Road · From the map · United Kingdom
Altnaharra to Watten
- 108 km
- 594 m
- Hard
- Mixed
Elevation profile
- 594 m
- 108 km
Route overview
Suitable for riders able to manage 108 km distance with moderate climbing of 594 m.
Stage 2 of 3 of the Great North Trail (John O' Groats): 108.3 km from Altnaharra to Watten with 594 m of climbing, on the signed route.
The route starts at Altnaharra and heads to Syre at 18.2 km, where the first climb begins. This 3.7 km climb averages 3.1% and gains 115 m up to 165 m. A second shorter climb follows between 25.4 km and 27.3 km with a 2.6% average gradient. The ride continues mostly on the B871, B873, A897, and B870 main roads for 73 km, all without cycle lanes, interspersed with 26.6 km of tracks and minor roads. Beyond Kinbrace at 43.1 km there is a bailout station, with refuges also at Forsinard (54.7 km) and Altnabreac (76.7 km). A longer 4.4 km climb starting at 60.8 km gains 139 m at an average of 3.2%, peaking at 211 m near Sletill Hill. The route then descends towards Watten at 107.2 km and 28 m altitude passing archaeological sites close to Mybster and Lochside. The surface is 75% paved and 25% gravel or unpaved. There is a longest stretch of 52.5 km without café, shop or water from Forsinard onwards. Water and toilets are available at Forsinard and Watten. The finish at Watten has a pub and a convenience store a short distance off route.
Highlights
- Climb near Sletill Hill at 65 km height 211 m
- Bailout station at Kinbrace 43 km
- Longest stretch without café or water 52.5 km after Forsinard
- Archaeological sites near Mybster 97.6 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 17.9 km | 3.7 km | 115 m | 3.1 % | 4.4 % | 165 m |
| — | 25.4 km | 1.9 km | 48 m | 2.6 % | 3 % | 178 m |
| — | 60.8 km | 4.4 km | 139 m | 3.2 % | 5.7 % | 211 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 68% main road · 25% track · 6% minor road · 1% quiet street
- Main roads
- 73 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 4.7 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- B871 (25 km), B873 (18 km), A897 (17 km), B870 (13 km)
- Surface
- 75% paved · 25% gravel or unpaved
- Gradient
- 15% climbing · 15% descending · 70% flat
- Steep sections
- 0.6 km over 5% · steepest 500 m averages 7.6% at 0 km
- Longest descent
- 4.6 km from 53.1 km, dropping 84 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 53 km, from 55 km to 107 km.
Food, water and shops
- 30.2 kmGarvault House · restaurant · 380 m off route
- 54.7 kmDrinking water · on the route
- 54.7 kmToilets · 30 m off route
- 107.2 kmThe Brown Trout · pub · on the route
- 107.2 kmWoodside Village Store · convenience store · 90 m off route
- 107.2 kmToilets · 100 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 43.1 km — Kinbrace (station), 40 m off route
- 54.7 km — Forsinard (station), 40 m off route
- 76.7 km — Altnabreac (station), 130 m off route
Worth a stop
- 10.5 km — Coill' Ach' a' Chùil Broch (archaeological site)
- 94.1 km — Tulach Buaile a' Chroic, Broch (archaeological site)
- 97.6 km — Mybster Broch (archaeological site)
- 107.2 km — Alexander Bain Monument (monument)
At the finish
- The Brown Trout · pub · 30 m
- Woodside Village Store · convenience store · 90 m
Stay after this ride
- Caithness Camping Pods · campsite · 3.7 km from the finish
Practical information
- Mixed
- Point to point
- 9 h 02 min
- Jul to Aug — daily highs of 17 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 73 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 4.7 km on roads with 80 km/h speed limit
- 25% gravel or unpaved surface
- No café, shop or water for 52.5 km after Forsinard