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Looking to plan a trip to John O'Groats later this year..

clairewilsonclairewilson Member ✭
in Planning and Practicalities
Any suggestions of things to do in John O'Groats and the surrounding area? 

Thanks,

Claire
Tagged:

Comments

  • VisitScotlandAmyRVisitScotlandAmyR Member, Moderator, VisitScotland Staff ✩
    Hi @clairewilson, we've got just the thing! Check out our recent blog post on John O'Groats which covers some wonderful attractions and places to see in the area.

    Have a great trip!
  • AmritaSinghAmritaSingh Member ✭
    edited September 2016
    Visited last year in autumn and stayed with Natural Retreats for a couple of days, had an amazing time though be sure to wear your wellies :wink: One the highlights was visiting Castle Mey which I would highly recommend to visit if you are going to visit @clairewilson

  • XmasgirlXmasgirl Member ✭✭
    @clairewilson - some thoughts on things to see and do within reach of John O'Groats are :smile: 
    • Head for Dunnet Head - though John O’Groats gets all the publicity, this is actually the most northerly point on the British mainland and gives you stunning seascape views
    • In you're visiting before 15 October, you should check out  Dunrobin Castle near Golspie, about 90 minutes drive south of John O'Groats. This fairytale castle is the seat of the Dukes of Sutherland and has lovely gardens too 
    • If you're interested in history, then Badbea Clearance Village about an hour south is the haunting site of a coastal village inhabited by locals after the Highland Clearances 
    • A drive along the scenic north is also recommended. If you travel west from John O'Groats you'll come to Smoo Cave, a huge cavern which has been excavated to reveal a riches of fossils. Items have been founded dating back to before the Iron Age (this is about 2½ hours drive west of John O’Groats)
    • A little further west of Smoo Cave is Sandwood Bay near Cape Wrath – in an area which boasts many beautiful beaches, this must be around the finest. 

    I hope this helps and enjoy your stay!

  • JessMacJessMac Member ✭✭
    Dunrobin Castle south of John O'Groats is a must! A picture perfect castle with beautiful gardens and a fascinating history. 

  • Samantha_GrantSamantha_Grant VisitScotland Ambassador ✭✭✭✭
    Carn Liath broch by Brora is worth visiting. It's pretty well preserved. 

    The Hill O Many Stanes is another fascinating ancient site. 

    You can still visit the grounds of Dunrobin Castle out of season and enjoy a peaceful stroll. 

    I love the east coast of the NC500.  It's a beautiful and unique landscape.  

    You also need to get the obligatory photo of yourself with the iconic sign at John O'Groats. 
    I'm a Scottish travel blogger and freelance writer with an extensive knowledge of travelling in Scotland.  I'm always on the road exploring my wonderful country.  I love remote places, history and the great outdoors. 




  • VisitScotlandLyndsayVisitScotlandLyndsay Member, Moderator, VisitScotland Staff ✩
    Hi @clairewilson. The town of Thurso is not too far away from John O Groats, and here you can visit the Caithness Horizons Museum. The museum is full of old artifacts and lots of interactive material about life in Caithness. 

    Visit the pretty little sheltered harbour at Brough. It is located on the B855 on route to Dunnet Head. Its a fantastic location for bird watching, or just to sit with a picnic and admire the scenery. If you are really lucky, this is one of the best places to see the aurora borealis on a crisp clear evening.

    The Grey Cairns of Camster can be found just off the A9 between the villages of Lybster and Watten. The cairns are one of the most oldest buildings in Scotland dating back 5000 years to Neolithic times. One of the cairns you can crawl inside through a narrow passage (but not if you hate enclosed spaces!) and at the end of the passage you can stand up inside the cairn.


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