The journey from Land’s End to John o’Groats is the longest journey in Britain, starting in southern Cornwall and ending in northern Scotland, unless you travel the other way around!
The journey (around 800 miles) takes in history and stunning scenery, taking a few months for walkers (or a few weeks for cyclists), stopping off at guest houses along the way.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
You could take the route by public transport, but due to train fares, it would likely cost you a fortune. You would catch a bus to Penzance railway station, then take various trains until you reach Wick (the UK’s most northerly town). Then catch a bus to John o’Groats.
Starting Point: Land’s End
Land’s End is the most southerly point on England’s main land, marked by a signpost. Nearby Sennen Cove has sandy beaches, if you wish to paddle your toes.
This beach has a seasonal dog ban, so check before travel. Read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
As you journey through Cornwall, you’ll pass St Ives, a beautiful town named after an Irish princess. Known for its ‘painters’ light’, this town has lovely indie shops on cobbled streets.
Land’s End offers some of the best views in Britain. On clear days, you can look out and even see the Isles of Scilly on the horizon. It’s also home to Cornish chough birds (brought back from near extinction by conservationists), along with puffins, gannets and seals.
And beautiful coastal wildflowers (some not safe near dogs).
There is even a story of a lost land called Lyonesse, which is said to have sunk beneath the waves, many moons ago.
Some critics say that Land’s End is now too touristy, with excessive fees, a 4D theatre and mini golf course. People who wish to have their photo taken at the sign have to pay £10.50, along with parking charges.
One visitor told a review site ‘They may as well grab you, and shake you upside down over the cliff, until all the cash falls out of your pockets’.
Scenic Stops in the West Midlands
As you go north, you’ll travel through the West Midlands, home to Birmingham (England’s second biggest city, which has more miles of canals than Venice).
Ironbridge Gorge is a World Heritage Site, and known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Visit a museum to take you back in time.
Exploring Scotland
Of course once you cross into Scotland, the scenery gets more wild and cold. The Highlands is as far again as it is from England to Scotland, so the journey even by train will take several hours.
Embrace the mystery at Loch Ness. Its deep waters are famously linked to the elusive Nessie. Whether or not you spot the monster, the serene landscapes around the loch offer a stunning backdrop for a day of exploration.
Then head to Inverness, the ‘capital of the Highland’s. This is the UK’s smallest city, and the gateway to some mighty pretty scenery, before finally arriving at your final destination, the remote (but welcoming) signpost of John O’Groats.
If you wish to continue your journey, you could take a ferry trip from here to the beautiful Orkney Islands, to spot puffins and other wildlife along the coast.
Where is John o’Groats?
John o’Groats is the the furthest point from Land’s End (Dunnet Head 11 miles away is the most northerly point in the UK).
The small village is named after Dutchman Jan de Groot, who had a ferry franchise from here to the Orkney Islands (just 40 minutes away by boat).
The village is around 690 miles from London and just 2,200 miles from the North Pole! In between this village and Orkney is the small island of Stroma, which still had 12 residents in the 1960s, but now has no human inhabitants. It still has an old church and cottages, which you can view across the water.
Like Land’s End, the waters teem with wildlife including seals and dolphins, but also minke whales and orcas (killer whales). The cliffs are home to thousands of nestling birds.
