Walk the North Highland Way

After breakfast, we transfer (approx. 30 mins) by private mini-coach to John O’Groats. Upon arrival, take a walk along the coast to the lighthouse and Duncansby Heads to admire the breathtaking scenery and impressive sea stacks.

We then depart to Orkney by ferry (approx. 40 min journey crossing). This archipelago of islands is renowned for its rich folklore, history and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is home to some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe.

Upon arrival, we enjoy a tour visiting all the iconic sights such as Scapa Flow (where the German fleet was scuttled in WW1), The Churchill Barriers including the Italian Chapel (built by Italian prisoners of war while constructing the barriers), Skara Brae; the Neolithic site on the west of island along with the Standing Stones and Ring of Brodgar at Stenness. Finally, we will also the beautiful capital town of Kirkwall with the Nordic Cathedral.

 We return by ferry back to the mainland in the late afternoon before transferring back to Thurso for the evening.

Pentland Lodge House & Pennyland House or similar

After breakfast, we check out of our Thurso accommodation and visit the Wolfburn Distillery in the town where we join a 10am tour to learn how they craft their award-winning whiskies.

In the afternoon, we transfer (approx. 45 min) by private mini-coach to the small village of Bettyhill, where we will stay overnight. Upon arrival, we head out for a walk around Torrisdale Bay and Ard Mor overlooking Farr Bay. This afternoon's walk takes in a striking beach, dunes, riverside, moorland, visits an iron-age broch with stunning views and also passes an area considered a special scientific interest due to rare plants found in there.

Bettyhill Hotel or similar 

Early morning transfer to ferry point at the Kyle of Durness for a 10 minute crossing to the Cape Wrath ferry port.

Upon arrival, the group will either take an onward minibus transfer to the lighthouse at Cape Wrath and then walk back to the ferry port or walk to the lighthouse upon arrival (with a minibus transfer back). Today's walk can be completed in either direction and your leader will advise on your departure. The lighthouse at Cape Wrath is the most north-westerly point on the British mainland and was built in 1828 and manned until 1998. Located in a landscape largely untouched by man, Cape Wrath has a wide diversity of wildlife, including red deer, fulmar, hooded crow, rock pipit, golden eagle, cormorant and gannet.

Please note, the ferry is a small boat (5 persons max), so for bigger groups, the group will need to split across a couple ferry trips. 

For those who would like to opt for a quieter day, there is the option to walk around Balnakeil Beach or visit Smoo Cave from Durness.

Later in the afternoon, the group will transfer (approx. 35 min) to the harbour village of Kinlochbervie where we stay for the next 2 nights.

Please be advised, in the event of adverse weather, it may not be possible to take the ferry and complete the walk on Cape Wrath. If this occurs, your leader will offer a suitable replacement walk around Balnakeil Beach and Durness.

4th September 2021 departure: This tour departure will stay a 2nd evening in Durness, instead of transferring to Kinlochbervie. Please refer to Is This Trip for You section of the trip notes for more details.

Kinlochbervie Hotel or similar

This morning we take a private transfer (1 hour & 15 min) to Lairg for our train connection to Inverness; followed by an onward train journey south back to Edinburgh, where the trip will end upon arrival at Edinburgh Waverley Station in the late afternoon/early evening.

If you would like to extend your stay in Scotland to explore Edinburgh independently, Exodus can provide post-tour accommodation (on request- additional cost), please enquire at time of booking.

4th September 2021 departure: This morning, the group will depart Tain by train for the journey back down to Edinburgh (there will be one change of train in Inverness), arriving back into the capital mid-afternoon where the trip will end.