Looking for the best hotel in Thurso, by John o’ Groats?
When you think of epic journeys, one that may come to mind is John O’Groats to Lands’ End (or vice-versa) on the North Coast 500. Travelling the entire length of Great Britain is a challenge that many people take up, often for charity. But where did this challenge come from and what exactly does it entail? And if you are looking for the best hotels to rest up in Caithness, the Ulbster Arms Hotel is the ideal luxury but affordable hotel accommodation. And we have one of the best restaurants in Caithness for you to fuel up for your adventure holidays in Scotland!
The history of the challenge
The first recorded walk from John O’Groats in the far north of Scotland to Lands’ End in the far south of England came in 1871. Two brothers, John and Robert Naylor, walked the end-to-end journey. They made notes along the way and finally, 45 years later, a book chronicling their travels was published. In 1960, the engineer and long-distance walker Dr Barbara Moore completed the walk in 23 days, gaining much publicity. And from this point, the popularity of the challenge really took off. Especially with increased interest in adventure holidays in the UK. People were traversing the John O’Groats to Lands’ End challenge on foot, on bike, or even on horse! And our wee Scottish hotel is the ideal place to start or finish your journey! With some of the best food on the NC500 and best luxury hotel rooms in Thurso and Caithness. Plus, if you book direct with us, we will give you 10% off. See our list of hotel offers in Scotland!
Are you are partaking the John O’Groats to Lands’ End challenge to raise money or awareness for a charity? Or simply looking for UK adventure holidays for the challenge of it? We are here to give you a helping hand. To this day, the journey between John O’Groats and Lands’ End remains popular. Did you know several world records have been set over the years, travelling by various methods – including by lawnmower! And we are more than happy for you to bring your favourite travelling companion! Join us at our luxury Thurso and Caithness hotel, find out why we are the best! We are a short 35 minute drive from the start of the trail. But our friendly team can organise transportation for you to begin your journey. Whilst we are a short distance away, we are one of the best hotels in Thurso and Caithness… So, we are well worth the distance.
The LEJOG journey
This amazing Scottish adventure holiday takes you between the top (John O’Groats) and the bottom (Lands’ End) of Great Britain, in either direction. It is 874 miles in total, travelling by road, and it takes around 14 days on foot. However, there is a world record for someone running it in just 9 days! After this you will definitely need a luxury hotel near John o’ Groats in Thurso, for some R&R! Our friendly Highland team are here to help. Plus, we can tell you some exciting things to do in Caithness. So, you can finish off your trip to Scotland with some Highland culture and history.
There are a number of routes that you can take, which vary in distance and terrain. Many decide to take an off-road route. However, this ups the mileage and can take months rather than weeks. There are guidebooks available to help you plan a route. For cycling holidays in Scotland, using the National Cycle Network, the distance is 1189 miles and can be split into 5 sections.
And whilst staying with us in the very best of Thurso and Caithness hotels, you can visit Dunnet heath. John O’Groats isn’t actually the most northerly point in Great Britain! So, you definitely want to make claim and head from our doors a wee bit further up to the dramatic Dunnet Head. And Lands’ End isn’t the most southerly, That’s The Lizard.
Hotel Accommodation near John O’Groats in Thurso
If you’re looking for luxury hotel accommodation near the start or end point of the challenge, John O’Groats in Scotland, come and see us at the luxury Ulbster Arms Hotel in Thurso. Here we offer the very best of Caithness hotel accommodation near Thurso, Wick, John o’ Groats, Scrabster and Orkney. We are the ideal hotel for exploring the NC500 and Caithness.
We are one of the best family, business and dog friendly hotels in the Highlands. Enjoy a warm Scottish welcome and luxury Thurso accommodation to all. The perfect way to rest up before or after a long journey. And we have one of the best restaurants in Thurso, on the north coast 500. So you can enjoy a taste of the Highlands to fuel you up!