Duncansby Stacks Coastal Walk

Duncansby Stacks Coastal Walk is a clifftop outing to the dramatic sea stacks beyond Scotland's northeastern headland. The coast, seabirds and rock formations are the point, giving the far north a much stronger experience than a hurried photograph at a distance sign.

Start from the designated Duncansby Head lighthouse access area, follow the established coastal path to the stack viewpoints and return the same way. Allow about two hours with pauses. This short out-and-back excludes the longer coastal route beginning at John o'Groats.

Keep well back from unfenced cliff edges and avoid the walk in strong winds, fog or slippery conditions. Wear shoes suited to rough, sometimes wet grass and keep children and dogs close. Use legal parking and leave enough daylight for the return; a spectacular view is never a reason to cross an unstable edge.