This enjoyable ramble from Nairn explores both banks of the river, from the harbour where it flows into the sea up to the countryside above the town, returning via the High Street.
Summary
Good paths and pavements throughout.
Terrain
Users'
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1. This walk can be picked up from anywhere in Nairn as it passes down the main street. The most convenient start for those arriving by car is at The Maggot car park on the east side of the river, follow the signs for Lochloy Holiday Park. From here, the walk begins by following the surfaced path upstream on the near side of the river Nairn. Originally the Maggot was a boggy creek where boats were moored, before construction of the harbour, but it was drained in the 1960s. Soon, Merryton bridge is passed on the right; do not cross this but continue upstream.
2. The path soon passes under the bridge which carries the busy A96; keep right as it emerges onto a cycleway beyond - part of National Cycle Route 1. A short distance further the route heads under a much higher, graceful bridge - this one carries the railway line. A short distance beyond is Jubilee bridge - intended only for those on foot or cycle; do not cross but continue up the near side of the River Nairn. Then fork right, leaving the cycleway and passing over a concrete bridge over a tributary stream - signposted for Riverside Path to Cawdor.
3. The path now runs through pretty, deciduous woodland with the waters of the Nairn never far from view on the right. Cross another tributary bridge and then reach a wooden bench overlooking a curve in the river which provides the ideal opportunity for a rest. Continuing the walk, a signed junction is reached by yet another footbridge - Firhall bridge. Following the sign for Nairn, cross this strange, concrete structure, with steps at each end and a narrow footway. On the far side turn right again, signed for the Town Centre. The path now heads back downstream on the other side.
4. Pass the Brooman Well, a memorial to a stonemason, and fork right to keep close to the river when the route reaches a football pitch. Do not cross Jubilee Bridge (unless you wish to avoid the centre of Nairn), instead continuing straight ahead and passing under the high railway bridge once more. The path then runs beside a cemetery; for many years this site was Nairn's main place of worship. At the far corner turn left up a tarmac lane, soon swinging back right up Church Road. At the t-junction, turn right and then follow the road to Nairn High Street; turn right along it. There are some fine buildings, most notably the court with its castellated clock tower.
5. Continue straight ahead down the high street until it meets the A96. Go straight across here (busy road - great care needed), signed for the harbour. This part of Nairn has much smaller old houses and is known as Fishertown. Just past the Brackla Hotel turn right down a lane to return to banks of the River Nairn.
6. Now turn left and follow the path downstream. At one point you have to dog-leg left to get on the left side of a low flood protection wall. Just beyond is the dock, these days busy with pleasure boats. If you turn left from the dock then you'll reach Central Beach, Nairn's main waterfront. However to return to the start of the walk turn right instead, crossing the old bailey Harbour bridge - now happily for pedestrians only. The Maggot car park is just on the far side.
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