John O' Groats got its name from Jan de Groot, a Dutchman who worked a ferry from the Scottish mainland to Orkney

The village of John o’ Groats may be the famous starting or finishing line for the length of Britain walk – but make sure you don’t miss the other sights that the area has to offer while you’re there! Some of Scotland’s most spectacular sea stacks and cliffs are just a short drive from the village, coastal paths give you excellent sights of seabirds including puffins, and you can even explore a Royal Castle!

The Duncansby Stacks are one of Caithness’ most iconic sights – a collection of jagged sea stacks jutting from the choppy waters by the cliffs of Duncansby Head. The car park affords spectacular views out to sea and beyond to Orkney, but don’t miss the walk around the headland to see the stacks themselves. Huge seabird colonies nest on these cliffs – you may even smell them before you see them! The headland is in fact the true northeasterly point of mainland Britain, and around two miles from John o’ Groats.

Seals, whales and dolphins including orcas can be spotted regularly – usually in the summer months – from the cliffs. Take your binoculars and keep and eye out!

These are joined by the Castle and Gardens of Mey – once the Queen Mother’s residence – is open to the public between May and September. You can wander around the castle and its gardens in the footsteps of the Royals!

From Gills Bay, just west of John o’ Groats, you can take a ferry to St Margaret’s Hope on Orkney. Day trips can be arranged to explore the world-class archaeology on the islands.

A trip to John o’ Goats is much more than ticking the box for its famous location – a visit here would be wasted without seeing the mighty sea stacks, spotting (and smelling!) the abundant seabirds and experiencing the exhilaration of standing on top of towering sea cliffs looking out into the North Sea.