| Track length: | 248.5 km |
| Total ascent: | 0 m |
| Total descent: | 0 m |
| Difficulty Level: | 3/5 - Medium |
Starting in the Highland Capital of Inverness take the B865 over the North Kesssock bridge onto the A9 to the Tore roundabout, continue on the A9 through Duncanston, Drummond, Dalmore, Achnagarron, Tomich, Delney, Kildary, Aldie, Tain, Morangie, Clashmore, Evilix, Poles, Culmaily, Golspie, Brora, Lothbeg, Lothmore, Portgower, Helmsdale, Navidale, Ousdale, Berriedale, Newport, Dunbeath, Inver, Latheronwheel onto the A99 through Forse, Swiney, Occumster, Mid Ciyth, Ulbster, Thrumster, Wick, Ackergill, Reis, Keiss, Auckengill and Freswick to Gills Bay located near the community of Gills approximately 3 miles west of John o' Groats, on the way passing Coastlines visiting castles and cathedrals full of history, standing on remote beaches, taking a stroll along the many tracks found on this route,whisky tasting in ancient and modern breweries, stopping for a bite to eat in the many type of food outlets found in the Scottish Highlands using the local produce from the land and the sea and staying in accommodation from a castle to a bothy to suite all budgets.
Gills Bay has one of Caithness's longest stretches of picturesque low lying rocky coast line along its northern shores.
The harbour and the coastline are teaming with wildlife, from wild sea birds to huge basking sharks, with the largest animal population of Common and Grey Seals which are known to swim into the harbour to bask on the rocks.
Orkney is remote mysterious and sparsely populated with history stretching back 6,000 years long before the Egyptians began the pyramids, Neolithic man built a vast temple complex at the top of what is now Scotland, prehistoric sites with a large number of tombs and the astonishing Ness of Brodgar stone circles, along with the best-preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe, known as Skara Brae all waiting to be discovered,
The Island is 10 miles north of the coast of Caithness, easily accessible seven days a week, by ferry departing from Gills Bay the fastest ferry route to the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland, arriving in St Margaret’s Hope, a mesmerizing and beautiful landscape
The ferry ride is a great adventure across the North Sea, quite relaxing and pleasant when the weather is agreeable the crew are very courteous and helpful.
The view is incredible as the boat weaves its way through some of the 70 islands that make up Orkney, if you have your car onboard then this is the quickest and cheapest way to cross, the crossing will take about an hour and takes around 40 minutes from the ferry to reach the capital Kirkwall.
There are also frequent crossings from Scrabster and Aberdeen, on the east coast of Scotland, as well as from Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, north of the Orkney archipelago.
The islands wildlife attracts many visitors to the area with around 15% of the world’s seal population living here, every year between May and August, the islands are flocked by puffins and visitors.
