Things to do in John o' Groats

Gaze across the vast landscapes of the iconic Scottish Highlands on a day trip from Inverness. Visit Dunrobin Castle, John O’Groats, and Wick, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings along the way. Depart Inverness and head north to Loch Fleet, where you might spot seals and native bird species and snap stunning photos. Next, visit the village of Golspie, a charming seaside resort on the North Sea coast, nestled beside Ben Bhraggie. Take a break for refreshments here before continuing to Dunrobin Castle. Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Sutherland, boasts a striking resemblance to a French chateau with its soaring spires and views over the Moray Firth. Take time to explore the castle, gardens, and museum (optional extra), or enjoy a snack in the tearoom. Before reaching John O’Groats, venture further into the Northern Highlands, stopping in Wick, the main town in Scotland's far north. Have lunch in this vibrant town with Viking roots while soaking up views across Wick Bay. After Wick, arrive at John O’Groats, the northernmost point on the British mainland. Stroll along the cliff path, take a photo at the iconic signpost, and marvel at the stunning coastal views. Keep an eye out for Atlantic puffins, grey seals, and possibly even orcas. As you begin your return to Inverness, stop for photos at Dunbeath Harbour and Brora, known for their golf courses and spectacular coastal scenery, before heading back home.

Day 1: From here, you drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery. Onwards through Scotland's most northerly mainland village, John o' Groats, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago. It’s a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where you stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, capital of Orkney. Here you can visit Kirkwall's magnificent Viking Cathedral and enjoy its historic winding streets in the evening. Day 2: Today is your chance to explore the modern and ancient wonders of this fantastic island; a land of contrasts, where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. You visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness. Then you explore the cairn of Maeshowe, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions. Then it’s back to Kirkwall for your second night after what is sure to be a memorable day. Day 3: You'll have your last chance to grab some gifts for friends and family, and visit the local cathedral in Kirkwall. And after a ferry back to the mainland, you travel through the history-soaked regions of Caithness and Sutherland. You’ll find out about the Highland clearances, a world-changing period in Scotland’s dark history, and get a glimpse of some of Scotland’s most remote fishing villages. We arrive back in Inverness early evening.

Explore the North Coast of Scotland your way with this guidebook that illustrates a scenic road trip of up to 500 miles across 30 of the region’s most breathtaking destinations. Designed for flexibility, the guide is organised into themed sections—each covering the East Coast, North Coast, and West Coast—so you only visit the places that you choose. __________________________________________________________________ WHAT TO EXPECT • This is an online travel guide – much like a digital book – ready for you to read, browse, and get inspired while planning at home or using your phone on the go. • The guidebook offers an overarching plan to help shape your multi-destination holiday, with different ideas and sample itineraries. It shows how destinations can be combined to suit your timeframe – typically from 3 to 14 days. • It’s designed to help you decide where to go, what to see, where to stay, and to inspire your trip in a way that suits your interests. It also includes helpful tips such as how to get there and where to park. • Please note: the guide itself is not customisable. However, each route includes Uncover Britain’s own pre-populated Google Maps with suggested pins and directions, plus customisable directions by section using Google Maps. __________________________________________________________________ GO BEYOND THE CLASSICS WITH: • Inverness – Capital of the Highlands, with views over the Moray Firth and historic Inverness Castle • John O’Groats – The iconic northern tip with dramatic cliffs and a famous signpost • Orkney Islands (optional) – Explore Neolithic sites, wildlife, and the ancient village of Skara Brae • Castles – Visit Dunrobin Castle, Castle of Mey, and the iconic Eilean Donan Castle • Ullapool, Lochinver & Applecross – Charming west coast fishing villages and harbours • Durness & Dunnet – Rugged northern beauty with dramatic beaches and sea views • Culloden Battlefield – Learn about the Jacobite Risings and pivotal moments in Scottish history • Whisky Distilleries – Enjoy tastings and tours along the route __________________________________________________________________ While you could search for places to go on your own, this guide offers curated context and ready-made itineraries along a recommended journey—so you don’t have to second-guess or piece everything together yourself. HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go

Day 1 Depart Edinburgh, heading west towards Stirling. Pass Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, and continue to Doune Castle, used for location shoots in Monty Python’s “Holy Grail.” Stop in the small town of Callander for refreshments. Then, marvel at the splendor of Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle, and Glen Dochart on a scenic drive over the wild and remote Rannoch Moor. The views of the extinct volcano will take your breath away, and were also the scene of the infamous Clan Macdonald massacre of 1692. Continue north up the Great Glen to mysterious Loch Ness, with plenty of time to try and spot “Nessie” the Loch Ness Monster. The evening will be spent in Inverness, with free time to explore the “Capital of the Highlands.” Day 2 Depart Inverness early to cross over the Black Isle, and continuing past Dunrobin Castle. From here, drive the northeast coastline, traveling into some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. Enjoy the views of some of Europe’s oldest landscapes, and the chance to spot wildlife such as golden eagle and red deer. Close to Scotland’s most northerly mainland village, John O’ Groats, board the ferry to cross the Pentland Firth to the Orkney archipelago. It is a short drive on arrival to the famous Italian Chapel, where you will stop for a quick visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, your home for the next 2 nights. Look inside Kirkwall’s magnificent Viking cathedral, and wander the winding streets of the historic town center. Day 3 Explore the ancient island of Orkney, and discover a land of contrasts, where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands, and washed by the waters of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Highlights include a visit to Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, the standing stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe, where Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions in the 12th century. Day 4 It’s time to leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, travel across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches of the northern coastline. Go to the far northwest of the Highlands, and admire the grandeur of the wild Assynt mountains. Stop to view the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle. Continue to Ullapool at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you will spend your last night. Day 5 Your morning includes visits to Corrieshalloch Gorge, and the ancient Clava Cairns, as well as exploring the more recent bloody history of the Culloden battlefield. Return south through the magnificent Cairngorm National Park, driving past the ancient Caledonian pine forests of Highland Perthshire, before your drop off in Edinburgh.

Day 1: Set off from Inverness and begin your journey on Scotland’s ‘Route 66’. It’s an epic drive with loads to squeeze in. Just make sure you have plenty of space on your camera. Heading for Ullapool, we spend the first day weaving through the North Coast 500’s winding roads. Your driver-guide will take you to towering mountains, banks of shimmering lochs, and the shores of beautiful beaches. We reach the scenic port town of Ullapool in the late afternoon. *From November to March, Applecross may be inaccessible due to bad weather and daylight timings. Day 2: Today, the scenery gets progressively more beautiful, rocky, and mountainous. As you travel north, your driver-guide will take you to some of the most beautiful sights in Scotland. Your itinerary depends on the weather and your guide’s expert tips, but you may have a chance to venture into the deep Smoo Cave, wander the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, and gaze at gorgeous white beaches. You stop for lunch in a Highland village and spend the evening in the beautiful town of Thurso. Day 3: Today, get plenty of opportunities to explore cosy fishing villages, epic cliffs, and ancient Neolithic sights. In the morning you will have a chance to visit a fine Scottish Highland Whisky distillery. The road leads you further south, where you have a chance to stop for lunch. Continue on your epic North Coast 500 route southwards where you can enjoy the green valleys and sea views as you travel to Dunrobin Castle. You have time to explore the stately home, learn about the Dukes of Sutherland, and find out how it has been used as both a school and a hospital. Finally, you will arrive back in Inverness in the early evening to finish your tour.

Highlights Day 1: Cairngorms National Park Highland whisky distillery Beautiful Highland views Lunch in a stunning Highland town Culloden Battlefield Clava Cairns Inverness Day 2: North Coast 500 Drive Beautiful coastal walk Boat over to the Orkney Islands Visit the historic Italian Chapel Scotch Whisky Distillery Day 3: Kirkwall Maeshowe Chambered Cairn Steness Standing Stones Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle Skara Brae Stunning Island Scenery Day 4: Boat to the Mainland John O’ Groats Stunning Coastal Landscape Explore Castle Sinclair Camster Cairns Dunrobin Castle & Gardens Inverness Day 5: Loch Ness Cruise Glencoe Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park City of Edinburgh 5 Day Orkney Islands, North Coast 500, and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh Itinerary Day 1: You'll leave the hustle and bustle of the city and travel north through the amazing Highlands of Scotland. You'll travel through the Cairngorms National Park to Culloden Battlefield to learn about the Jacobite uprising and Bonnie Prince Charlie before ending your first full day in the city of Inverness. Day 2: You'll explore the North Coast 500 on your way north to the Orkney Islands today! Your first location is a stunning walk along the coast to unbelievable views of dramatic cliffs and the sea. We'll then take our ferry journey across to the Orkney Isles! Our first stop on the island will be the historic Italian Chapel and then on to a Scotch Whisky distillery where you'll get to tour and taste some delicious "Water of Life". Day 3: This will be a wonderful history-filled day where you'll see over 5000 years old history such as the Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, and Skara Brae. You'll also get to see the ancient Viking town of Kirkwall! Day 4: You'll take the boat across to the mainland and get back on the North Coast 500. First off, we'll be visiting the most northerly settlement on the mainland, John O Groats. From here you'll travel south along the beautiful coast making stops at Castle Sinclair, Camster Cairns, Dunrobin Castle, and Gardens before ending the day in the exciting city of Inverness. Day 5: What a way to start the day! You'll get the chance to get out on the water of Loch Ness to hunt for the elusive Loch Ness Monster... Then you'll be visiting one of the most beautiful and dramatic places in the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe. Then to end the day and your 5 day adventure, you'll travel through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park on the way back to the city.