Telling the story of the dunes at Dunnet. Environmentally, the dunes are precious and should be looked after. We used to go there planting machair grass to stabilize them but we have not seen that lately.
Castletown is one of my favourite places.
This is a great book.
"The area covered by the Durness path
network may seem largely wild and remote
in character but it remains a working
landscape that is also highly important
for wildlife and plants. Most of the
routes pass through extensively grazed
areas, including open hill and heath, where
dogs should be kept under close control
particularly before and during the lambing
season and through the breeding season
for birds – most of which are ground
nesting in this area. Common sense with
regards to young livestock is necessary
and areas with calves and lambs should be
avoided. Please keep to the routes as
described in the booklet and respect the
areas life and work." A project by the Caithness Biodiversity group, now disbanded, and is the Caithness Environmental volunteers.
So, then to Durness....
We have the lovely harbour of Portskerra
In the middle, we have the Tongue Walking Group.
(A Tuath na Gàidhealtachd dòigh)
The website https://www.northhighland-way.com/ is a scam. The real North Highland Way is multi-use.
The North Highland Way, not Trail, was launched in February 2024, after many years of discussion. It all started at Dunnet Head.
We focus on climate change, not just the route.
https://youtu.be/dYcLCfjeULA?si=FbCBPO95UmpZXB7e
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6jj3aFocxo&t=1s
Recognized by VisitScotland
Park for the night on your way North to northern Scotland.
Cicerone Press is considering commissioning a guidebook, which is good news. Then we will have maps, baggage transfer, accommodation, guide books, and transport is sorted out so what more do we need?
The middle of the North Highland Way is here.
Let's Get Folk off the road at Dounreay. We have found a way around the back, but you will need to be a Friend of the North Highland Way to see it.
Issue 1 of our magazine is here. The front page is of the ultimate in sustainable travel.
We can offer a baggage transfer book here.
It all started here.
Our virtual information center at Dunnet is here.
Our virtual information center at Durness is here. You can get your passport to the North Highland Way stamped at the post office.
Up the coast
There are serious problems from Tain going up the coast to John o Groats, so we recommend that you follow this route. In the summer months, the Caravan and Camping Club have a small information center for members only.
This is the true North Highland Way, supported by the multi-use document from The Highland Council for a route across the north of Scotland. This page supports https:// www.friendsofthenorthhighlandway.com where you can subscribe to get offers and other information. This is part of the Route of the Spanish Armada. It links in at Balnakiel House. You can get your passport stamped at the Post Office in Durness.
You can go south to Aberdeenshire on Scotland's Coastal Path
Mission Statement
In an age where many of us feel the world crowding in upon us and where we understand better what keeps us healthy in mind and body, the open spaces of the world assume a new importance. One of the most beautiful spaces in the Northern Hemisphere located in a temperate zone is the North coast of Scotland. The coast offers many ways to promote human well-being and to serve as a safety valve for the pressures of society. Among those ways is simply that of affording access for walkers. Under guidance, walkers may learn how the enjoyment of the land is to be shared with farmers, crofters, field sportsmen, birds, and plants.
The project founders worked with landowners, public bodies, and heritage societies progressively to open up the Northern coast to walkers, horse riders, and cyclists. It still aims to set up for Scotland a coastal multi-use route (the only one in Scotland) matching that which the National Trust has set up in England and Wales. It aims to designate safe paths, to design decent access to them, and to protect the permanent activities on the land from the depredations of the transient visitor. Already small stretches of the coast are open, such as at Dunnet Head and John o Groats. The aim is to learn from these pioneer models, multiply them, and promote safe transport connections between them.
All this will certainly boost the economy of coastal communities. The increase in understanding between visitors and residents could be one of the happiest outcomes of the project. A common interest in securing a sustainable way of life will be a source of hope for us all.”
Head on the North East coast to Cape Wrath in the North West of Scotland's coast. The North Highland Way connects the Cape Wrath Trail (which opened in January 2013) in the west with the Moray Firth trail in the east.
