Discovering John o’Groats by Campervan: Complete Guide
Introduction
Welcome to our amazing John o’Groats Road Trip Travel Guide, an iconic Scottish town that you absolutely must discover! Get ready to be transported back in time to the heart of this fascinating end-of-Scotland town’s history!
Because yes, if you arrive in John o’Groats, you are at the northeastern tip of the country, you are even above Moscow!
In this article, we will give you essential tips to easily reach this destination, as well as delicious suggestions to please your taste buds during your stay. Discover the local culinary specialties, the best activities to do, and the travel budget to plan. Ready for an unforgettable adventure in Vanlife to John o’Groats? So fasten your seat belts, we are going on a campervan journey to discover this Scottish treasure!
Don’t like reading? A video is available later in the article or by clicking here.
What is John o’Groats – Scotland?
History of John o’Groats
John o’Groats, a small town located at the very north of Scotland, is a place steeped in history and charm. For centuries, John o’Groats has been the starting or ending point for many travelers, seeking to cross the tumultuous waters that separate Scotland from the Orkney Islands.
Over the years, John o’Groats has gained fame as a symbolic place for intrepid travelers. The iconic lighthouse proudly standing atop a cliff is a symbol of navigation and safety. Fishermen have also played an essential role in the town’s history, bringing their expertise and courage to confront the cold and choppy waters of the Pentland Firth. Today, these traditions continue, reviving the soul of John o’Groats with each tide.
Geographical location
As we mentioned earlier, this town is located at the very northeast of Scotland, enjoying a unique geographical location. Surrounded by the tumultuous waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, this picturesque little locality offers breathtaking landscapes. Steep cliffs, wild islands, and secluded beaches delight travelers in search of adventure and tranquility.
How to get to John o’Groats?
To get to John o’Groats by plane, you can arrive at the following national airports:
– Inverness Airport, about 170 kilometers from John o’Groats.
– Aberdeen Airport, about 270 kilometers from John o’Groats.
– Wick Airport, about 20 kilometers from John o’Groats.
If you prefer international airports, you can choose:
– Edinburgh Airport, about 380 kilometers from John o’Groats.
– Glasgow Airport, about 480 kilometers from John o’Groats.
To get to John o’Groats by train, the nearest national and international lines are:
– The main train line that connects the city of Inverness to John o’Groats. The journey takes about 2 hours.
– It is also possible to take a train from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Inverness, and then take the train line to John o’Groats.
To get to John o’Groats by car or campervan from the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, you can take the following main roads:
– Take the A9 road north from Edinburgh to Inverness. This road will take you through beautiful landscapes and will take about 3 and a half hours.
– Once in Inverness, continue on the A9 road northeast to the town of Wick.
– From Wick, follow the A99 road to John o’Groats.
If you prefer to take international routes, you can also take the ferry from the European mainland to Scotland, and then follow the roads mentioned above to reach John o’Groats.
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To reach the United Kingdom, we did not go through the Tunnel or take the Ferry from Calais, we left from the Netherlands! From Rotterdam, it is quite possible to quickly reach the United Kingdom. So just follow the East Coast of the country to reach the wonderful world that is Scotland!
Climate: When to visit John o’Groats in a Campervan?
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°/8° | 107mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| February | 4°/7° | 86mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| March | 4°/7° | 76mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| April | 5°/8° | 62mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| May | 7°/11° | 50mm | 🌤️ | Not very favorable |
| June | 9°/13° | 46mm | 🌤️ | Not very favorable |
| July | 11°/15° | 55mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| August | 11°/15° | 63mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| September | 9°/13° | 62mm | 🌦️ | Not very favorable |
| October | 7°/11° | 90mm | 🌦️ | Unfavorable |
| November | 5°/8° | 88mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| December | 4°/7° | 87mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
So when is the best time to go to John o’Groats? Well, you won’t be warm there and you’ll have to be prepared, especially if you’re in a campervan, but being so close to the seas and the oceans, it shouldn’t freeze (and that’s already cool). The best time to visit is therefore during the summer months, from June to August, when the temperatures are milder and the days are longer.
Spots to sleep and campervan service areas in John o’Groats
- 📍🥇 Dunnet Bay Camping, Thurso: This campsite located near the beautiful Dunnet Bay beach offers stunning sea views.
- 📍🥈 Wick Caravan Site, Wick: This campervan site in Wick is known for its cleanliness and friendliness.
- 📍🥉 John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site: Located near the village of John O’Groats, this campervan site offers breathtaking views of the famous Caithness cliffs.
- 📍 Castletown Caravan Park, Castletown: This peaceful campervan park is located in the charming village of Castletown.
- 📍 Thurso Bay Caravan & Camping Park, Thurso: Located near Thurso Bay, this campervan site offers easy access to the beach and water sports activities.
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Well, to park in John o’Groats in Vanlife, you won’t have many choices, you can always try to spend the night near the lighthouse, on places intended for campervans and vehicles of travels, but when we were there, these places were prohibited for the night. The closest spot to the point being a hotel that offers to pay for parking at night. It seems that the menu is also very good there, but we preferred to continue our journey to find a free spot alone.
Where and what to eat in John o’Groats?
Restaurants in John o’Groats
- The Storehouse: Enjoy delicious dishes while admiring breathtaking views of the John o’Groats coast. (Paradise for lovers of fresh products)
- Flavours: Taste delicious dishes inspired by international cuisine in this charming restaurant.
- Northern Sands Hotel: This restaurant offers refined cuisine showcasing fresh seafood from the region.
- The Cottage Tearoom: With its rustic charm and delicious homemade cuisine, this café is perfect for a gourmet break.
- Seaview Hotel: This is the Hotel restaurant where it is also possible to stay overnight, both for a traveler and in the parking lot for a vanlife traveler.
Specialties in John o’Groats
Among the must-try culinary specialties of this region, you will find, like in almost the rest of the country, haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made from stuffed lamb stomach, oatmeal, and spices. Accompanied by a generous portion of neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), it is the dish that will give you strength. If you are more into sea than mountains, don’t miss out on tasting the famous fish and chips, a timeless classic!
Among these restaurants, we didn’t eat anywhere! Yes, sometimes you have to know how to save money, but don’t worry, we totally fed ourselves on the splendid view of this place, its sheep (with our eyes), and its exceptional panorama. It is worth a little detour to the tip of the country when going on a Road Trip
Travel Budget for a Road Trip to John o’Groats
The currency used in Scotland is the British Pound (GBP). The cost of living in Scotland is 7.5% lower than in France, and the local purchasing power is 5.7% higher. When traveling, plan a daily budget of at least €108 per person.
– Meal in a mid-range restaurant: €29 (+16% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Fast food menu: €7 (-23% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Local beer (50cl draft): €4.5 (-25% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Single public transport ticket: €2.9 (+76% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Monthly public transport pass: €76 (+51% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Unleaded gasoline (1 liter): €1.65 (+6% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Budget hotel (double room): €68 (+18% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Mid-range hotel (double room): €104 (+25% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Luxury hotel (double room): €173 (-38% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or equivalent): €68 (-16% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Summer dress in a chain store (Zara, H&M): €34 (-3% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Pair of sports shoes: €73 (-13% compared to 🇫🇷)
Here is our budget advice for traveling in Scotland compared to France. If you are thrifty, you will be pleased to know that the prices of fast-food menus and local beers are cheaper in Scotland. However, you will need a larger budget for meals in mid-range restaurants. Public transportation is also more expensive, with a 76% increase in single tickets and a 51% increase in monthly passes.
As for hotels, depending on the season, prices are higher for budget and mid-range establishments, but you can enjoy advantageous rates in luxury hotels.
As for shopping, you can make good deals thanks to lower prices on jeans, summer dresses, and sports shoes. So, will your savings take a hit in Scotland? You will need to adjust your budget according to these price differences!
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What activities to do in John o’Groats?
Here is a list of activities that we invite you to do in John o’Groats according to your tastes and preferences:
– Admire the sunset on John o’Groats beach
– Take a romantic walk through the town’s gardens
– Have a candlelight dinner in one of the region’s gourmet restaurants
– Visit the John o’Groats Interpretation Centre to learn more about the region’s history
– Visit the local art gallery to discover the local artists
– Take part in Scottish traditional dance classes to immerse yourself in the local culture
– Go hiking or cycling along the coast of John o’Groats
– Go sea fishing in the region’s rich fish-filled waters
– Play golf on one of the region’s renowned golf courses
– Take part in the annual John o’Groats folk music festival
– Attend the traditional boat race that takes place every year in the bay
– Take part in the region’s agricultural fair to discover local products
Conclusion: Why visit or return to John o’Groats?
In conclusion, John o’Groats is a stopover to be made when going on a Road Trip in Scotland. This place gives us the same feeling that we had when we visited Sagrès in Portugal, another end of a country, another place where you feel like you’re at the end of the world. This is exactly the kind of emotions we were looking for when starting a road trip, the kind felt in these two places.
FAQ about John o'Groats
To get to John o’Groats by car or campervan from Edinburgh, you can take the A9 road north to Inverness. This road will take you through beautiful landscapes and will take about 3 and a half hours. Once in Inverness, continue on the A9 road northeast to the town of Wick. From Wick, follow the A99 road to John o’Groats. You can also take the ferry from the European mainland to Scotland and then follow the roads mentioned above to arrive at John o’Groats.
The best time to visit John o’Groats seems to be during the summer months, from June to August. The temperatures are milder and the days are longer, allowing you to fully enjoy the beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and the pleasures of the Scottish coast. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this charming town and its surroundings when they are at their peak!
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