Walking in Caithness & Sutherland

About Caithness & Sutherland

Walking
Grades
Where are the walks
Guided walks
Self guided walks
Weather
Know the code before you go

Far to the north of Scotland lies Caithness, often known as the lowlands beyond the Highlands. Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on the UK mainland at 58° 40′ 21″ N latitude and 3° 22′ 31″ W longitude, is further north than Moscow and parts of Alaska, and 1 degree latitude further north than the most northerly point of the Danish mainland, Skagen.

120 miles north of Inverness, this far flung corner often gets overlooked by visitors, which is a great pity, as there is a wealth of archaeology, history, wildlife, visitor attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and above all great walking and facilities for the great outdoors in general.

The population is about 30,000, mainly based around Thurso and Wick, but there are many outlying villages such as Halkirk (one of Scotland ´s first planned villages), Dunnet (a great centre for recreation) and of course John o'Groats, the destination for many walkers and cyclists in their quest for the end to end journey from Land's End.

The Trust organises the Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival to extend the Trust's reach and operational area. The festival takes place in May and offers walks led by the Forestry Commission, RSPB, Highland Council Ranger Service and local organisations to give a wide range of guided walks. Walks are graded easy, moderate and difficult but it's more than just a walking festival. Other activities include a wildlife cruise, orienteering, cycling, natural history and photography walk, a visit to the Castle of Mey, home of the late Queen Mother. The events programme also includes a Scottish variety show by the Wick Pipe Band.

Walking

Caithness and Sutherland cater for all kinds of walker. From the highest peak of Morven (2315ft), to three miles of golden beach at Dunnet, and forest walks in Rumster Forest, there is something for everyone. Walkers should come equipped with good stout walking shoes or boots (Wellingtons for the walks with the RSPB are acceptable) , a spare pair of socks, waterproofs, packed lunch. Camera and binoculars are optional! Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The leader reserves the right to entry if he / she considers that the participant is not suitably attired. Dogs not allowed.

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Grades

Each guided walk is highlighted with the grade :

Easy - walking on established path / walking over paths and rough ground at low level - reasonable level of fitness required
Moderate - walking over rough/boggy ground and some hills - reasonable level of fitness required
Difficult - walking through and over mountainous terrain - good level of fitness required.

Guided

All walks during the festival are guided by local experts with detailed local knowledge, so you are in safe hands!

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Self guided

For easy walks, visit Achvarasdal Woods at Reay, or Dunnet Forest at Dunnet. The Forestry Commission forests at Rumster (Caithness) and Borgie (Sutherland) also offer easy terrain and have a wealth of wildlife, birdlife and archaeology.

For moderate walks, try Dunnet Head and some of the coastal routes. The North Sea Trail, which offers a route around the periphery of the North Sea, has a section on the Moray Firth and has some great circular walks.

For more challenging terrain, try Morven, Scaraben, or Maiden's Pap.

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Weather

Weather watch - you can check the weather before your walk with the Met Office but be aware that Caithness and Sutherland have their own microclimates.....

Know the code before you go

Everyone has the right to be on most land and inland water providing they act responsibly. Your access rights and responsibilities are explained fully in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Happy walking!

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