The Thurso to Castletown route is the first section and is available on OS maps, together with the book. It was always intended as a multi use route, and the materials include routes for horses and cyclists under the Core Path Plan. The official North Highland Way is now being updated with materials from the Highland Councils files and is no longer one person's interpretation of it. In 2020 there is a challenge on it to raise funds for Bransby Horses, a horse rescue centre in Lincolnshire. The route of the North Highland Way is broken into a number of section which are typically walked in 7, 10 or 13 days. įurther stages of the route follow Scotland's North Coast, passing through the towns of Strathy, Bettyhill and Tongue. The early stages of the North Highland Way also provide the opportunity to visit Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of the British mainland. This first section of the route passes through the town of John o' Groats and the Castle of Mey. From Duncansby Head, the route continues west, along Scotland's North coast.

The start of the North Highland Way is located in Duncansby Head, the most north-easterly part of Scotland's mainland, looking out to the Orkney Isles. The terrain of the North Highland Way varies hugely, crossing beaches, forests, road and rough paths as well as some remote areas. The route of the North Highland Way varies in length due to the various options when it comes to walking this particular route.

North highland