Dunnet Bay is a fantastic sweeping arc of sand backed by dunes. A birdlife haven, the beach is also popular with surfers, beach combers and walkers.
Steps down to reach the beach, then sandy beach
Bus from Thurso and John o'Groats.
Dunnet Bay Car park and Seadrift Centre.
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There is a large car park at the north end of Dunnet Bay, next to the campsite. There is an information point here with an exhibition on the local wildlife which is manned by rangers in the summer months, there are also toilets. From the car park follow the path alongside a wall of Caithness stone built for the millenium and signed for beach viewpoint. The viewpoint is soon reached with far reaching views over the dunes and the beach.
Follow the steps down to the shore and turn left to walk along the beach. The bay is a haven for many types of sea bird although many have to compete in the water with surfers who congregate here when the conditions are right. The dunes are a fragile habitat and visitors are encouraged not to walk on them as the marram grass is easily destroyed which in turn leads to erosion of the dunes themselves.
Walk as far as you wish along the beach, crossing a stream approximately half way along - it is much easier to cross further out on the sand rather than at the edge of the dunes, assuming the tide is sufficiently far out. Here it is possible to follow an eroded path alongside the stream to a second car park and then to return along the road, however the road is quite fast and the beach usually makes a more pleasant option.
Where a larger stream comes down onto the beach it is time to turn back. Return along the beach looking out for oystercatchers, eider ducks, red throated divers, golden eye, great northern diver, curlew and ringed plover which can be seen here in the water or on the shore. The beach is also a great place to hunt for shells with many whelks and razor shells on the sand. Return up the steps to the car park and the start of the walk.
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