John O'Groats to Duncansby Head
A leisurely walk (coast) in Highlands, Scotland, about 6.70km (4.16 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 2:00h. It is suitable for families with children, but unsuitable for prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
52m (170ft)
Descent
50m (164ft)
Max. Elevation
60m (196ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
102m (334ft)
Start & End
John O'Groats
Distance
6.70km
(4.16mi)
(4.16mi)
Duration
~2:00h
Difficulty
Leisurely
Ordnance Survey Map
Created by Anonymous Walker on 29 Nov 2012
There was a time when it wasn't really worth making the effort to reach John O'Groats. The UK's most north-easterly mainland town was known as being a bit dreary. That's all changing with efforts to make the place a bit more worthwhile for those who come here.
But while the town is improving, the scenery nearby has always been worth it. This short walk takes you to the most north-easterly point on the mainland, Duncansby Head, then a bit further along the coastal path and back into town.
Walk Functions
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid ND380727
Take the bus to John O'Groats. Walk up the road to the hotel and seafront.
OS Grid ND380733
At the seafront, head east along the coast.
About 0.57 km (~0.35 miles) from 
OS Grid ND387734
Head along the clifftop path to the Ness of Duncanby, a pleasant sandy beach.
About 0.74 km (~0.46 miles) from 
OS Grid ND396733
Continue past the next bay along the coast, the Bay of Sannick.
About 0.90 km (~0.56 miles) from 
OS Grid ND405733
Continue to the lighthouse at Duncansby Head - one of the few square lighthouses in the UK.
About 0.90 km (~0.56 miles) from 
OS Grid ND399722
Continue around the coast to the Stacks of Duncansby, coastal stacks just off the cliffs.
About 1.24 km (~0.77 miles) from 
OS Grid ND394726
A grassy track leads to the lighthouse road.
About 0.64 km (~0.4 miles) from 
John O'Groats againOS Grid ND380726
Follow the road back into the town.
About 1.42 km (~0.88 miles) from 
