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John
O'Groats
John O'Groats has wonderful panoramic views across the stormy waters
of the Pentland Firth to Orkney. There is a romantic story of Jan de
Groot, the original Ferryman, and his eight-sided house which is reminiscent
of King Arthur and his Round Table.
The John O'Groats area features several attractive scenic coves, including
the curving sweep of the Sannick Bay, a lovely little sandy bay.
This is close to the actual "corner" of Britain, Duncansby
Head, two miles by road from the finishing point of the A99.
This is a sea bird haven - a true paradise for birdwatchers. Puffins,
shags, fulmars, kittiwakes, all kinds of gulls and many more species
nest on the rock ledges in their thousands, while offshore the stately
gannets can often be seen diving onto unwary fish.
But an even better way to appreciate the magnificence of this piece
of coastline is to see it from the sea. The modern harbour at John O'Groats,
mainly built in the 1970's with help from Europe, is used by a ferry
and by fishing boats.
From the harbour the ferry service to Orkney was revived in the 1970's,
and at the height of the season a passenger ferry makes frequent return
trips each day to the nearest point in Orkney, which is only six miles
away across the Pentland Firth. This ferry, operated by John O'Groats
Ferries, is used by thousands of visitors a season, who take the opportunity
of extending their visit to Caithness to include a day tour of the Orkney
Islands.
Fascinating wildlife cruises are also operated by John O'Groats Ferries.
John O'Groats, of course, has been the starting or the finishing point
for many end-to-end marathons which have kept the public fascinated
for over 100 years.
Every summer sees a succession of fund-raising journeys from or to
Lands End, involving cyclists, walkers or others who chose more outlandish
modes of transport in aid of a good cause.
Nearby there are craft workshops specialising in novelty candleworks,
pottery, knitwear and fabrics, with ample parking facilities near the
Tourist Information Centre.
Last House and Museum
Souvenirs and gifts are available from the Last House shop and visitors
can enjoy entry to the Museum which houses artefacts gathered from
the John O'Groats area.
John O'Groats Cafe Bar
The new John O'Groats Cafe Bar is now open serving light meals. speciality
coffees and a fully licensed bar!
Click here to visit the John O'Groats website >>
Copyright End to End 2008