Dunnet Head

Dunnet Head is the true northernmost point of mainland Britain, a headland of red sandstone cliffs topped by a Stevenson lighthouse, with views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. It sees far fewer visitors than John O'Groats despite being the actual extreme, so it still feels genuinely wild and remote.

It's one of the highlights of the North Coast 500, and many find it more rewarding than John O'Groats. The clifftop views across to Orkney are wonderful, puffins nest on the cliffs in early summer, and the lighthouse is a fine piece of Robert Stevenson engineering. Your Hopscotch guide will bring the setting to life.

Dunnet Head is about 16 miles west of John O'Groats, roughly a 25-minute drive. The two are usually done on the same day on a North Coast 500 route, along with nearby Duncansby Head and its sea stacks.

May to July is best for wildlife, especially the puffins that nest on the clifftops. The views work year-round, but the headland is exposed and can be very windy outside summer. The approach is single-track with a small car park, so an early start avoids the crowds in peak season.