North Highland Way

The North Highland Way (Scottish Gaelic: A Tuath na Gàidhealtachd dòigh) is a long distance walking route along the north coast of Scotland. The route is approximately 241km (150miles) long, running from Duncansby 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. The North Coast 500 is driving route, which follows a similar line to the North Highland Way.

History

The route of the North Highland Way was first proposed by local walking group, the Caithness Waybaggers in 1992. Unfortunately, they did not receive the backing they required. However, the walk has now been taken forward by Ian Ellis who has walked the route a number of times, and has registered the route with Walkingworld.com.

As well as being recognised by walkingworld.com, Tina Irving, from the local area, along with a number of local businesses, is attempting to make the route a recognised National Trail, similar to the West Highland Way. 

The route

The route of the North Highland Way varies taking anywhere between 7 and 13 days to walk in full due to the various options when it comes to walking this particular route. The terrain of the North Highland Way varies hugely, from sandy coves to walking along the main road, exploring all that Scotland’s north coast has on offer.

The start of the North Highland Way is located in Duncansby Head, the most north-easterly part of Scotland’s mainland, providing views out to the Orkney Isles. From Duncansby Head, the route continues west, along Scotland’s North coast. This first section of the route passes through the town of John O’Groats and the Castle of Mey, providing more spectacular views of Scotland’s scenery. The early stages of the North Highland Way also provide the opportunity to visit Dunnet Head, the most northern point of the British Isles. 

Further stages of the route allow walkers to experience the dramatic Scottish Coast line, passing through Strathy, Bettyhill and Tongue, where, During the summer, it is also possible to see puffin colonies.

The route of the North Highland Way is broken into a number of section which are typically walked in 7, 10 or 13 days. These sections are as follows:    

Duncansby Head to The Haven

Like much of the North Highland Way, the route follows the line of Scotland’s North Coast along grassy banks. With views across the North Sea, seals, dolphins and whales can be seen in the area. This particular section of the route also passes Castle Mey, former home of the Queen Mother. To this day, Castle Mey is still the most northern royal residence in the British Isles.

This section of the North Highland Way is approximately 12.5 miles long, and would be considered a medium difficulty.

The Haven to Dwarwick Pier

Like much of the North Highland Way, this section provides coastal views of stacks and small islands. There are also a number of old military buildings as well as lighthouses along this stretch of the North Highland Way.

Slightly shorter than the previous leg of the journey, the route from The Haven to Dwarwick Pier is approximately 11.5 miles long, taking around 4 hours 30minutes to complete. This particular section is predominantly made up of coastal path and road. 

Dwarwick Pier to Thurso

This section of the North Highland Way provides the opportunity to walk along a 3mile stretch of beach between Dunnet and Castletown. As well as views across the North Sea, there are a number of historical sites which can be visited in this leg, including Mary Anne’s Cottage. 

This section of The North Highland Way is 11miles long, again with moderate terrain, which may be a little more challenging in wet conditions. 

Thurso to Fresgoe Harbour

The route of the North Highland Way continues along the north coast of Scotland, heading west from Thurso to Fresgoe Harbour, Reay. Unfortunately, many areas of this section of the route have been weathered and damaged, so it is advisable to walk along the road, particularly towards the end of this section.

As it is advised that walkers take the road for the majority of this section, the route is relatively easy for this leg, which is 12.37 miles long. 

Fresgoe Harbour to Baligill

This particular section of the North Highland Way follows the high, rugged North Coast of Scotland, providing views out across the North Sea as well as a number of stacks and inlets.

A bit longer than some of the other sections of the North Highland Way, at over 12.5miles, this leg of the route rated medium level difficulty. 

Baligill to Kirtomy

This rural section of the North highland Way takes walkers west through a number of villages and hamlets. There are also a number of caves and lighthouses along this leg of the North Highland Way. This section also contains a number of hills, which may be challenging for less experienced walkers.

Considered to be a hard walk, this leg is the longest section of the North Highland Way at 16.6 miles long. 

Kirtomy to Torrisdale

The Kirtomy to Torrisdale leg of the North highland Way allows you to take in a range of scenery, including small hamlets, remains of castles and sandy beaches. It is advised that walkers avoid the main road at this point, instead using tracks and footbridges.

This is a shorter leg of the North Highland Way which may be completed with parts of the next leg of the route. This particular leg is just over 7.5 miles and is considered medium level difficulty.    

Torrisdale to Tongue Causeway

Following the coast west towards Tongue Causeway, this leg of the North Highland Way starts in Torrisdale. This leg of the route provides more views out towards a number of islands and also passes through Sletiel, a village abandoned during the Highland Clearances. This section also passes through a sall village of Coldblackie, with views of Watchhill which was used for spotting submarines during the wars.

This section of the route is just over 11 miles long, considered to be medium level difficulty. 

Tongue Causeway to Achininver

One of the shortest sections of the North Highland Way, this route passes through a number of hamlets as well as some small sandy beaches.

The Tongue Causeway to Achininver section is 6.31 miles long and is considered very easy to walk. 

Achininver to Hope

This section of the North Highland Way goes through wild areas of Scotland, passing a number of inlets, caves, waterfalls, stacks and arches.

This section is 11 miles long and requires some climbing, which is why it is considered to be hard to walk.

Hope to Laid

This section of the route starts from the village of Hope and follows the coast west to Laid. The Hope to Laid section of the North Highland Way is predominantly on road, with some opportunities to go down to the coast.

This leg of the North Highland Way is a little over 12 miles long.

Laid to Keoldale Ferry

Starting in the village of Laid, this section of the North Highland Way is relatively easy to walk. For this leg, walkers can follow the road or walk along the coast, following the water’s edge to Keoldale Ferry. The famous Smoo-Cave can also be seen and visited on this section of the North Highland Way.

It is approximately 11.3 miles from Laid to Keodale Ferry. 

Keodale Ferry to Cape Wrath

The route from Keodale Ferry to Cape Wrath is the final leg of the North Highland Way and passes through the most desolate part of Sutherland which is used for military exercises. For this reason, it is advised that walkers check that they can access this area before they attempt this section of the North Highland Way.

Keodale Ferry to Cape Wrath is approximately 8.8 miles long and is considered medium level difficulty. 

Towns, villages and places of interest along the North Highland Way

• John O’Groats
• Castle of Mey
• Dunnet
• Murkle
• Thurso

• Reay
• House of Tongue 

• Cape Wrath
• Cape Wrath Lighthouse

External Links

• The North Highland Way Website
• Guided walk along the North Highland Way
• Details of the route of the North Highland Way
• More Details of the route of the North Highland Way