Location: Caithness
Map: OS Landranger 12
Distance: 51 miles (83km)
Time: 6-7 hours
Terrain: mainly flat; quiet minor and B-roads, short A-road sections
Cycle to John O'Groats on this eye-opening Caithness tour which features vast seascapes and views of Orkney. The route also takes in blustery Dunnet Head, mainland Britain's most northerly point.
From the centre of Thurso cross the river and follow the National Cycle Route 1 signs on to the A836 then Mount Pleasant Road, leaving the houses behind as you climb through farmland. At the top turn for Castletown on to a perfect cycling stretch.
Keep straight to arrive by the Castlehill Flagstone Trail – the birthplace of the Caithness industry producing paving stones.
Dunnet Sands extend to the east and can be cycled for a good alternative to the main road. Access is via a path on to the beach just before the road. This is rejoined further on, after steps by a visitor centre. Then turn left for Dunnet and carry on for the headland with its extensive views across the northern coastline.
You could turn back from here, but to continue to John O' Groats drop downhill and turn left for Brough. Turn left again by a school and pedal easily on to the A836. Turn left for Mey then right, by a post box, on to a lane. Head east on this excellent open road for a few miles then go left for Canisbay. The minor roads are recommended to reach the end of the route before returning south of the A836 to Castlehill.
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