John o'Groats Trail: Whaligoe to Wick

Summary

The twelfth stage of the John o'Groats Trail leaves Whaligoe to head north on grazing land with some truly spectacular natural arches and sea stacks as well as Sarclet harbour. It eventually leads to the ruins of Wick Castle and a final easy stretch into the busy town of Wick, the largest settlement on the John o' Groats trail since the start at Inverness.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Rough terrain with livestock; fewer fences than the previous stage but one still lacks a stile.

Public Transport

Whaligoe and Wick are linked by bus; Wick also has long distance bus and rail services.

Start

Whaligoe. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 17.25km / 10.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 350m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: ND320403

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

From the car park at Whaligoe head down towards the steps, but keep to the left of the large stone house to begin on the seaward side of the the fenced field; care is needed with rough ground where a burn flows down. The route crosses into a field at a marker post, continuing by the fenceline through a couple of fieldes before a stile leads back to the seaward side. The route crosses a more open heathery area with outcropping rocks, and then is forced inland alongside Ellen's Geo, with a house at the back of it. There is an impressive waterfall cascading down the cliffs. Pass around the impressive geo and a smaller one beyond.

Stage 2

After rounding a fence corner there's an open heathery ridge between the fields and the sea. Keep on the landward side of this, following an indistinct path which becomes clearer; there's a marker post where it heads thorugh gorse. Beyond a second marker there's a fine view of the coastline ahead once more; turn right here, heading down a steep slope to follow the coastal fence on the seaward side once more. Further on the path leads over a small footbridge and continues on a section which trail volunteers have cut through the gorse. Beyond this stay outside fenced field along clifftops with excellent views. Note the ornate mausoleum inland on the left.

Stage 3

At the impressive Stack of Ulbster the route follows a path across a steep grassy slope to cross Mill Burn on a plank bridge and heads up the steep slope beyond. From here walk north along the coast on tussocky open ground, looking out for impressive arches and a blow hole.

Stage 4

A more option section follows - a relief after all the fences, even if the ground can be rough. There are plenty of stunning coastal features as make your way along above the cliff tops. It is necessary to head inland around Turrie Geo with views to Loch Sarclet and then continue on the cliff tops to pass Sarclet Head. As you approach Sarclet harbour, known as The Haven, look out for a small waymarker which indicates where a narrow path descends diagonally down to the harbour - it may look daunting initially but leads down to the bottom. There is the remains of a fishing station and often seals can be seen.

Stage 5

Climb up the grassy path on the far side, continue past The Stack and stay on the seaward side of the fence, eventually rounding the deep Riera Geo - the route goes on the inland side of the fence to cross a plank bridge over a burn. There's a pallet gate in the next fence and then a stile, before the route switches to the outside of the fence once more and passes around Broad Geo.

Stage 6

After Broad Geo the route passes the back of Tod's Gote. Ensure you don't shortcut the next grassy promontory on the south side of Ashy Geo as it gives a superb view to the Needle Eye Rock - one of Britain's most spectacular natural arches. Round Ashy Geo, crossing a fence where indicated by a waymarker. Stay close to the cliff tops - with great views of nesting guillemots in season, eventually reaching Ires Geo after a ruined house a short way inland. There is a boggy section of track at the back of the deep inlet. Pass around it; looking down as there are usually grey seals hauled out at low tide, they may have pups in the late autumn/early winter. Continue to a marker post and cross a stile to continue. The next fence has no stile but is marked and is only a single strand of wire - so you can duck under!

Stage 7

Stay close to the cliff tops passing Helman Head and a couple of stacks and using the waymarkers to find a stile over a wall and continuing on the seaward side of the fence. It is necessary to head inland before the large South Stack, still staying on the cliff top around the back of Girston bay and then on beyond Dunbar's Stack.

Stage 8

A long, narrow geo forces another inland foray, stay on the seaward side of the fence where a rough path is followed and soon the large Stack o' Brough comes into view. Cross a tiny footbridge and continue around the coast. Soon the remains of the Castle of Old Wick come into view. After a kissing gate the ruins can be explored before continuing on the path which soon joins a surfaced lane and parking area. When this bends inland continue slightly right on the coastal path and soon reach a kissing gate and a turning area.

Stage 9

From here follow the tarmac road along the coast, noting the old tidal seawater swimming pool. Just before the large house turn right onto the path signed South Head Quarries Path and follow it down steps and then alongside the road towards Wick harbour. Pass the old lifeboat station before following the road past a series of fishing boat huts and the old herring market. Stay by the river, then cross Wick Harbour Bridge. This leads to Wick town centre and the end of the stage.

Next stage: Wick to Keiss

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