a guest’s
look
at john o’ Groats
nature away from the usual tourist spots; pick up a rod and try your hand
at sea angling or head to the lochs for some sublime trout fishing; and a
visit to John O’Groats wouldn’t be complete without taking the walking
trails and exploring this spectacular landscape on foot.
Natural Retreats’ guides are able to arrange a host of walks in the
amazing Duncansby Stacks, magnificent rock sea stacks, and the
incredible Shell Beach, made entirely of broken seashells. The Outfitters
also offers bike hire, wreck dives, scuba-diving, clay-pigeon shooting,
horse-riding and even whisky appreciation sessions. Stocking everything
you could need for a holiday exploring the great outdoors, Natural
Retreats Outfitters includes equipment and clothing from top British
brands such as Hunter, Musto, Sprayway and Highland 2000.
Jim Macdonald of Dingwall took this picture of a beautiful sunset
(top) at John O'Groats. Rowena Evans of Madrid had a camera
ready to capture this swimming seal (middle), and Francesco Bertoldi
showed us what it means to relax on the Scottish coast (lower).
11
EAT LOCAL AT
STOREHOUSE
Before Natural Retreats’ arrival the Storehouse was known as
Journey’s End Cafe and was reminiscent of a portable cabin with very
few design features. Natural Retreats removed the original building and
created a unique new structure boasting kitchen facilities, wood-burning
fires and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, looking out over the Harbour.
The Storehouse is now an on-site co-operative shop and café
selling local produce and goods from businesses such as Caithness
Smokehouse, Arran Cheese, Reid’s of Caithness, Old Pulteney Malt
Scotch Whisky and Annie’s Bakery in Canisbay. Every Natural Retreats
guest receives a complimentary welcome hamper on arrival which
contains items such as freshly baked bread, specialty cheese and wine,
all from local sources.