Scotland Guide
The Highlands
The north coast
Though a constant stream of sponsored walkers, caravans and tour groups makes it to the dull town of John O'Groats, surprisingly few visitors travel the whole length of the Highlands' wild north coast. Those that do, however, rarely return disappointed. Pounded by one of the world's most ferocious seaways, Scotland's rugged northern shore is backed by barren mountains in the west, and in the east by lochs and open rolling grasslands. Between, mile upon mile of crumbling cliffs and sheer rocky headlands shelter bays whose white beaches are nearly always deserted, even in the height of summer – though they're also home to Scotland's best surfing waves.