Guide to the John o’ Groats Trail, a 233km walking route linking Inverness with John o’ Groats on the northeast tip of mainland Britain. Much of the walking is coastal, with the northern half characterised by its spectacular seacliffs; however, there is some inland walking too, and the scenery is varied, ranging from dunes and deserted sandy beaches to beautiful woodland. With rough ground and some exposed clifftop walking, the route is suited to experienced hikers. It takes around a fortnight to complete.
The route is described in 14 stages, each of which includes: an overview map; step-by-step route description illustrated with custom mapping; details of accommodation, facilities and transport links; and information on local points of interest. While the main route description is from south to north, notes are supplied for southbound walkers. Also included is a bonus route linking the trail with the Great Glen, for the benefit of walkers undertaking the Land’s End to John o’ Groats challenge. There is a wealth of information to help you plan for the John o’ Groats Trail, including advice on transport, weather, hazards and kit, and background notes on geology and wildlife.
This challenging route crosses a part of the country that not many walkers are familiar with. There are plentiful opportunities to spot wildlife and seabirds, with grey seals, common seals and ospreys a common sight. There are ruined medieval castles on the cliff edges, as well as many sea arches and stacks. John o’ Groats is renowned as mainland Britain’s most northeasterly village and the John o’ Groats Trail offers a chance to experience this fascinating and beautiful corner of the country.
Innehållsförteckning
Overview map
Key to stage overview maps
Key to stage maps
Route summary table
Introduction
The terrain in more detail
The hazards of the Trail
Transport links
Access considerations
Accommodation
Equipment
Wildlife
Climate and day length
Geology
Using this guide
The John o’ Groats Trail
Stage 1 Inverness to Culbokie
Stage 2 Culbokie to Alness
Stage 3 Alness to Tain
Stage 4 Tain to Dornoch
Stage 5 Dornoch to Golspie
Stage 6 Golspie to Brora
Stage 7 Brora to Helmsdale
Stage 8 Helmsdale to Berriedale
Stage 9 Berriedale to Dunbeath
Stage 10 Dunbeath to Lybster
Stage 11 Lybster to Whaligoe
Stage 12 Whaligoe to Wick
Stage 13 Wick to Keiss
Stage 14 Keiss to John o’ Groats
Bonus tracks
Stage A1 Drumnadrochit to Beauly
Stage A2 Beauly to Dingwall
Stage A3 Dingwall to Alness
Appendix A Useful contacts
Om författaren
Jay Wilson is the founding chair of the Friends of the John o Groats Trail. He had the principal guiding role in the creation of the Trail. In 2014, Jay walked from Drumnadrochit to John o Groats, looking for a walking route connecting the Great Glen Way to John o Groats avoiding A-roads but providing access to accommodation. In 2015 Jay was back, walking from Inverness this time, and talking to local walking groups along the way about developing a marked trail. In June 2016 the Friends of the John o Groats Trail was founded as a charity. Later that year, Andy Robinson called Jay and they decided to work together on a guidebook for the new trail, then in its infancy. Since then, they have been walking the Trail and documenting it, and generally annoying each other.