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Tours/Europe/Scotland

North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath

Walk the North Highland Way on this self-guided walking tour

4.7 (16 ratings)

Europe

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Panoramic views from North Highland Way, Orkney, and Cape Wrath Walk

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About this tour:

8 days

Jan-Dec

Trekking

Self-guided, Private

Hotels

Hard (4/5)

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Why travellers choose this tour

At 10Adventures, we take care of the details so that our guests can focus on making memories. Enjoy these key features on this tour.

We're Canadian

Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Meals

Don't worry about meals. 7 breakfasts are included.

Transfers

Check out the 'What's Included' tab for more info on personal transfers during your tour.

Local Support

Travel stress-free knowing in-country local support is available by regular phone or WhatsApp to support you during your tour.

Payments Made Easy

Enjoy the flexibility and ease of staggered payments in your own currency using your choice of credit card.

Route Resources

Route notes, maps, and/or a trail app make navigation on this tour a breeze.

Park Entrance Fees

Included where possible! Check the 'What's Included' tab for more info on park entrance fees during your tour.

Luggage transfers

Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.

Accommodation for North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath

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.

Night 1-3

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Hotel Pennyland House in Thurso

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Night 4

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Hotel Bettyhill in Bettyhill

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Night 5

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Ben Loyal Hotel in Tongue

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Night 6-7

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Hotel Smoo Cave in Durness

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Hotels on Standard Tour

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North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath Tour Details

Overview

Itinerary

North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath Itinerary

Day 1

Edinburgh to Thurso

Overnight Location - Hotel in Thurso | Distance - None | Meals - None

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.

Day 2

John O’Groats & Orkney Islands

Overnight Location - Hotel in Thurso | Distance - None | Meals - Breakfast

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.

Day 3

Dunnet Lighthouse & Distillery Tour

Overnight Location - Hotel in Thurso | Distance - 30 km | Meals - Breakfast

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.

Day 4

Walk to Bettyhill

Overnight Location - Hotel in Bettyhill | Distance - 16 km | Meals - Breakfast

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.

Day 5

Walk to Tongue

Overnight Location - Hotel in Tongue | Distance - 25 km | Meals - Breakfast

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.

Day 6

Walk to Durness

Overnight Location - Hotel in Durness | Distance - 24 km | Meals - Breakfast

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.

Day 7

Durness to Cape Wrath

Overnight Location - Hotel in Durness | Distance - 25.5 km | Meals - Breakfast

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.

Day 8

Depart Durness

Overnight Location - None | Distance - None | Meals - Breakfast

Eat breakfast, say your goodbyes, and depart Durness. Book your bus ticket in advance.

Tour Highlights

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Reviews (16)

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions for North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath

How hard is the North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath Tour?

We rate this tour as 4 / 5. This self-guided tour may not encompass very long distances, however being in a remote part of Scotland, and subject to variable Scottish weather can make this more challenging. The North Highland Way is best for somewhat experienced walkers, equipped with a map and an ability to read a compass, to consider this tour. The trails lack way-marking and can be tough to navigate at times. Please take extra caution if you’re walking alone.

Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. You don’t need to carry lots of things with you and can only carry your daypack, as your luggage will be picked up from your hotel daily in the morning and delivered to your destination hotel.

Are meals included on the North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath Tour?

7 breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Thurso to start this tour?

Thurso is a remote village with not too many connections, so be sure to plan and book your tickets in advance. You can get to Thurso by bus or train from Inverness, Edinburgh, or Glasgow.

Is the North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide speaks English.

Where does the North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath Tour end?

The tour ends where it starts, in Thurso.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Scotland?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Scotland?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Tour Difficulty

From $1,675USD

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North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath

North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath

North Highland Way, Orkney and Cape Wrath

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Why travellers choose this tour

We're Canadian