John O’Groats Trail

Avid walkers are spoilt for choice when visiting John O’Groats, with many fantastic walks accessible from the doorstep of the accommodation.

If you’re feeling particularly brave, or would like to challenge your fitness levels, there’s the option of taking on The John O’Groats Trail – a 147 mile trail which stretches from John O’Groats to Inverness.

Feeling up for the challenge? The John O’Groats Trail website is a fantastic resource to use for those planning to embark on the walk. The trail follows the East Highlands coastline and leads walkers along dramatic cliff tops and stunning shorelines, revealing sensational panoramic views at every step.

Here are some tips for taking on the walk:

• Keep dogs on a lead (as most of the trail is on private land, a lot of the land is farm land with cows and sheep living there!).
• Wear waterproof footwear, as some parts of the trail may be boggy.
• Between June and September, it’s a good idea to bring a sickle with you to cut back some of the vegetation.
• Look out for the Octagonal waymarkers, which show the direction you should be walking in.
• Follow The Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which you can read in full here.
• Remember to pack a camera to make the most of the incredible photo opportunities along the way!

Download the The John O’Groats Trail Guidebook

For those who would prefer to take on just a section of the walk, you can opt to walk just one stage, which can mostly be completed within a day. Find out more about the alternative trail stages here.