Exploration of the fishing village of Burghead, taking in the harbour, passing the visitor centre and after a stretch of coast on a disused railway, and easy climb to Clarkly Hill which makes the most of the views over the Moray Firth.
Summary
Streets, good paths, gentle climb
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1. There is parking in Burghead either next to the campsite on the southwest side of the town or next to the harbour. If starting from the campsite car park head along the shore road to the harbour. From here walk around the edge of the harbour, which is often busy with fishing boats, and was designed and built by Thomas Telford in the 1800s. Follow the road to the north end of the harbour and once past the last building climb the gentle steps, turning left past the vehicle barrier before climbing the stone steps with the chain handrail. From the top of these steps there is a great view down over the harbour and the beach and dunes of Burghead Bay all the way to Findhorn.
2. At the top of the steps turn left and climb some narrow steps to the left of the end house. This leads to Burghead visitor centre located in the old tower where you can climb the steps for a better view. This is on the site of an ancient pictish fort. Go round the back of the white tower next to the handrail and follow the faint path inland joining a line of benches just to the left of a picnic field. From the final bench there are a few steps down to the street. From here you can detour ahead along King Street to visit an impressive ancient chambered well thought to be used for early Christian baptisms. Return to this spot and head left (if coming down the steps from the benches) downhill to the shore.
3. Turn right to pass the houses and keep going to pass the huge maltings plant owned by drinks giant Diageo. This, together with a similar plant nearby, provides much of the raw ingredient for spirits including whisky distilled nearby. Immediately after the factory keep left to join the old railway which follows the coast to Cummingston. Go through a gate and then the path passes through low cuttings and at other times the coast is visible. After going under the second bridge over the path take a sign to the left for the Clarkly Hill Circular. The path soon bends round to cross the railway line and head uphill to the road.
4. Turn left at the road and then immediately right to cross it and follow a track uphill. To the left Hopeman is visible. Before the top of the hill turn right following a sign to take a path between fields along a high ridge. From here there are good views over the Moray Firth, with the pointed peak of Morven in Caithness often visible, although the views ahead are a bit spoilt by the large masts. Half way along it is possible to take a short signed detour to the left through community woodland to the summit of Clarkly Hill, although the view is pretty similar to the one from the path.
5. Continue ahead on the path and then take a path on the left, signed for viewpoint, through a kissing gate and follow the sign uphill to a viewpoint indicator. From here take the track heading left, downhill which passes Clarkly Hill Cottages on the left and soon joins a road. Head right along the road until a junction with the cemetery opposite is reached.
6. Turn left and then soon take a right into Headland Rise. Follow this road until it meets the main road heading into Burghead. Turn right and follow the main road back to the start of the walk, taking the first left to reach the campsite car park or the third left to return to the harbour.
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