Top Of The Highlands Tour: John O' Groats, Caithness and More

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Recommended by 100% of reviewers

| Inverness, Scotland

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7 to 11 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

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Overview

With your Private Tour to the top of the highlands you will have officially reached the furthest point of the UK Mainland, the area of Caithness is filled with miraculous scenery from Cliffs to coastal views of the highlands. Enjoy some time at John O' Groats where the local council has developed a magnificent hub for tourists from food & drinks to the local brewery and much more all of this sitting on our beautiful coastline. Tour the Castle Of Mey or Dunrobin Castle with its luxury interiors, beautiful gardens and centuries of history they each have. Being a private tour enjoy you day at your own pace or customise it if you wish. (Within Reasonable Distance/Time)

Please Note: Tour Duration is a estimate depending on starting location.

Inverness 11 Hours
Scrabster 7 Hours

What's Included

Snacks
Bottled water
Umbrella's
Private transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local Guide

Castle Admissions £15-£17
Lunch

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

For meeting points we will be standing with a name board showing for you.

Meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

John O'Groats

John O’ Groats, often considered the northernmost point of mainland Britain, is a famous coastal village in the Scottish Highlands. Located at the north-eastern tip of Scotland, it serves as the starting or finishing point for the iconic Land’s End to John O’ Groats journey, which spans the entire length of Britain. The village is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, with rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and stunning views across the Pentland Firth towards the Orkney Islands. Visitors have their photo at the John O’ Groats signpost, a popular photo spot. Puffins, seals, and even whaleshave been seen at John O’ Groats although depending on time of year it is not guaranteed. Though small, John O’ Groats is rich in history, adventure, and natural beauty, the local council has invested in lots of attractions for visitors to enjoy at this edge of the world.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Duncansby Stacks

Duncansby Stacks, located just a short distance from John O’ Groats, are some of Scotland’s most breath-taking sea stacks, rising dramatically from the waters of the North Sea. These towering rock formations, sculpted by centuries of wind and waves, stand as a testament to the raw power of nature. The walk to the stacks as well as being seen from a distance offers stunning coastal views, along dramatic cliffs teeming with seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. The two largest stacks, with their pointed, almost triangular shapes, create a striking and otherworldly scene, especially at sunrise or sunset.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Duncansby Head

Duncansby Head, perched on the north-eastern tip of mainland Scotland, is a striking landmark that has guided sailors through the unpredictable waters of the Pentland Firth for nearly a century. Built in 1924 by David Alan Stevenson, a member of the famous Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers, the lighthouse stands as a beacon of safety for vessels navigating this often-turbulent stretch of sea. Though the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, it remains an essential part of Scotland’s maritime heritage, with its white tower standing stark against the dramatic coastal backdrop. The journey to Duncansby Head Lighthouse is an experience in itself, with a scenic drive leading through open moorland before revealing breathtaking views of the North Sea and the rugged cliffs that define this remote landscape. The surrounding coastline is a haven for wildlife, attracting birdwatchers eager to spot puffins, fulmars, kittiwakes, and razorbills nesting along the towering cliffs.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Wick

The former Viking settlement of Wick, a historic coastal town in the far north of Scotland, is known for its rich maritime heritage, stunning coastal scenery, and connections to the once-thriving herring fishing industry. Located in Caithness, Wick was one of the busiest fishing ports in Europe during the 19th century, and remnants of this past can still be seen in the town’s harbour. The town is also home to the famous Old Pulteney WhiskyDistillery, as of now Wick holds the Guinness world record of having the shortest street in the world. With its mix of history, whisky, and breath-taking coastal landscapes, Wick serves as a gateway to exploring the wild beauty of Scotland’s northern coastline

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Whaligoe

Whaligoe Steps, a remarkable hidden gem on Scotland’s northe-astern coast, the stone staircase of around 365 steps that descends dramatically down the cliffs to a historic harbour although for those less mobile they can viewed from above. Nestled between towering sea cliffs, this man-made marvel was originally constructed in the 17th to 18th century to provide access to a small but thriving fishing port, where local women would haul heavy baskets of herring up the steps. Today, the Steps offer visitors a breath-taking and rugged coastal experience, with stunning views that no camera can exhibit its grand size of its cliffs and the area of the North Sea. Seabirds, seals, whales and even dolphins have been spotted here though there is never a guarantee. The descent provides a glimpse into Scotland’s fishing heritage, while the peaceful yet dramatic setting makes it a must-visit destination for hikers, history enthusiasts, and photographers looking to capture the raw beauty of Caithness.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dunnet Head

Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain, offers breath-taking panoramic views over the Pentland Firth and, on a clear day, all the way to the Orkney Islands. This dramatic headland, located in Caithness, is home to the Dunnet Head Lighthouse, built in 1831 by the renowned Scottish engineer Robert Stevenson. The area’s beauty speaks for itself and is a haven for wildlife, with towering cliffs providing nesting sites for puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and kittiwakes, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors here can officially say they have been to the very top of the UK mainland.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

Dunrobin Castle is a stately home in Sutherland, in the Highland area of Scotland, as well as the family seat of the Earl of Sutherland, Chief of the Clan Sutherland. The décor inside the castle is truly outstanding. Their museum displays a vast collection of the trophy heads of animals shot by family members on safari, ethnographic items from around the world and an important collection of archaeological artefacts. The museum retains its Victorian-Edwardian arrangement and is housed in an 18th-century summerhouse adjoining the formal gardens.Please note Dunrobin will only be visited when the tour departs from Inverness

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

The Castle & Gardens of Mey

The Castle of Mey, located on the northern coast of Scotland near John O’ Groats, is a beautiful and historic estate with a strong royal connection. Originally built in the 16th century, the castle was saved from ruin and lovingly restored by Queen Elizabeth(The Queen Mother) in 1952. She used it as her beloved holiday retreat for nearly 50 years, and today, it remains a cherished part of Scotland’s royal heritage. Surrounded by stunning gardens and overlooking the wild waters of the Pentland Firth, the castle offers visitors a glimpse into royal life and its charming interiors. With its fascinating history, breathtaking scenery, and warm, welcoming atmosphere, the Castle of Mey is a beautiful experience for those exploring Scotland’s far north.Please note Castle of Mey will only be visited when the tour departs from Scrabster, Open May – September, Wednesday – Sundays. A replacement stop will be added on closed days.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
No Health Restrictions

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Top Of The Highlands Tour: John O’ Groats, Caithness and More?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025