland Britain, with spectacular views to Orkney.

Summary

• Distance: ~2–3 km (expandable)

• Time: 1–1.5 hours

• Terrain: Flat roads, beach paths, optional forest trails

• Highlights:

  • Historic church and kirkyard

  • Dunnet Bay and its dunes

  • Wildlife and coastal views

  • Village charm and optional distillery stop

Thurso is widely regarded as the most northerly town on the UK mainland, situated at approximately 58.59°N on the wild north coast of Caithness, Scotland. While smaller settlements lie further north in the Orkney, Shetland, and Outer Hebrides, Thurso holds the distinction of being the northernmost town in contiguous mainland Britain.

Thurso’s ancient origins stretch back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence revealing early human settlements and scattered ancient ruins. Its name is believed to derive from Old Norse, reflecting the area’s strong Viking heritage. The region was likely settled by Norse seafarers, and remnants of this legacy can still be found in local place names and historical sites.

In the medieval period, Thurso emerged as an important fishing port and trading hub, thanks to its strategic location on the Pentland Firth. It served as a vital link in maritime routes connecting northern Scotland with Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. Over time, the town developed strong traditions in fishing, farming, and later in transport and trade.

Thurso is also known as the birthplace of Sir William Alexander Smith, the founder of the Boys’ Brigade, who was born at nearby Pennyland House.

Thurso Castle has stood overlooking the Pentland Firth since the 12th century, though the site has seen numerous reconstructions and changes. The original medieval structure gave way to a later Baronial mansion, with significant renovations in the 17th and 19th centuries. Though much of the structure was demolished in 1952, parts of the castle ruins remain visible today.

Remarkably, the site is still privately owned and partially inhabited by the Viscounts Thurso, making it a rare example of a historic residence that is both ruin and residence.

How to View

Thurso Castle is not open to the public as an attraction, but the remains can be viewed from the cliff path and coastal walkways that lead from Thurso Harbour or from Victoria Walk. It is especially atmospheric at sunrise or sunset, when the light hits the stone and sea below.

What to See and Do

• View the castle ruins from the shoreline or the grassy paths leading toward Scrabster.

• Look out for interpretive signage nearby explaining the castle’s role in the area’s history.

• Enjoy photo opportunities with dramatic backdrops of sea cliffs and open sky.

• Extend your walk to explore Victoria Walk or onward toward Scrabster Harbour.

• Riverside Car Park (near the bridge and river): central, with short-stay and longer options.

• North Coast Visitor Centre Car Park: useful for town visits and museum access.

• Thurso Beach Car Park: convenient for coastal walks and beach access.

• Free on-street parking is available throughout much of the town centre, particularly around Sir George’s Street and Traill Street.

There is also space at Wolfburn Distillery for tour guests, and limited parking at Pennyland for those visiting the memorial museum.

Start at the North Coast Visitor Centre, exploring local exhibitions (30 mins).
Walk down to Thurso Beach, stroll the sand or promenade and enjoy sea views (15 mins).
Follow the coast east toward Thurso Castle ruins, viewing them from the path above the shore (15–20 mins).
Return via the River Thurso, taking in riverside scenery and looping back into town (15 mins).
Optional add-ons: Stop at a café, visit the Sir William Smith Memorial Museum, or extend your walk to Scrabster Harbour if time allows.

By Road (Car or Taxi)

Driving

• Distance: Approximately 8.5 miles

• Travel time: Around 10 minutes

• Route: Take the B855 from Dunnet to the A836, then continue west to Thurso

• Fuel cost: Roughly £3–£4 depending on vehicle

Taxi

• Journey time: Approximately 10 minutes

• Typical fare: £20–£25

• Local taxi services include: Highland Cabs, Pentland Cabs, Triple S Taxi, and Ormlie Taxis

By Public Transport

Bus Service 80 (Stagecoach North Scotland)

• Departs from the Dunnet village stop (usually near the Telephone Kiosk or Post Office)

• Arrives at Thurso town centre (Sir George’s Street or similar stops)

• Journey time: Approximately 19–20 minutes

• Fare: Around £3–£5 one way

• Frequency: Generally every 3–4 hours, Monday to Saturday

• Note: No evening or Sunday service, so plan accordingly

Summary

• Car: 10-minute drive along the A836

• Taxi: Around 10 minutes, costing £20–£25

• Bus: Service 80, 20 minutes, runs a few times daily on weekdays and Saturdays