If you’re planning a trip around the NC500, you are likely planning to make a stop at John O’Groats and get your photo at the infamous signpost. But don’t rush away, there is lots more for you to see and do in this popular area!
History of John O’Groats
John O’Groats is named after Jan de Groot who came to Scotland during the reign of James IV (1473-1513). Jan de Groot ran the ferry between the mainland and Orkney. For these journeys across the Pentland Firth he charged the sum of 2p, which became known as a groat. The de Groot family was large, with seven sons who reportedly did not get on all of the time and argued about who was the most important. To solve family relationships Jan de Groot built a house with 8 doors and an 8 sided dining table so no-one could claim to be head of the family!
Jan de Groot was buried in nearby Canisbay churchyard, a 5 minute drive west of John O’Groats. The tombstone now sits inside Canisbay Church.
The Geography of John O’Groats
Despite being widely thought of as the most northerly point of the UK mainland, John O’Groats is pipped to the post by Dunnet Head, just 14 miles to the west.
However the famous signpost installed in 1964 has become the finishing point for those completing JOGLE or LEJOG – travelling ‘end to end’ to or from Lands End on foot, by bike or other mode of transport including unicycle or lawnmower which have both achieved impressive Guinness World Records!
John O’Groats has two main areas; the ‘end of the road’, just 7.5 miles down the NC500 from Celtic Lodges where you will find most of the attractions and shops with a large parking area, and also further inland where you will find a shop, post office and fuel pumps.
The surrounding landscape is mainly picturesque rolling farmland, but heading out to the coast, there are some stunning coastal walks to explore. You will notice that compared to other areas of the Scottish Highlands that are densely forested, this area does not have many trees at all, which is quite striking in comparison!
John O’Groats also overlooks the Island of Stroma, a now uninhabited island in the Pentland Firth. On a clear day the old houses and buildings are easily seen on the island.
Attractions at John O’Groats
Of course, the most famous attraction is the signpost which overlooks the harbour and is an excellent photo opportunity! Once covered in stickers from visitors, the signpost has now been repainted and there is a board next to the signpost where travellers can add their stickers.
Next to the signpost is the Nomadic Boulders art installation. After a fierce storm in 2008, these large boulders were gathered from the Caithness coastline and presented on a series of arching beams. The beams recreate the height of the waves, the tallest being 5.5 metres tall – not uncommon during fierce storms or high winds!
8 Doors Distillery opened in 2022 and is in the process of creating single malt whisky. You can enjoy a distillery tour, stop in for coffee or cake in their lounge or buy yourself a bottle of their signature Seven Sons whisky lend or Five Ways liqueur (named after the signpost) while their whisky is maturing. Did you know that whisky can only be called whisky once it has matured in oak casks for at least 3 years?
Fans of real ale shouldn’t miss the John O’Groats Brewery – a tasting room, shop and visitor audio tour all under the one roof of the Last House. Producing a range of pale ales, amber ales, stouts and more!
For children, there is a small playground and a Viking themed photo stand-in board next to the tourist office. Away from the ‘end of the road’ all ages can enjoy a relaxed farm animal petting experience at Puffin Croft.
Heading east from the signpost, there are also a couple of bays which you can enjoy hunting for ‘groatie buckies’ – small cowrie shells which were once used as currency and now said to bring good luck to the finder!
Walks around John O’Groats
There are some lovely coastal paths; Heading west from the John O’Groats signpost, a short coastal trail winds up to the John O’Groats Mill. This is currently being redeveloped and will open as a new visitor centre in 2025.
Heading east from the signpost marks the start (or end, depending on which way you’re walking!) of the John O’Groats Trail. The 147 mile trail between Inverness and John O’Groats follows the coastline through Caithness and much of Sutherland. The first leg of the trail from John O’Groats to Duncansby Head Lighthouse is a 3 mile section which hugs the coastline and passes by Sannick Bay, where depending on the tide times, you may be able to spy one of Caithness’s hidden gems – engravings of Nobel Prize poet Pablo Neruda’s XVII Sonnet on the red sandstone reefs.
The last section of the walk heads steeply uphill to Duncansby Head Lighthouse, which is the most north-easterly point of the UK mainland. From here you can extend the walk to view the stunning Duncansby Stacks, return the way you came or follow the road from the lighthouse to return to John O’Groats.
As much of the area surrounding John O’Groats is working farmland, make sure that you close any kissing gates to avoid sheep escaping the fields! You will also see seals on the shore, please keep your distance to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
Eating and Drinking
There are plenty of places to enjoy a meal, drink or snack at John O’Groats:
- The Cabin offers food to take away, including top-rated fish and chips.
- Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner at Cafe Groats. At Cafe Groats there is a free mobility scooter available for hire, just pop into the cafe to arrange this.
- Pick up food or coffee to go at Stacks Deli and Coffee House
- Enjoy a comfy seat in front of the fire for cake and coffee, or perhaps a whisky cocktail at 8 Doors Distillery.
- Flavours is a fantastic ice cream parlour so you can grab a tub, cone or milkshake to go.
- Seaview Hotel – located at the junction of the A99 and A836, a two minute drive from the parking area at the end of the road.
- Puffin Croft has a farm shop where you can pick up pies and cakes, and some fresh fruit and vegetables.
Some of the above places are seasonal or offer limited opening hours so please check opening times on Google or social media before you visit to avoid disappointment.
Shopping and Transport
John O’Groats has lots of choices for gift shopping! At the ‘end of the road’ there is:
- Groats Gifts which sells Ortak jewellery and other crafts and gifts from Scottish and UK makers.
- The Edinburgh Woollen Mill – which is very handy if you need some warm clothing for your trip around Scotland!
- The Tourist Office and Bookshop where you can pick up books written about the local area, and ask for advice on the local area.
- The First and Last is brilliant for wee gifts or souvenirs of your visit to John O’Groats
- The Groatie Buckie gift shop which also includes a Christmas section which is open all year round!
At John O’Groats, there is a parking charge of £3 per day which supports community development projects and the upkeep of the car park.
At the inland end of John O’Groats, Puffin Croft sells jams, chutneys, homemade candles and soaps as well as products from independent Scottish makers. To pick up essential supplies for your stay, support the John O’Groats village shop. The shop houses a post office and there are also pumps if you need to refuel!
Direct Buses connect John O’Groats with Thurso (Bus 80). Check the Stagecoach app or website for the current timetable before you travel.
Events at John O’Groats
Special events are a key feature of John O’Groats, and popular with locals and visitors alike:
The Caithness and Sutherland Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club holds a classic car and vehicle rally in the John O’Groats Showground – normally in early-mid June. If you’re a classic vehicle enthusiast, this is a must visit day out.
One of the most popular summer events is the annual Mey Highland Games which is always held on the first Saturday of August. Despite the name, the Mey Games is now held at John O’Groats Showground. Because of the royal connections to the Castle and Gardens of Mey, His Majesty the King attends this event during his two week summer stay at the castle. At the Mey Highland Games you can enjoy all the traditional elements of Scottish events, from the caber toss and tug of war, races, Highland Dancing competitions, and even a dog show!
