Walk 1666 - printer friendly version

Stacks of Duncansby Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 3.0 miles / 4.9 km

Ascent - 200 feet / 61 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference ND404733
Lat 58.6434580 + Long -3.0284981
Postcode KW1 4YS (approx. location only)

This Highland walk visits the most north-easterly point of mainland Britain at Duncansby Head a few miles east of John O'Groats. The cliffs in this area are formed from red sandstone which has dulled through wind, weather and its proximity to the sea. During the walk you can see (in season) a wide variety of sea birds including Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Puffins, Guillemots and Great Skuas amongst others.

The start is the small car park at Duncansby Head (grid ref. ND404733) located close to the lighthouse. No maps are needed unless you want to know the names of the various features seen during the walk. All that is required is a good pair of boots as the going can be rough underfoot and suitable weatherproof clothing as the weather can change in minutes! All that is required is to follow the coast south (with the sea to your left) and follow the path as far as you wish. The return route retraces your outward steps.

After leaving the lighthouse the first major feature you encounter is a deep cleft in the cliffs - Geo of Sclaites - which can be full of wheeling seabirds at the right time of the year. The noise can be deafening from the large numbers of birds. Continuing south you will reach the viewpoint over the Stacks of Duncansby which stand as high as the cliffs they were once part of. Most people turn back here but it is worth heading further south if you have time. It is a place where you can enjoy the solitude and the noise of nature!

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