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This is a three
kilometre walk (six both ways) along the north coast east from John
O'Groats to Duncansby Head Lighthouse and then on to the massive rock
stacks 'The Stacks of Duncansby'. You can either return along the road
or the way you arrived.
The walk starts at the Caravan and
campsite. Walk through the site to the far corner and pick up the path
from there. Follow the path along the foreshore
looking out for Seals, Eider Ducks with their chicks in mid-season,the
path rises up and continues along the top of the bank through two
'Kissing Gates' to a burn frequented by Otters but rarely seen. Over a
style, across the burn bridge and you are at 'Roberts Haven' a sandy
beach which leads you to the 'Ness of Duncansby'. This is open common
grazing and the best route is along the top of the beach head but do not
forget to look out for 'Groatie Buckies', a small cowrie shell once
used as a currency. Round the 'Ness' you come to 'Sannick Bay', from
here there is a climb to Duncansby Head Lighthouse car park, you can now
see the 'Stacks' to your right. Follow the fenced cliff edge round to
the 'Stacks' and marvel at the numerous seabirds that nest during the
breeding season.
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Before you embark on an exciting trip to visit the scenic
North Coast of Scotland, you must make sure that you have
already secured a comfortable place to stay for the duration
of your getaways here along the Scottish coast. You can stay
at any of the wonderful collection of bed and breakfasts and
relaxing guesthouses which can be found throughout the
countryside and up and down the coast. For a wider range of
choices including the best places to dine out and eat, you
can take a look at
Awaz FM Glasgow’s Great Deal
options for discounts and deals
wherever you may find yourself in Scotland. Here's a short
description of this picturesque coastal walk below. |
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1
Looking
back the way you have just walked you can see the 'Ferry' at the pier
and the John O'Groats House Hotel Towers. |
2
The first of
two 'Kissing Gates' with Robert's Haven and the 'Ness of Duncansby' in the distance. |
3
The
second 'Kissing Gate' with Robert's Haven and the 'Ness of Duncansby in
the distance. |
4
Over
the burn bridge onto the common grazing to the 'Ness of Duncansby'.
Follow the beach head around to 'Sannick Bay' and then on to the
'Lighthouse' |
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5
Looking
back the way you have just walked, across Sannick Bay toward the 'Ness
of Duncansby' |
6 The
road to the Duncansby Head Lighthouse. From Sannick Bay you cut across
the grass to the lighthouse or follow the road. A moderate up hill
gradient. |
7 Duncansby
Head car park with the lighthouse in the distance.
Turn right and follow the path down to the 'Stacks of Duncansby', the
tops of which should just be visible. |
8 Duncansby
Head Lighthouse one of the few square lighthouses in the country. The 'Pentland
Skerries are just visible to the right with South Ronaldsay to the
left. |
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9 The
path to the 'Stacks of Duncansby' |
10 The
'Stacks of Duncansby' |
11 On
returning from the 'Stacks of Duncansby' to the lighthouse car park you
can look back over the walk. The bay nearest is 'Sannick', then the
'Ness of Dunscanby'.The first group of white
buildings, you can see are the John O'Groats Hotel, Craft Village and pier. |
12 Looking
back to Duncansby Head lighthouse as you return down the road to John
O'Groats. |
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