Signpost at John o’ Groats

Introduction

This evening, I am reporting on John o’ Groats, a village located on the north coast of Scotland.

Information on John o’ Groats

Whilst John o’ Groats is located on Scotland’s far north coast the location is not the northernmost point of mainland Britain. It is actually nearby Dunnet Head which ranks as the northernmost point.

Dunnet Head

John o’ Groats is popular because it sits at one end of the longest distance between two inhabited parts of Britain. The distance between John o’ Groats (north) and Land’s End (south) is 876 miles (1410km). John o’ Groats is 690 miles from London and 280 miles from Edinburgh.

Tourists undergoing the popular North Coast 500 road route can call in at John o’ Groats.

The unusual name derives from a 15th century Dutchman who operated a ferry between the Scottish mainland and Orkney. The ferry operator was named Jan de Groot whose surname has been corrupted into the place name.

In summer, a ferry operates between John o’ Groats and Burwick on South Ronaldsay, Orkney.

Harbour with Orkney ferry.

More information

For more information on the North Coast 500 route plus many aspects of touring Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4.