Unforgettable Walks & Hidden Gems/Beaches Near Our Cabins on the NC500
Staying in one of our luxury cabins on thenorth coast of Scotland means waking up each morning surrounded by wild beauty,dramatic coastline, and some of the most unforgettable viewpoints along theiconic NC500. We’re perfectly positioned near John O’Groats, a gateway towindswept cliffs, quiet beaches, and extraordinary natural landmarks that manytravellers overlook.
If you’re planning your stay with us, here arethree must-see locations that capture the magic of the NC500 and ScottishHighlands: Duncansby Stacks, Dunnet Head, and the area’s hiddengem, Peedie Sands.
DuncansbyStacks: Scotland’s Dramatic Coastal Icons
A visit to the Duncansby Stacks is anabsolute must for anyone exploring the far north. These towering sea stacks,sculpted by centuries of wind and waves, rise sharply from the Pentland Firthand create one of the most dramatic coastal scenes in the country.
The Walk
You can drive directly to thelighthouse and wander along the clifftop, where the path leads you tobreathtaking views of the towering sea stacks. For those who prefer to stretchtheir legs, park at the John O’Groats signpost and enjoy a scenic 3 km walkeach way, following the coastline all the way to Duncansby Head.
Why It’sSpecial
This walk is perfect for capturing beautifulsunrise or sunset photography, and it’s a fantastic place to watch seabirdssuch as puffins (in season), kittiwakes, and fulmars as they circle the cliffs.Suitable for most fitness levels, the route offers a refreshing coastal escapeand leads to one of the most unforgettable viewpoints anywhere along the NC500.
Parking:
Duncansby Head Lighthouse - KW1 4YS
John O’Groats - KW1 4XX
2. DunnetHead: The True Northern Tip of Britain
While many visitors flock to the famoussignpost at John O’Groats, the actual northernmost point of mainland Britainlies a little further west at Dunnet Head. This spectacular headland is amust-see, offering breathtaking views, thriving wildlife, and a powerful senseof solitude and remoteness.
The Walk
Standing beside Dunnet Head Lighthouse, you’ll look out across the PentlandFirth toward the Orkney Islands, with panoramic views that seem to stretchendlessly on a clear day. The cliffs here are a haven for seabirds, and theheadland is well known as a hotspot for spotting dolphins and, occasionally,orcas passing through the waters below.
There are several walking options to suit different abilities. From the carpark, short paths lead you along the clifftops for quick but dramaticviewpoints, perfect if you’re short on time or simply want to soak in thescenery. For those seeking a longer adventure, extended routes take you acrossopen moorland, around the rugged coastline, and deeper into the windsweptlandscape, offering a true sense of the wild north and plenty of opportunitiesfor photography.
Why It’sSpecial
As the true northernmost point of mainlandBritain and an RSPB nature reserve, Dunnet Head offers a rare combination ofwildlife, breathtaking views, and raw natural beauty. With its dramatic cliffs,sweeping panoramas, and the chance of seeing orcas offshore, it remains one ofthe most atmospheric and memorable stops anywhere along the NC500.
Parking:
Dunnet Head Lighthouse - KW14 8XS
3. PeedieSands: A Secret Slice of North NC500 Paradise
My personal favourite, as its often only knownto locals. Tucked away between cliffs and often missed by visitors racing alongthe NC500, Peedie Sands is a quiet, secluded beach that feels like aprivate escape. When the tide is low, the white sands and turquoise waterrevealed in a sheltered cove with golden tones and turquoise shallows.
The Walk
The best place to park is Dwarwick Pier,where you’ll find a small parking area right by the shoreline. From here, ashort 5–10 minute walk uphill leads to a viewpoint that few travellers ever see.A stunning sweep of coastline with Peedie Sands hidden below.
To reach the beach itself, follow the coastalpath downwards and navigate a brief scramble over a few rocks. It’s nothing toochallenging, but just adventurous enough to make the descent feel like a realdiscovery. Your reward is a tranquil, sheltered bay that you often haveentirely to yourself. The perfect spot for a quiet moment, a picnic, or even arefreshing dip if you don’t mind braving the crisp northern waters.
Why It’sSpecial
What makesPeedie Sands so special is the incredible viewpoint perched above the hiddencove, a spot that very few travellers ever reach, despite being just minutesfrom the NC500. From the clifftop you’ll see dramatic coastal curves that feelcompletely untouched, offering one of the most peaceful and private panoramasin the far north. Adding to its uniqueness, the nearby Dwarwick Pier carries afascinating royal connection. In 1955, Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Familylanded here during a visit to the Castle of Mey. It’s a quiet piece of historythat enhances the magic of this already extraordinary, rarely visitedviewpoint.
Parking:
Dwarwick Pier - KW148YD
YourPerfect Base for Exploring the Far North
After a day of exploring dramatic cliffs, remote headlands,and quiet sandy coves, there’s nothing better than returning to the comfort ofyour luxury cabin — a warm, inviting space where you can unwind, get cosy, andlet the day’s adventures settle into a gentle glow. It’s the perfect place where adventure rests.
Whether you’re travelling the NC500 or stopping off on yourjourney to Orkney, our cabins offer the perfect base for wildlife encounters,coastal adventures, stunning photography spots, and peaceful moments of escape.
