Walking the John o' Groats Trail

Discover the John o’ Groats Trail, a strikingly remote and challenging long-distance walk across northeast Scotland. Stretching approximately 233km (145 miles) from Inverness to John o’ Groats, this coastal route leads you through wild Highland landscapes, along sandy beaches, cliff tops and quiet shorelines, and past attractive towns and villages that offer a welcome break from the solitude of the open coast.
Far less well known than many of Scotland’s established long-distance trails, the John o’ Groats Trail offers a true sense of adventure for seasoned walkers seeking solitude and variety. While the terrain is fairly level overall, the northern half of the route is challenging and remote, often following rough ground, exposed cliff edges and uneven coastal paths that require sound navigation and good fitness. Best walked in the Spring, the trail takes around two weeks to complete.

This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook provides everything you need to plan and walk the trail in either direction, with detailed route descriptions broken into 14 stages (each 10–25km/6–16 miles) from south to north, plus summary notes for walkers heading southbound.

Stage-by-stage mapping keeps you oriented through hazards like crumbling cliff edges and gorse thickets
Downloadable GPX files are also provided for all 14 stages, a digital navigation option for use on smartphones and GPS devices
Accommodation, public transport and facilities are detailed for each day’s walk, ensuring you can plan stops in towns and villages along the way, though some may lie a short way off the trail
Practical planning advice helps you prepare for the Trail’s challenges, from the northern sections' rough ground and exposed cliff-top walking to considerations around land access and equipment
An alternative start from Drumnadrochit is included, ideal for those walking the Great Glen Way or taking on the LEJOG challenge


The John o’ Groats Trail is an ideal choice if you’re drawn to remote coastal walking and dramatic scenery. From scenic estuaries and expansive beaches to ancient towns and the far-northern tip of mainland Britain, this lesser-known route rewards those who seek solitude and wild Highland views. With this Cicerone guidebook as your companion, you’ll have reliable directions, planning tools and local insight to walk the Trail with confidence and make the most of every step along Scotland’s northern coast.