Dwarwick pier, Caithness

Submitted by Owen McCafferty on Sun, 2009-11-22

Useful as a launch point for Dunnet head and an OK shore dive in its own right, big boulders tumbling onto sand at 14 metres.

There is parking at Dwarwick Pier. The concrete slipway bears a plaque commemorating a visit by the Queen en route to visit her mother at the nearby Castle of Mey; there is also a picnic area.

Begin the walk by following the clear but narrow path which climbs up through a kissing-gate and continues up the steep hillside to the west. It soon crosses another path running across the hill; continue straight ahead uphill here as the path to the left ends at a cliff-edge. Fishing is available here.

Contents

1 About Dwarwick Pier:
2 Dwarwick Pier and Slipway
- 2.1 Directions:
- 2.2 Contact:

About Dwarwick Pier:

The original small stone pier was constructed and funded by the Caithness County Council and the people of Dunnet between 1893 and 1897. In 1955 HMRY Britannia anchored off Dwarwick Pier for the first and only time. Queen Elizabeth, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and Princess Anne landed at Dwarwick Pier to visit the Queen Mother at her Castle of Mey. This landing was commemorated by the erection by Caithness Council of a flagstone plaque.

On the walk round the coast from Dwarwick over the rise of Dwarwick Head you will descend to the ruins of an old cable house which marks the end of a former telegraph cable which linked Caithness with Orkney.

Dwarwick Pier and Slipway

The Pier and slipway has had it’s fair share of winter storm damage, in the winter of 1967/70, the lower slipway was washed away.

Fig: Dwarwick Pier and Slipway

The pier is used by many people for diving (sub-aqua), fishing from the end of it and launching of small boats. There is a picnic area and car park to allow visitors to relax and explore the area. If you cross over the hill from Dwarwick and follow along the coast – be very wary and don’t go too near the cliff-edges, you will come to what is known as the Peedie Sands. A lovely secluded beach.

The Highland Ranger service often take walking tours over the headland pointing out the plants and bird life. There are picnic tables around the pier which is in a very quiet area overlooking the bay.

Directions:

From Dunnet village follow the B855 over a little bridge after about 50 yards, and instead of bearing right carry straight on towards West Dunnet. Turn left past Mary Ann’s cottage (open June to September) and follow signs to Dwarwick Pier.