Whiteness Point and the 'Secret Beach', Nairn

Summary

Whiteness Point is a long sandy spit that extends for several miles west of Nairn. A habitat of seals, it gives a bracing walk with views across the Moray Firth to the Black Isle and far beyond. The so-called (on social media) 'Secret Beach' is visited along the way.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Paths and tracks inland; optional beach return - AT LOW TIDE ONLY - is mix of rock and sand.

Getting there

Start

Nairn Beach car park.

Public Transport

Bus or train to Nairn.

Start Grid Ref

NH883569

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.8km / 9.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 25m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 422 - Nairn

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

Park at the beach car park in Nairn, at the end of Cumming Street off Marine Road. Begin by heading towards the sea, then turning left along the promenade path. The beach has been a strong attraction even before Nairn's development as a Victorian resort; visitors came from the hills to bathe in the Lammas tide which was said to have healing properties. The Victorians themselves used horse-drawn bathing machines; a wooden 'beach hut' would be towed out into the water to allow the prudish bather to go straight from hut to water unseen.

Stage 2

The walk to Whiteness can either be completed all along the beach - if the tide is low - or using an inland route. We describe the inland way for the outward route and assume a return along the beach, but you may want to switch depending on the tide times. Head through the gateway into the golf course car park, passing to the right of the golf course clubhouse, and continue between the course and sea. The route is along the edge of the golf course - so please be courteous and give way to golfers looking to play a shot.

Stage 3

Continue along the edge of the golf course, with the sea on your right, eventually leaving the course at the far end through a gate. A path continues ahead here but can be overgrown by gorse - instead turn left, on a path with the golf course fence on your left, heading inland. The path doglegs right and back left to keep by the fence, with views of an old stone ice house. Shortly after this a path junction is reached - turn right here, on a path that leads across rough grassland and gorse.

Stage 4

Eventually the path reaches a gate on your left (where there is an informal parking area beyond the farm at Hilton of Delnies). Ignore the gate and instead join the grassy track which swerves to the right. At another junction a path goes off right to the Secret Beach (you can detour or visit on the return), whilst the walk continues along the grassy track.

Stage 5

When the track forks again, keep right, keeping to the grass and gorse-covered land just behind the pebble beach. Eventually the route leads to a restored fishing bothy (now a private holiday cottage). Off to the left is is Ardersier Port used to service the off-shore windfarm industry, whilst to the right is the pebble (and sand, if the tide is out) beach.

Stage 6

You can continue along the pebble beach as far as you wish; eventually it becomes a spit sticking out into the Moray Firth. This can be a good place to spot dolphins from and seals sometimes haul out here or can be seen in the water. Turn around when you've had enough; you can either return along the same route, or all the way along the beach if the tide allows.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Forres & Nairn Hotels

Forres & Nairn B&B

Forres & Nairn cottages

Moray hostels

Glamping and Camping

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?