Dunnet Bay

Why stay here

Set slightly back from a sandy beach, our tranquil site at Dunnet Bay enjoys views over the North Atlantic Ocean and lends itself to those wishing to explore the vast natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Get away from the bustle of everyday life and delve into this beautiful and largely untouched piece of coastal countryside. We are tucked in just below Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain; and a short drive from John O’Groats on the north-eastern tip of Scotland.

Facilities on site

• Wi-Fi available*
• Wash room / toilets
• BBQs allowed: charcoal, gas, electric
• Disabled facilities
• Disabled shower room
• Dish washing area
• Laundry facilities
• Pitches are: grass, electric
• Dog walk from site
• Site shop: No but there are shops in Castletown Village, three miles away. Supermarkets are found in Thurso and Wick

*Please note Dunnet Bay campsite provides FREE hotspot Wi-Fi to the pitch. It also offers a paid for Premium hotspot Wi-Fi service.

Activities & experiences nearby

• Cycling

  Thurso to Dunnet Head is a relatively low difficulty 10 mile route to get you started. You can hire a bike from Dunnet Head Holidays Bike Hire.
  
  The nearest National Cycle Network Route 1 runs between Inverness and John O’Groats, swooping beneath Dunnet Bay and can be joined from Castletown – view Sustrans route map.

• Walking

  Follow the steps onto the beach for a walk along Dunnet Bay - the full length takes less than 2 hours. Alternatively, head to Mary Ann’s cottage, on to Dwarwick Pier and take the coastal path to the remote and beautiful Peedie Beach.
  
  Explore Dunnet Forest and follow the circular route on woodland paths. Along the way you’ll find sculptures, a log cabin and a giant wooden xylophone.
  
  Experienced hikers often start at Dunnet Bay and trek to John O’Groats via Dunnet Head.

• Things to try

  From April to October, visit Air Extreme in Gills Bay to experience high ropes and zorbing, 8.5 miles away from site.
  
  Just half a mile away is Dunnet Bay Distillery. Take a tour to learn about Scottish gin and vodka, handcrafted with highland botanicals.
  
  Visit the most northerly inhabited castle on the British mainland, The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey. Renovated and restored after being purchased by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1952.

• Pubs and restaurants

  About half a mile from our site is the Northern Sands Hotel. Recently refurbished, it has a bar and restaurant and serves food daily.
  
  In summer, the restaurant at the Castle Arms Hotel is open from 6pm daily and serves a range of locally produced food. This restaurant is 5 miles away from site, close to the Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey.
  
  If visiting John O’Groats, be sure to stop for a coffee and a slice of cake at one of the many cafes here. Stacks Coffee House & Bistro comes highly recommended.

• Family Days Out

  A boat tour to the Orkney Islands will take 40 minutes to cross from John O’Groats to Burwick. A coach will meet you and take you to landmarks like Skara Brae (Stone Age village), Scapa Flow, Stromness, Kirkwall, Churchill Barriers, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness and the Italian Chapel.

  Travel to Dunnet Head to the RSPB reserve and lighthouse, where you’ll look out from the most northerly point on Britain’s mainland. In spring, seabirds settle on the cliffs to build nests; in summer,  you may see the birds feed their young and in autumn, geese from Greenland and Iceland pass overhead.