Walk the North Highland Way on this self-guided walking tour
The North Highland Way is a beautiful walking tour that takes you to the top of the Scottish Mainland. This self-guided walking tour allows you to enjoy the great walking in this remote part of Scotland.
Explore the unspoiled scenery blanketing Northern Scotland on the North Highland Way, Orkney, Cape Wrath tour. Begin this tour by spending three days exploring the scenery cushioning the most northern town on the British Mainland: Thurso. Get acquainted with the remote setting before embarking on a journey that navigates through untouched wonders deep into Scotland’s backyard.
The route spanning this self-guided tour takes you to views of sea cliffs, where the sea roars below, to spots decorated in heritage, to beaches glazed with a dramatic coastline. Expect to encounter a collection of mind-blowing sights, landmarks, and birds as you take part in the undulating hike across the north.
Highlights of the North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath
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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
North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided walking tour in Scotland is always run as a custom tour for your group only and the price is fixed per person staying in a double room. Single rooms are also possible for on request for extra charge. Please note, that booking this tour on a short notice might increase the tour price, as the accommodation options here are limited and on high demand.
- Price per person staying in a double room $1,595 USD
Accommodation on North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath Tour
This tour includes the accommodation in cozy guest houses and hotels. Each room offers modern amenities that will help to elevate your level of comfort after a long day of hiking. Expect to stay in a room with another member of the tour or upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee.
Note that specific accommodation may vary based on availability but will be substituted with accommodations of a similar standard.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Single rooms for this tour are on request, and the price depends on the season, availability and the number of days left until your travel. Please inquire to find out more.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Pennyland House in Thurso
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Hotel Bettyhill in Bettyhill
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Ben Loyal Hotel in Tongue
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Hotel Smoo Cave in Durness
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What’s included in the North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights along the tour are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for your luggage is included during the trekking days. You must make a way to the start of the trail yourself.
Also Included
- Detailed route guide
- Cruise to Orkney and Day Tour of the Islands
- Wolfburn Distillery Tour
- Taxes
- Transfers to Strathy and Polla
Not included
- Transport to Thurso or back from Durness
- Guide services
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Anything not stated as ‘included’
- Entry fee to Strathnaver Museum - £3 GBP per person
- Ferry to Cape Wrath Lighthouse - £15 GBP per person
Optional Extras
- Bus tickets from Inverness or Edinburgh to Thurso
- Extra night before or after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath
EasyWays is a boutique adventure tour operator, specializing in self-guided walking tours in Scotland and Northern England. They are founded on the close attention to detail that comes from knowing Scotland inside and out. With extensive knowledge of the country and the people, they can advise accurately on each walking tour to choose the right adventure for their clients.
EasyWays can also offer classic Scottish experiences to complement their walking tours, including distillery visits, Highland Games tickets, and visits to cultural and historical places of significance.
EasyWays has also expanded into Spain and Italy to offer more walking tours than ever before.
Learn MoreNorth Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath Map
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Local Guide
Ask a Question
- Q: What are guests most surprised about when visiting Scotland?
- A: Overseas clients are already aware of the fantastic scenery, but I feel they are bowled over by the friendliness and ease of conversation with the locals.
- Q: What is one experience anyone visiting Scotland should have?
- A: So many to choose from, but a walk through the vastness of Glencoe and out over the Devil’s Staircase.
- Q: What is the most challenging trip you’ve taken?
- A: Taking a group through Tuscany on the Via Francigena to end at Siena at the time of the Palio, the famous horse ride through the city.