John O'Groats

John O’Groats is a village in the far north of Scotland, and one end of a very popular route that runs across extremes of mainland Britain, from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O’Groats in Caithness. The small settlement was very well known in Scotland even before the introduction of North Coast 500 a few years ago, and now it is an obligatory stop along this route.

It is worth noting that John O’Groats is not actually the most northern point of mainland Britain, despite its popularity being centred around this very claim. The title goes to the lesser known Dunnet Head, which is about 12 miles west and a couple miles further north. John O’Groats is not even the most north-eastern tip of Scotland - that is Duncansby Head, 2 miles east.

So what is John O’Groats? I’m going to be a bit harsh here, but John O’Groats in my opinion is nothing more than a commercial tourist trap, and by far the most unimpressive major stop on the North Coast 500.

There are two parts to John O’Groats: the actual village (nothing to see here), and the harbour area, 500m further (this is what actually makes up the John O’Groats attraction). This harbour is basically a ferry terminal, a large parking area (£2 fee) surrounded by low-grade souvenir shops, and an overhyped metal pole.

For those wishing to travel further, ferries to the Oarkney Islands are available during the summer months from John O’Groats to Burwick (John O’Groats Ferries, 40min, foot passengers only). Alternatives, available all year round, are Scrabster - Stromness (Northlink Ferries, 90min) of Gill’s Bay - St Margaret's Hope (Pentland Ferries, 60min).

The bottom-line:

Do you want to reach the most northern point of mainland Britain?
Visit Dunnet Head.

Do you want to see beautiful natural scenery?
Head 2 miles east to Duncansby Head.

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