North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath

North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Edinburgh to Thurso

You’ll need to make your way to Thurso to star the tour. Most guests take the train from Edinburgh Central Waverly station in the morning, which arrives in Thurso around 6pm (train ticket not included in tour price). Check in to your hotel and get ready for a great day trip tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thurso
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 John O’Groats & Orkney Islands

Explore two marvellous parts of this part of Scotland: John O’Groats and the Orkney Islands. Hop on a bus that takes you to John O’Groats. Marvel at the unspoiled natural scenery cradling this rural town. Walk along the ridge where the sea stacks jet into the air at Duncansby Head. Afterward, cruise to Orkney where you join a bus that takes you through the Islands. Blending with the dramatic scenery stands remnants of history: Skara Brae Prehistoric Village and St. Magnus Cathedral. Spend time exploring these monuments. Check out the fascinating Scapa Flow and the quaint Italian Chapel while you’re here. Head back to Thurso in the early evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thurso
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Dunnet Lighthouse & Distillery Tour

Eat a hearty breakfast and get ready for a day of walking. Take a morning bus to Brough, where you will begin your trek to the most northern point of the mainland: Dunnet Head Lighthouse. Admire the sea roaring below the sea cliffs just under the Lighthouse. Take a bus back to Thurso and head to Wolfburn Distillery—once marked as a ruin but has revived itself in new buildings—for a tour detailing their handcrafted whiskey. Recharge in Thurso overnight.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Thurso
Distance: 30 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Walk to Bettyhill

Enjoy breakfast before transferring 30 minutes to Strathy. From here, you will embark on your 16 km trek to Bettyhill. Come across an array of gorgeous settings on this journey, including the lighthouse lofting over the swirling sea at Strathy Point, the charming Farr Bay, and Armadale Bay, which is nestled in a green wonderland. End your trek in Bettyhill and relax here for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bettyhill
Distance: 16 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Walk to Tongue

Today is a 25km walk from Bettyhill to Tongue. Marvel at the golden sand blanketing Torrisdale Bay. Take in the view of the Rabbit Islands. Meander past the pristine sand covering Coldbachie and continue towards the Kyle of Tongue. Expect to see a sea loch backed by towering mountains. Spend some time learning the heartbreaking story of the Highland Clearances at the Strathnaver Museum. Please note that it costs £3.00 to enter the museum. Spend the night at a hotel in Tongue.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tongue
Distance: 25 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Walk to Durness

After breakfast, you will transfer from Tongue to Polla via a ferry on Loch Eirboll. Upon arrival, you will begin your walk along the Kyle, encountering the massive part-sea, part-freshwater cave, Smoo Cave, en route. Recharge in Durness.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Durness
Distance: 24 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Durness to Cape Wrath

Wake up, eat breakfast, and hop on a ferry over Kyle of Durness. Transfer by mini-bus to Cape Wrath Lighthouse, built in 1828 by Robert Stevenson. Expect to admire magnificent views of waves colliding with the base of the sea cliffs here. Trek back to the ferry. Keep in mind that while the ferry and mini-bus tickets are booked in advance, you are still required to pay the fee locally, amounting to £15.00. Opt to spend the day visiting Balnakeil Durness Beach and Sango Viewpoint or taking a 6.5 km trek across dunes and beaches of Faraid Head instead of Cape Wrath. Enjoy your last night of the tour in Durness.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Durness
Distance: 25.5 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Depart Durness

Eat breakfast, say your goodbyes, and depart Durness. Book your bus ticket in advance.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast