John O'Groats Trail, Coastal hiking trail in Highland, Scotland
The John O'Groats Trail (Keiss to John O'Groats) is a coastal hiking trail in the Highland region of northern Scotland. The route runs over cliff paths, grassy tracks and sandy stretches from the small fishing village of Keiss to the endpoint of John O'Groats.
The coastal tracks that make up this route were used for generations by local people connecting the villages along the shore. The stretch past the ruins of Bucholly Castle is a reminder of the time when this stretch of coast was controlled by local clans.
The name John O'Groats traces back to a Dutch settler named Jan de Groot, who ran a ferry between the Scottish mainland and Orkney in the 15th century. Today, walkers from all over the world still stop at the end of the route to take a photo at the famous signpost.
Some sections of the path, especially near Freswick and Skirza Head, can become overgrown or muddy in summer. Sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are recommended, and walkers should check for ticks after the walk as long grass is common along the route.
The trail is officially still listed as a proposal, meaning some sections are not fully marked and may change. Walking it puts you on a route that is, in a very real sense, still being shaped.
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