The name 'Durness' has Norse roots, perhaps meaning 'deer headland', 'point of the back land' or 'tempest point'

Durness is in the far northwest of Scotland and is about as far away from the hustle and bustle of the cities further south as you can get! The landscape is truly wild here, with rugged rocky coastline and cliffs interrupted only by expansive sandy beaches. The area is a haven for walkers and mountaineers, who are spoiled for choice with walks of all levels – from a stroll along the coast to a 9 hour mountain circuit up one of Scotland’s most unique peaks. Take a trip to Cape Wrath and stand on the most northerly point on the British mainland, with the wild Atlantic waves crashing at your feet!

Balnakeil is the most famous of these beaches – although you don’t need to worry about fighting off the crowds with parasols and beach towels as you’ll often have the place to yourself! The beach is backed by large dunes, which kids and adults alike will love to explore. Facing west, the beach is famous for its spectacular sunsets – so if it’s a romantic evening stroll on the beach you’re after, Balnakeil is for you. It’s by no means the only beach in the area, though – for a real hidden gem, venture up the narrow headland north of Durness to Faraid head for silver sand beaches and acres of dune slack to explore!

The Durness coast has a hidden spectacle – the magnificent Smoo Cave, boasting one of Britain’s largest cave mouths at a whopping 50 foot! The cave can be explored by foot, aided by walkways, up to a point – then to explore deep into it (which we highly recommend!) you can be taken by rubber dinghy into the inner cave – complete with a waterfall into the rear chamber where a small burn tumbles down a gap in the cave’s ceiling. Entrance to the cave is free and the boat tour is very reasonably priced – so we can’t recommend this highly enough!

Clo Mor cliffs at Cape Wrath are the highest on mainland Britain, and support huge seabird colonies including puffins, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes and guillemots.

The area has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with Viking and Pictish occupation in later years. Archaeological sites are dotted around the region such as the “Judgement Stone” or “Clach a Breitheanas” at Ceannabeinne or Neolithic turf dykes at Cnocbreac. The body of a Pictish child was discovered at Sangobeg beach in 2000.

Walkers and mountaineers are spoiled for choice, with the majestic, quartzite-capped Foinaven to the south and endless coastal and inland walks of all grades in every direction.

There is a small, well-stocked shop in Durness where you can buy supplies, and others in nearby Kinlochbervie. You can also stock up in supermarkets in Ullapool if you’re coming from the south, or Thurso if you’re coming from the east – although we highly recommend shopping local and supporting the small, local shops where possible.

Balnakeil Craft Village is well worth a visit for gifts and souvenirs – and an utterly scrumptious hot chocolate!

If you’re looking to really ‘get away from it all’ and experience the wild lands and wilder seas of northwest Scotland, Durness is for you!