Duncansby Head and John o'Groats

Summary

John o'Groats is famed as the northeastern corner of the British Mainland and the small village receives a huge number of visitors. The true northeasterly point is nearby Duncansby Head, which has two truly spectacular sea-stacks just to the south. An excellent coastal walk.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Mostly grassy cliff-top walking; there are a few boggy patches. Care is needed near the cliff edges.

Getting there

Start

John o'Groats.

Public Transport

Buses to John o'Groats.

Start Grid Ref

ND380733

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.5km / 5.25 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 110m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Park in the very large car park in John o'Groats. There is a plethora of craft shops, and a cafe adjacent to the former landmark hotel - now converted to self-catering. Begin the walk by past the famous distance signpost to the harbour and then turning right - two Caithness slabs mark the start of the coastal walk and John o'Groats Trail long distance walk and there is a red fog horn and information board.

Stage 2

The surfaced path heads along the back of the pebbly beach and continues above the shore. The path leads through a couple of kissing-gates and crosses a burn on a concrete slab; further on it runs round the back of a bay of sand and seaweed; an old winch at the far end is a reminder that fishermen would have hauled their boats up here - the map gives the name Robert's Haven.

Stage 3

At the far end of the bay curve round to the left towards the prominent wooden post to reach the Ness of Duncansby. There is an information board here and a seat, a good place to watch the tide race through the notorious Pentland Firth. The way continues across the short-cropped turf that gives mostly excellent walking with only the odd boggy patch. The lovely sandy Bay of Sannick is soon reached. Cross the burn at the bottom. The next section of coast climbs significantly so head up the grassy slope aiming for a stile. Continue a safe distance back from the cliff edge, soon passing round the back of the Glupe, a great blow-hole and natural arch.

Stage 4

From the Glupe it is quickest to head across to the minor road as a geo (a coastal ravine) cuts well inland a short distance further on. Head left along the road to reach the lighthouse at Duncansby Head, the most northeasterly point on the British Mainland (Dunnet Head further along the coast is the most northerly). The lighthouse was built by the famous Stevenson family of lighthouse builders.

Stage 5

The most spectacular feature though is not the lighthouse but the nearby great Stacks of Duncansby; a signpost indicates the path heading off to the right just before the lighthouse. The stacks soon come into distant view. The path passes the back of the dramatic Geo of Sclaites.

Stage 6

Continue on the path towards the lowest section of coast before the climb to the Stacks. There are superb views of the two stacks on the descent to this point, with the arch of Thirle Door providing the final touch to this wonderful view.

Stage 7

It is well worth continuing along the coast uphill to pass above the stacks and beyond to get the best views of the huge seabird colonies. After visiting the stacks, return back down the slope to the lowest point. From here a grassy track heads northwest to reach the lighthouse road where the Burn of Sannick heads down to its bay.

Stage 8

Cross the road to continue to return to Sannick Bay; from here turn left back along the coastline to retrace your steps to John o'Groats.

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