John O'Groats
John O'Groats occupies a unique place in the British imagination as the northeastern terminus of the most famous end-to-end journey across Britain, the 1,407-kilometre route from Land's End in Cornwall to this remote corner of the Caithness coast in the far north of Scotland. The name alone has come to signify both geographical extremity and personal endurance, and thousands of charity walkers, cyclists, runners and even wheelchair users complete the journey each year, drawn by the particular satisfaction of traversing an entire island from tip to tip. The settlement itself, it must be said, is smaller and simpler than the mythology might suggest. A cluster of buildings around a small harbour, the famous signpost, a hotel, some craft shops and a visitor centre: John O'Groats is a destination that rewards for what it represents rather than what it contains. The signpost pointing to distant cities and the mileage to Land's End is the mandatory photograph for those completing the journey, and the sense of accomplishment felt by those who have walked, cycled or driven the full length of Britain to reach this point is visible and genuine. The landscape surrounding the settlement is what gives the location its real character. The coast here is wild and dramatic, with grey cliffs, grey sea and the constant presence of wind that shapes everything from the stunted vegetation to the stone walls of the farms inland. The Pentland Firth between the mainland and Orkney is one of the most dangerous stretches of water in Britain, with racing tidal currents and standing waves that can challenge even experienced sailors. On clear days the Orkney Islands are plainly visible across the firth, close enough to seem reachable but surrounded by waters that demand respect. The nearby village of Duncansby, two kilometres east, provides access to Duncansby Head, the true northeastern tip of mainland Britain and, many would argue, a more dramatically beautiful destination than John O'Groats itself. The lighthouse here overlooks sea stacks, natural arches and spectacular cliff scenery that constitutes some of the finest coastal walking in the far north. The Duncansby Stacks, particularly, are among the most photogenic geological features in Scotland. Regular ferry services to Orkney depart from nearby Gills Bay and from the ferry terminal at the town of Thurso, making John O'Groats an excellent staging post for the short crossing to explore the remarkable prehistoric and Norse heritage of the Orkney Islands.