Private Tour
Top Of The Highlands Tour: John O' Groats, Caithness and More
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
With your Private Tour to the top of the highlands you will have officially reached the furthest point of the UK Mainland, the area of Caithness is filled with miraculous scenery from Cliffs to coastal views of the highlands. Enjoy some time at John O' Groats where the local council has developed a magnificent hub for tourists from food & drinks to the local brewery and much more all of this sitting on our beautiful coastline. Tour the Castle Of Mey or Dunrobin Castle with its luxury interiors, beautiful gardens and centuries of history they each have. Being a private tour enjoy you day at your own pace or customise it if you wish. (Within Reasonable Distance/Time)
Please Note: Tour Duration is a estimate depending on starting location.
Inverness 11 Hours
Scrabster 7 Hours
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No Health Restrictions
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Umbrella's
Private transportation
Bottled water
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local Guide
Castle Admissions £15-£17
Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
John O'Groats
John O’ Groats, often considered the northernmost point of mainland Britain, is a famous coastal village in the Scottish Highlands. Located at the north-eastern tip of Scotland, it serves as the starting or finishing point for the iconic Land’s End to John O’ Groats journey, which spans the entire length of Britain. The village is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, with rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and stunning views across the Pentland Firth towards the Orkney Islands. Visitors have their photo at the John O’ Groats signpost, a popular photo spot. Puffins, seals, and even whaleshave been seen at John O’ Groats although depending on time of year it is not guaranteed. Though small, John O’ Groats is rich in history, adventure, and natural beauty, the local council has invested in lots of attractions for visitors to enjoy at this edge of the world.
Duncansby Stacks, located just a short distance from John O’ Groats, are some of Scotland’s most breath-taking sea stacks, rising dramatically from the waters of the North Sea. These towering rock formations, sculpted by centuries of wind and waves, stand as a testament to the raw power of nature. The walk to the stacks as well as being seen from a distance offers stunning coastal views, along dramatic cliffs teeming with seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. The two largest stacks, with their pointed, almost triangular shapes, create a striking and otherworldly scene, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Options
Private Vehicle 1-4 Passengers
Private Vehicle 1-4 Passengers
Pickup included
Private Vehicle 1-4 Car 2
Private Vehicle 1-4 Passengers
Pickup included
Private Vehicle 5-7 Passengers
Private Vehicle 5-7 Passengers
Pickup included
Reviews
5 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible Day
H4969VLlindam,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yesterday our ship docked in Scrabster, Scotland, in the heart of the Highlands. We were fortunate to have booked a private Top of the Highlands tour with Johnny of Highland Guided Tours. Instead of simply heading straight to John O’Groats, Johnny led us on a seven-hour journey through the Highlands, uncovering hidden gems and breathtaking scenery. We saw the Whaligoe Steps, marveled at the dramatic Duncansby Stacks, explored the town of Wick, and stood at Dunnet Head, the true northernmost point of mainland Scotland, where the sweeping views were unforgettable. Along the way, Johnny brought the Highlands to life with his wonderful stories, weaving history, folklore, and local insights into every stop. We also visited the small church where the Queen Mother worshipped faithfully until the age of 101 and drove past her beloved Castle of Mey. It was an incredible day — rich with history, scenery, and those unforgettable experiences you only find when you wander off the beaten path. If you’re ever in Scotland, I can’t recommend Highland Guided Tours enough. This wonderful family-run business with Tony and Johnny will make your day in the Highlands truly unforgettable.
Perfect Bespoke Tour of Northern Scotland
Carter Y,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was outstanding and worthy of 6 stars if that rating were available. My companion and I were looking for a day tour that would take us from Inverness to the top of the Scottish mainland, and cover all the places we wanted to visit. This tour delivered all that and more! Our experienced guide, Johnny, was born and raised in Wick, and was extremely knowledgeable of the area as well as engaging and personable. We toured in an immaculate and comfortable Land Rover. Our visit to Dunrobin Castle was special because Johnny accompanied us throughout the castle and explained in expert detail what we were seeing and the historical context. He made sure we had whatever photo opportunities we wanted in the castle and grounds. In Wick, Johnny provided personal insights from his childhood and explained the sights ranging from the harbor area to the swimming area fed by the North Sea tides, and the Guinness Book of Records “shortest street in the world.” Our other goals included visiting John O’Groat’s, Dunnet Head, the Stacks of Duncansby Head, and if possible, seeing puffins that might be nesting on the coastal cliffs. All our goals, including seeing the puffins, were met and exceeded. Johnny was very accommodating with whatever we wanted to do or however long we wanted to stay, but also took us to many great places of which we were unaware, such as the little Canisbay church where the Queen Mother attended worship services. We were able to see the outside of the Castle of Mey as well. Johnny provided interesting insights and background information at each stop. The weather was fairly challenging with wind, rain and fog when we were in the John O’Groat’s / Dunnet Head area, but we were undeterred and Johnny’s guidance made for a memorable adventure. While we were returning to Inverness, Johnny continued to point out sights of interest and we stopped occasionally for photos or have a closer look whenever we wanted. As always, Johnny was engaged and engaging, and fully committed to making sure we had the personalized experience of the northern Highlands that we wanted. We were never rushed or hurried. Anyone looking for a bespoke tour of this area should book this immediately in our opinion.
Tony was incredible. Very...
Megan F,
Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tony was incredible. Very helpful very knowledgeable and the tour itself was a lot of fun. Nice to escape the big cities
A taste of Inverness
J5028KIrachelh,
May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well, the welcome to Scotland at Inverness airport at the Herz hire company was very rude to say the least, thanks Rob. However, the rest of our travels were great. We stayed at Beinn Mohr Lodge with Mary Ann, gorgeous house with parking and walking distance into town. We read an advert in the EasyJet magazine a small bar The Walrus a corkscrew. Worth a visit. We walked the island by the river and the old town ( not much there) We spent a day on the Black Isle dolphin watching and a trip to Cromerty, quaint. Next stop Dunrobin castle on our way up to John o Groats.. 2 nights is enough.
Excellent full day private tour with experienced and passionate local guide
Thomas S,
May 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent full day private tour with an experienced and passionate local guide. Tony provided a well planned tour that was then customized to our interests and preferences. The vehicle was comfortable and we were well looked after throughout the tour. We have been to Scotland before and we're looking for experiences and perspectives off the normal tourist track. The North and Northeast coast tour provided ample points of interest and incredible experiences. Given the distance to be traveled in a day to see so much, the clean and comfortable vehicle and professional driving made the travel time fly by. Tony is a local and provided commentary and knowledge throughout the tour. His passion and pride in the region were evident and provided a perspective that couldn't be replicated any other way. In summary, I was very happy with the quality, professional, and memorable experience.
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Operated by Highland Guided Tours