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North Highland Way

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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 241 kilometres (150 mi) 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)[1] in the west with the Moray Firth trail in the east. The North Coast 500 is a driving route, which follows a similar line to the North Highland Way.

History

The idea of a North Highland Way has its roots in a proposal for a Caithness Way, made in 1992 by a local group, the Caithness Waybaggers, which formed to pursue the project.[1][2] The proposed 60-mile (97 km) route would have started at Dunbeath harbour and run via Altnabreac railway station, Westerdale, Halkirk and Thurso to John O' Groats. However, the project met with concerns from farmers and land owners on the route, problems with accommodation and with paths, and suffered from a lack of support.[1]

The idea was revived in 2010 with a proposal for a new 115-mile (185 km) route from John O' Groats to Cape Wrath via Dunnet Head, Holborn Head, Strathy Point and Skerray.[3] The area of the proposed route is one of the few areas of the Highlands to lack a branded distance walking path.[2] An approach was made to the Highland Council and other public bodies seeking their support, and a survey of public opinion was conducted.[3]

Tina Irving, secretary of the Dunnet Head Education Trust and described by the The Herald as "one of the driving forces behind the campaign", was quoted as saying "This is probably not the best time to be looking for public money, so I know we are not going to get the built paths like the West Highland Way or the Great Glen Way. But joining up the core path network that Highland Council had to develop for access under the land reform legislation would be feasible". The project also received support from John Thurso, then the MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.[3][4] However, Highlands and Islands Enterprise declined the opportunity to provide financial support, stating that the project did not fit its remit,[3] and Highland Council was also unable to provide funding.[1]

In October 2014, Irving told The Herald that a route had been identified on the website, Walking World, but that work was required on conducting a feasibility study, consultation with landowners, a business plan and market studies. A Friends of the North Highland Way group has been formed to raise money from people using the route, for investment in promotional activities.[1]

In April 2015, it was reported that Irving, along with a number of local businesses, was attempting to have the route recognised as a National Trail. A local walking tours company, Easyways, was planning to start taking bookings from May 2015.[5] As of June 2017, Easyways lists the route as a holiday on its website, although it notes that the route is not currently waymarked. Easyways lists the route as 78.5 miles (126.3 km) long.[6]

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 some of the scenery 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 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 right season, it is also possible to see puffin colonies.[7][8]

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.[9]

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.[10] This particular section is predominantly made up of coastal path and road.

Dwarwick Pier to Thurso

This section of the North Highland Way follows a 3mile stretch of beach between Dunnet and Castletown. The Dwarwick Pier to Thurso leg also has 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.

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, which is 12.37 miles long[11]

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, this leg is over 12.5miles.[12]

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.

This leg is the longest section of the North Highland Way at 16.6 miles long.[13]

Kirtomy to Torrisdale

The Kirtomy to Torrisdale leg of the North highland Way passes through range of landscapes which includes 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.[14]

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 the small 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.[15]

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.[16]

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 11miles long.

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.[17]

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.[18]

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.[19]

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

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Ross, David (18 October 2014). "Walking route across the top of Scotland fails to make progress". The Herald. Retrieved 23 June 2017. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |DUPLICATE-date= ignored (help)
  2. ^ a b Macphail, Neil (19 March 2010). "Far north route for ramblers planned". Aberdeen Press and Journal. p. 4.
  3. ^ a b c d Ross, David (20 March 2010). "First steps are taken for North Highland Way". The Herald. p. 11.
  4. ^ "North Highlands set for 114-mile tourist trail". The Scotsman. 20 March 2010. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
  5. ^ "New Route - North Highland Way". Wild Scotland. 28 April 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  6. ^ "North Highland Way". Easyways Ltd. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  7. ^ "Puffin". The RSPB. Retrieved 2017-06-22.
  8. ^ "Thurso to Dunnet Head". VisitScotland. Retrieved 2017-06-22.
  9. ^ "North Highland Way: Duncansby Head to The Haven | Walking with ViewRanger GPS". ViewRanger. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  10. ^ "NORTH HIGHLAND WAY | THE HAVEN TO DWARWICK PIER". www.northhighland-way.com. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  11. ^ ."North Highland Way: Thurso to Fresgoe Harbour, Reay | Walking with ViewRanger GPS". ViewRanger. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  12. ^ "North Highland Way: Fresgoe Harbour to Baligill | Walking with ViewRanger GPS". ViewRanger. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  13. ^ "North Highland Way: Baligill to Kirtomy | Walking with ViewRanger GPS". ViewRanger. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  14. ^ "North Highland Way: Kirtomy to Torrisdale | Walking with ViewRanger GPS". ViewRanger. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  15. ^ "North Highland Way: Torrisdale to Tongue Causeway | Walking with ViewRanger GPS". ViewRanger. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  16. ^ "North Highland Way: Tongue Causeway to Achininver | Walking with ViewRanger GPS". ViewRanger. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  17. ^ "North Highland Way: Hope to Laid | Walking with ViewRanger GPS". ViewRanger. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  18. ^ "North Highland Way: Laid to Keoldale Ferry | Walking with ViewRanger GPS". ViewRanger. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  19. ^ "North Highland Way: Keoldale Ferry to Cape Wrath | Walking with ViewRanger GPS". ViewRanger. Retrieved 2017-06-01.

Further reading

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