John O’Groats is a small coastal village situated at the top of mainland Scotland. Although it isn’t the most northerly point of mainland Scotland – you’ll need to travel 14 miles west to Dunnet Head to reach the most northly point – it is the most northerly inhabited point and known as the ‘end of the road’. John O’Groats from an adventurer’s point of view, is maybe best known for its John O’Groats to Lands’ End walking and cycling challenges, the first walk being recorded in 1871. This trail has been developed as part of the first/final section of that challenge, allowing for a more scenic route and less busy road walking.
Some of the walking is challenging, in that it is along cliff tops, which at times can be very narrow, and hazardous if there is a strong wind, with steep drops, so not recommended if you don’t have a good head for heights. There have been bridges, stiles and gates built to make the trail more accessible, but in places, there are fences and stiles, sometimes with barbed wire on top, to cross, so care needs to be taken. The trail has now been marked out with octagonal arrows, but the paths are not always clear. There will be burns to be crossed where bridges have not been erected, but unless there has been a lot of rain, shouldn’t be too difficult to cross. The good news is, the Coastal Road is never far away, giving you options on which sections to walk.
The views, wildlife and heritage will be with you all the way. Learn about the history of the area, remember you are walking a natural route that has connected coastal settlements for centuries. Look out for the seals and dolphins and the plethora of sea birds. The guidebook suggests taking your time on this trail!
Although this trip is based on 2 people sharing, if you are a solo traveller, please contact us for further details and we will be happy to help. You will need full walking kit including waterproof jacket and trousers, a comfortable day sack and comfortable walking boots. You will receive a more detailed kit list upon booking. We take the stress out of your trip with expert local knowledge, hand-picked accommodation, luggage transfers and detailed support to help you find your way.
Inclusions
- 7 nights’ accommodation in good quality B&Bs or hotels with ensuite or private bathroom and breakfast
- Luggage transfers each walking day (1 x bag per person, max. weight limit 20kg)
- Map and guide book plus detailed directions to your accommodation from the trail
- Expert local knowledge and 24 hour emergency assistance during your trip
- Professional event organisation
Exclusions
- Travel to the start and finish points of the trip
- Lunches and evening meals
- Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
- Guiding (please contact us if you would like this trip to be guided)
Optional extras
- Single room supplement £90 per person per night (subject to availability)
- Solo traveller supplement £90 per person per night
- Odd number group supplement £90 per group per night may apply if a single room is required
- Extra night prior to the start (single room) £180 per person
- Extra night prior to the start (twin room, needs 2 people) £95 per person
- Extra night at the end of the event (single room) £180 per person
- Extra night at the end of the event (twin room, needs 2 people) £95 per person
Please select from Optional Extras at checkout.
Getting there and back
Getting there:
By road: Inverness is situated approx. 158 miles north of Edinburgh, just off the A9.
By public transport: There are regular trains to Inverness from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Check traveline.info for the latest public transport information.
By air: There are flights from Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports to Inverness Airport with a shuttle bus into the city centre.
Getting back:
By road: Helmsdale is easily accessed from the A9, which links you up to Inverness and Perth down the east side of Scotland.
By public transport: There is a direct train to Inverness from Helmsdale, from here there are good transport links for onwards travel. Alternatively, a bus service runs in the area and links Helmsdale to Inverness – Bus times for X99. Check traveline.info for the latest public transport information.
By air: There are flights from Inverness Airport with a shuttle bus from the city centre to Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.
Evening meals and lunches
You can purchase evening meals either at the accommodation or nearby. When our event planners send you the schedule with your itinerary you could prearrange directly with the accommodation or during the walk.
For lunches we would suggest bringing some of your own favourite snack bars and then asking the accommodation for a packed lunch for the following day and also supplementing that at stops en-route.
Accommodation
Accommodation is generally at B&B, guest houses and small hotels. Once booked in, your event planner will send you a list of your booked accommodation. It is possible to adjust according to preference at this stage so please mention it if you wish to change.
Dog-friendly
If you would like to bring your four legged friend, then we will do our best to source dog friendly accommodation. It is usually possible but if it were not, then we would suggest a change of date to enable it or offer a refund. There may be a small surcharge for the overnight stays. Therefore, once booked in, please alert your event planner that you would like to bring your dog and we can proceed from there.
Need a guide?
If you would prefer to have a guide for your walk, even just for one day, then we are happy to help. We can provide a qualified leader (also first aid qualified) to lead your trek or on just one of the sections. Just ask us.
A guide can not only take the stress out of navigation, but you will also find them a great asset in terms of providing an insight into all things environment and nature.
Dates and prices
For available dates please see the ‘book now’ option on the left hand side on desktops or at the bottom on mobiles. You can reserve your space via this route.
After you book
After placing your booking with us, you will in the first instance receive an automated email from our system confirming receipt of your reservation. If you don’t receive it, it is worth checking your spam/clutter folder.
In the process of placing your booking, you will generally set up an access password to our online gateway where you can review the details of the booking.
Your personal event planner will then be in touch with you to start to confirm the details. This contact will usually be taken up in the working day after receipt of your booking, but may, in busy times, take a little longer. The event planner will then liaise with you regarding the details of the course. If you have any specific requirements, please do mention it at this stage.
At the end of your trip
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end at some point and when you arrive at the end of the trail, you have one of several options. If you have not booked an additional night’s stay then we can transfer your luggage to a location of your choice. From there you may have onward travel arranged as per the ‘Getting There and Back’ tab above.
Some people like to treat themselves to a night’s stay at the end. And why not? You’ve earned it. You can arrange this as an optional add on with your event planner.
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