If you are in John O’Groats, this is a ‘must do’ walk!
Duncansby Stacks are some interestingly eroded sea stacks, with such a unique shape. They are believed to have stood in this position for the past 6,000 years, slowly eroding away by the North Sea, and by harsh elements, along Scotland’s most northerly coastline. Duncansby Head, where Duncansby Stacks is located, is the most northeasterly part of both the Scottish and British mainland.
The walk is a lovely coastal walk, from John O’Groats to Duncansby Stacks. The route is just under 5-miles long, passing some of the most beautiful untouched beaches, and you even get to tick off a trig point along the way. As you walk along the coast, watch out for some seals bobbing up and down in the water. You might even be lucky and see some dolphins and whales too!
Location
The walk starts and finishes in John O’Groats, on the northeast coast of Scotland, along the famous NC 500.
Parking
There is a medium-size car park in John O’Groats, where the walk starts from. There is a small fee to park. We paid ÂŖ2 at the time we visited in September 2021. The money from the car park goes back into the upkeep of the area.
The Route
Follow this map, as you walk the route, you shouldnât get lost! Make sure your location is turned on and you should be able to see exactly where you are, on this map. Or if you prefer, download the GPX file and use it on your choice of route tracker.
1.
Starting at the car park in John O’Groats, head towards John O’Groats Distillary. From there you should see a footpath leading you east along the coast. Take the footpath and follow it along the coast, until you reach a road.
2.
At the road, look for a coastal path going off to your left-hand side, leading up onto the headland. Take the footpath and follow to Duncansby Lighthouse.
3.
At the lighthouse, turn towards your right-hand side onto the road. Walk for a very short distance. You should very shortly see a sign-post marking the footpath, on your left-hand side. Take the footpath and head towards Duncansby Stacks, passing a trig along the way.
4.
As you walk towards Dunscansby Stacks, lookout for a path going off to your right-hand side, leading you back along the coast to John O’Groats. Take the footpath, and follow it towards the road.
5.
At the road, cross over it, and take the footpath leading you west along the coast, back to John O’Groats. You should be retracing your steps from the beginning of the walk. Follow the footpath back into John O’Groats, where you started the walk from.
Enjoyed this walk and would like to do another walk in Scotland, please check out some of my other walk guides:
For more information about John O’Groats:
https://www.visitjohnogroats.com/
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