Iconic Scenery at John O'Groats
Just beyond John o’ Groats lie some of the most dramatic sea cliffs in the Highlands. The Duncansby Stacks rise proudly from the water, two towering red sandstone pillars carved by centuries of tides. They stand just off the coastline beside Duncansby Head Lighthouse and offer one of the most powerful coastal views in northern Scotland.
This is a place where the sea feels close, the cliffs feel ancient and the sense of space stretches endlessly across the Pentland Firth towards the Orkney Islands.
The stacks sit south of Duncansby Head Lighthouse and can be reached by a gentle clifftop walk from the nearby car park. The route is grassy and open, with sweeping views alongside the path. In spring and summer, the cliffs become a busy nesting site for puffins, guillemots and fulmars. Grey seals often rest at the base of the cliffs and dolphins may occasionally pass through on calmer days.
Photographers love this area for its changing light. On bright days the coastline glows with rich colour and on misty ones the stacks appear almost otherworldly.
Things to See and Do
Duncansby Head works well as a short visit or a longer wander. The area is quiet and open, with plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the views.
- Follow the clifftop path from the lighthouse to the sea stacks
- Enjoy far reaching views towards the Orkney Islands from the lighthouse viewpoint
- Bring binoculars for close up views of seals and seabirds
- Visit early or late in the day for softer light and better photography
Stop as part of a wider North Coast 500 journey, as the stacks sit close to this well known driving route.
Visitor Tips
Visitors often comment that Duncansby Head feels wonderfully peaceful, especially compared with the village centre at John o’ Groats. To make the most of your time, choose sturdy shoes for the uneven path and carry a warm layer, as weather changes quickly on the exposed coastline. Parking at the lighthouse is free and open throughout the year. The cliffs are high and sheer in places, so keeping a sensible distance from the edge is always advised.
Nearby Places to Explore
Duncansby Head is only a few minutes from John o’ Groats, making it easy to pair with other highlights of the far north.
- John o’ Groats Harbour, with cafés, shops and wildlife cruise departures
- Castle of Mey, a former royal residence open for tours in summer
- Dunnet Head, the true northernmost point of mainland Britain with impressive sea views
Frequently Asked Questions
How far are the stacks from John o’ Groats
Around two miles. It takes about ten minutes by car or around forty minutes on foot along a scenic coastal route.
Is the walk suitable for families
Yes, although children should be supervised near the cliff edges.
Can dogs join the walk
Dogs are welcome on leads due to livestock and nesting birds.
Are there facilities nearby
There are no facilities at the lighthouse or along the path. The nearest toilets and cafés are in John o’ Groats village.
Stay with Together Travel
From Duncansby Head Lighthouse, you can return easily to the Together Travel John o’ Groats lodges. The drive takes around five minutes, or you can follow the coastline on foot for a scenic forty minute walk. The lodges sit just beyond the harbour and offer wide views across the Pentland Firth towards the Orkney Islands.
After a day exploring cliffs, wildlife and sea air, relax in the comfort of your Highland lodge and plan your next adventure in this extraordinary corner of Caithness.