John O'Groats
John O'Groats has a reputation throughout the land as being one of the most remote spots on the British mainland, it is 874 miles from Lands End and the distance between the two is considered to be the longest distance that can be traversed from one corner of the UK to other.
The name itself is said to come from a Dutchman, Jan de Groot, who was given the first licence to run a ferry over to Orkney in 1486. The fee for the crossing was one groat (an old coin). He is also said to have built an octagonal house on the site of the modern hotel with an eight sided table inside, the logic behind this was said to be that he could eat with his 8 sons without arguments breaking out over who was closest to the head of the table and thus receiving their fathers favour.
A passenger ferry still runs from the jetty and boat trips can be taken from here to explore the coastline and watch the abundant local wildlife. Otherwise most of the other facilities in the area are very much geared towards the numerous sightseeing visitors. There is a signpost where for a fee you can have your home town displayed and the distance calculated for a quick photo, various souvenir shops and visitor centres and ample parking. The newest route to Orkney on the Pentland Ferry sails from Gills Bay 5 miles west of here.
While in the area it would be a terrible shame not to visit either Dunnet Head or Duncansby Head both of which are only a few miles away. What they lack in facilities is more than made up for by the sheer natural beauty. Duncansby Head in particular must rate as some of the most striking coastline in the country with towering sea stacks and wheeling seabirds. In spring and early Summer there are huge colonies of nesting seabirds and an abundance of puffins which with their brightly coloured beaks and ungainly flight are always a big favourite.
At John O' Groats you can:
- Take the Ferry to Orkney
- Search for puffins
- Souvenir Hunting
Tours that visit John O'Groats:
Other places that may be of interest:
