Dunnet Bay
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Swell
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Dunnet Bay is a long, scenic tidal sand beach on Scotland’s north coast, described as a reliable exposed beach-and-reef style surf spot. Water quality is reported as clean, with rocks concentrated toward the bay’s extremities. For surfing, conditions are characterized as peeling and moderately powered, with exposed shelter overall. One source describes easy-going beginner-friendly surf, while another notes that very large swells can become heavy and close out. Ride lengths are reported around 50 meters, and the surf is described as working across the bay in multiple areas. Kitesurfing is supported by the bay’s very large launch area, making it useful for freeride and progressing into wave riding. Winds are mainly driven by Atlantic frontal systems; typical wind strength is reported in the 15–30 knots range, and kite size guidance commonly referenced is roughly 7–12 m² depending on conditions. Safety is important: rocks at the ends, rip currents (especially when swell is larger), cold water, and possible submerged debris after storms are all noted. The area is generally quiet in crowds but remote, so visitors should be prepared for cold-water requirements and to self-manage gear and conditions.
- Long tidal sandy beach with easy access points and plenty of space
- Reliable exposed surf with peeling sections and moderate power
- System-driven wind for wave/freeride attempts across spring to autumn
- Clean, tidal sandy beach with ample space for launching and landing.
- Reliable surf with peeling, moderate-power waves and generally beginner-friendly sections.
- Wind can be useful across spring to autumn, with additional system-driven consistency around autumn/winter.
- Exposed conditions and cold water require appropriate thermal protection.
- Rocks at the extremities and potential rip currents are key hazards.
- Very large swells can become heavy and close out for surfing.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW, N, NE
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Atlantic systems/passing low-pressure patterns drive the wind more than local thermals.
- Reliability
- high in autumn and winter, moderate in summer
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bottom described as present across the bay.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Medium — Kitesurfing/wing context references small-to-medium wave riding, while surf descriptions emphasize moderate power.
- Launch
- Big — Very large sandy beach, especially at low tide, backed by extensive dunes.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Large sandy launch area noted for accessible entry/launch.
Through the year
Generally quiet year-round, with increased tourist and surf interest during summer and autumn months.
Winter months (November to March) frequently see heavy rain and high winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Progression-friendly because the vast tidal beach can support launching, landing, and wave/freeride attempts; typically framed as best for intermediate-to-up riders depending on conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Wave sailing with clean Atlantic swells; sandy bottom described as safer than many other north-coast breaks.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Suitable when the swell is manageable; large bay space is helpful but offshore currents should be respected.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly reported.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach-and-reef style surf with easy-going waves; reliable conditions with peeling sections and a sandy bottom. Can hold size, though very large swell may become heavy and close out.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW, N
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break; shelter can vary at the extremities.
- Wind Effect
- Reported favorable for surfing overall; offshore effects noted in southernly winds (often too light/gusty for other wind sports).
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and close out in very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — One source notes waves can offer sections across various peaks along the beach.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Roughly 50 meters of ride length is reported in one source; additional description mentions decent peeling sections across multiple peaks along the beach.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Dunnet Bay in the full forecast view.
Dunnet Bay wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–41 ktsGusts 68 kts
- Direction
- SW221°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2541 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–7.6 m8s period
- Temperature
- 2–12 °C
Over the next 7 days, Dunnet Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 4–41 kts, peaking around 41 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 68 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.8–7.6 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- rip currents
- submerged debris after storms
- cold water temperatures
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — RNLI provides emergency maritime rescue coverage for the wider area; no specific on-beach rescue reported.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services: 999 or 112. Nearest hospital reported as Caithness General Hospital in Wick.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism reported as none.
Rules of the spot
Respect other beach users including walkers and horse riders; maintain distance from the dunes (environmentally sensitive).
- Seasonal restrictions may apply to certain vehicle access points near the dunes.
- Check the swell forecast as it can increase rapidly on the north coast.
- The western end near Castletown can provide slightly more shelter if wind is very strong from the West.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Thurso
- Nearest Town
- Castletown
- Parking
- Car parks provide access: one in the middle of the bay and another near the harbor at Castlehill; additional large public car parks are mentioned near the Dunnet Bay Forest end and near the caravan park.
- Access
- Take A9 north to its end at Thurso, then east on A836 to Castletown and continue to Dunnet; Dunnet Bay lies between Castletown and Dunnet. Follow signs for Dunnet Bay.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Nearby options include Dunnet Bay Caravan Club Site and local guesthouses in Dunnet and Castletown.
- Food & Drink
- Local pubs and cafes are located in Dunnet and Castletown.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear available via local surf schools in the Thurso area; specialized kitesurfing/windsurf rental is described as extremely limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A quiet, rural North Highlands destination focused on outdoor adventure and natural beauty, centered around cold-water surf culture and dramatic coastal landscapes.
The most northerly point of the British mainland with dramatic cliffs and a lighthouse
Former home of the Queen Mother with gardens and historical tours
Scenic driving route passing through the Murkle and Dunnet area
Local hotel and restaurant serving traditional Highlands fare in the area.
Community-managed woodland with trails and sculptures suitable for all ages
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Dunnet Bay?
The best overall months at Dunnet Bay are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Dunnet Bay?
Dunnet Bay works with W, NW, N, NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Dunnet Bay?
Recommended equipment sizes at Dunnet Bay: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Dunnet Bay suitable for?
Dunnet Bay suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.