John O' Groats: look beyond the car park!

Before we arrive at John O’ Groats, I usually advise guests to prepare themselves for disappointment. The name has had a lifetime to build up their expectations, and the first thing they see is a large car park with cafés and shops around it. Beyond that there’s a small harbour and the famous signpost, which can seem a fairly modest reward if you’ve come all the way from Land’s End. I can understand the reaction, but I’d give the place a little time before deciding you’ve seen enough.

You can walk down to the signpost and take your photograph without paying for the privilege, and much of what surrounds you is run by independent businesses with roots in the area. Some may look a little less polished than the outlets at a bigger visitor attraction, but you’re spending money with people who live here, and the car park charge helps fund local improvements. That matters in a place where so many visitors arrive, take a photograph and leave before they’ve had much chance to discover what else is going on.

I’d start with the brewery in the Last House, where the old stone walls make a lovely setting for a small tasting room. You can try a beer, buy something locally made to take home and perhaps get talking to somebody who knows the village. Nearby, 8 Doors Distillery offers tours and a whisky lounge, so there’s a reasonable chance of finding something to suit whoever isn’t driving. There are places for coffee, cake or a meal too, and if the children have spent too long in the back of the car, the play area gives them a chance to enjoy the stop on their own terms.

For me, the best reason to stay a little longer is the coast. From the harbour you can walk east past Roberts Haven and Sannick Bay towards Duncansby Head, continuing to the sea stacks if you have the time and energy. For a gentler walk, the surfaced path west takes you to John O’ Groats Mill, which has a story and visitor experience of its own. You may decide that a photograph, a toilet stop and a hot drink are enough, but I’d at least have a look beyond the tarmac before making up your mind. Come this far north and you really should stop, even if the first thing you discover is that John O’ Groats has a rather bigger name than the place itself.

To learn more, book one of our North Coast Explorer private tours.