Here we are, stage one of the North Coast Trail, and what an introduction to coastal walking it is! For the purists the North Coast Trail truly begins at Duncansby Head and the John o’Groats Trail markers can be followed Northwards initially until you reach the iconic John o’Groats Trail Archway.
From here the North Coast Trail can be picked up, serving as a super link to continue the adventure westward. The route takes you past many notable places on the coast of Caithness such as the John o’Groats sign post, the newly refurbished mill, Canisby Kirk and the Castle of Mey to name a few, also featuring some real hidden gems.
This is one of the longer stages, and could be split up into smaller walks if needed although the initial miles of the walk are mostly road, which makes for easier walking! It is worth noting that this stage may not look exactly as we would hope currently, and we are hopeful as the trail progresses we can take more of the trail off the road. Some of this route will be waymarked.
It is possible, JUST, to walk along the coast from John o’Groats to Gils. Currently only the shoreline is the available option but the rocky terrain makes for uncomfortable slow progress and of course at low tide only.
Note: During August there may be diversions in place around Castle of Mey, please stick to the diversions
where advised- this will be signposted and will be included in the route description.
From Duncansby Head to John o’Groats, from walkhighlands:
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/keiss-john-o-groats.shtml)
Starting at the Lighthouse car park (the first of a few Stevenson lighthouses to be seen on the trail) Turn
left down the road for around 200m before forking right to pass round the back of the Glupe, a great
blow-hole and natural arch. From here keep well away from the cliff edge, aiming for a stile in a fence and
then descending to reach the Bay of Sannick. Cross the burn at the bottom. The way continues across
the short-cropped turf that gives mostly excellent walking with only the odd boggy patch, soon reaching
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. Continue around the back of a bay of sand and seaweed,
continuing on the grassy path, then through a kissing gate and through two further gates and onto a path
and – as John o’ Groats is approached – it descends to run alongside the pebbly shore on a surfaced path.
This reaches John o’ Groats through an arch and sign marking the end of the Trail next to the red foghorn
and then the jetty and the famous distance sign on the grassy bank ahead.
From John o’Groats to Brough, please see our Walk Reports on Walkhighlands for more
information, including maps:
walkhighlands.co.uk