North Coast Trail - Self Guided Walking Holidays Scotland

Enjoy spectacular cliff-top views and white sandy beaches with the opportunity to puffin bird colonies in season on this exceptional walk.

Thurso, the northernmost town on the UK mainland, will be your base for the first 3 nights on the North Highland Way. From there, you will be able to explore this area of Scotland, generally untouched by industry that retains a lifestyle experience of yesteryear. EasyWays offers the service of our knowledgeable local representative to provide detailed information on the walk conditions prior to tour commencement.

From Thurso walk the eastern section of the North Highland Way, taking in Duncansby Head, John O’ Groats, Dunnet Head and an optional day trip by ferry to the Orkney Islands, notable for its rich Viking Heritage. 

Dunnet Head provides the opportunity to visit the most northerly point of mainland Britain with spectacular views down over sea cliffs below. Further stages include Strathy, Bettyhill and Tongue where, during the summer months between May and August, the puffin bird colonies will be active.

Continue west to Durness, with a ferry trip across the Kyle and walk to the iconic Cape Wrath, named by the Vikings as the Norse for “turning point”. The Lighthouse at Cape Wrath was built in 1828 and is a Category A listed building. A further optional extra is available with a walk out to the magnificent beaches at Sandwood Bay on the dramatic Atlantic coastline. The walk from Kinlochbervie past the hamlets of Blairmore, Batrick and Shegra is rewarded by arrival at one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Scotland. 

Caution – the distances on this trek are not overly long and the height gain is moderate however the route should only be considered by reasonably experienced walkers with good map and compass reading abilities due to the lack of way-marking and the trails that are indistinct at times.  This information is especially important if walking alone.