JOHN O'GROATS

• GBJOG
• Latitude: 58.6446
• Longitude: -3.07014
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in UK

Location: Caithness Scotland KW1 1YR UK

Web-site: https://www.johnogroats.org/

John O'Groats is a village located in the far north-eastern part of Scotland, within the Highland council area. It is famously known as one of the two endpoints in the iconic British road trip, with the other being Land's End in Cornwall. While John O'Groats itself is a small village, it also serves as a jumping-off point for many tourists looking to explore the surrounding natural beauty and nearby Orkney Islands.

Marine Port Specifications for John O'Groats

1. Location and Coordinates:

   • Latitude: 58.6431° N
   • Longitude: 3.0681° W

2. Port Type:

   • John O'Groats does not have a significant commercial or industrial port. It is primarily a small harbor that caters to tourist activities, including ferry services to the Orkney Islands.

3. Facilities:

   • Passenger Services:
     • Facilities for ferry passengers traveling to and from the Orkney Islands.
     • Small waiting area and ticket booths for ferries operated by companies such as John O'Groats Ferries.
   • Marina:
     • Very limited docking spaces for private yachts and smaller vessels.
   • Parking:
     • A car park available for tourists and ferry passengers.
   • Shops and Amenities:
     • Souvenir shops, cafes, and small restaurants serving visitors.
   • Restrooms:
     • Public restrooms available for visitors.

4. Navigation and Accessibility:

   • Approach:
     • The waters around John O'Groats can be challenging due to strong tides and currents, typical of the Pentland Firth.
   • Navigation Aids:
     • Basic navigational aids to guide vessels in and out of the small harbor area.
   • Restrictions:
     • No large commercial vessels due to the size and depth restrictions of the harbor.

5. Ferry Services:

   • Destinations:
     • Regular ferry services to the Orkney Islands, particularly Burwick on South Ronaldsay.
   • Schedule:
     • Seasonal operations, typically more frequent during the summer months.
   • Operators:
     • John O'Groats Ferries is the primary operator, offering both passenger and cycling connections.

6. Tourist Information:

   • Visitor Centers:
     • A visitor center that provides information about local attractions, historical sites, and travel tips for the surrounding area.
   • Attractions:
     • Scenic views of the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands.
     • Famous 'Journey's End' signpost marking the distance to various global destinations.
     • Proximity to natural attractions like Duncansby Head with its dramatic cliffs and sea stacks.

Summary

John O'Groats is known more for its tourism significance rather than as a major marine port. Its harbor facilities are small and primarily cater to ferry services and tourism-related activities rather than commercial shipping. Despite its limited marine infrastructure, John O'Groats remains a popular destination for visitors seeking to explore the rugged beauty of Scotland's northern coast and the Orkney Islands.