Whiteness Point from Nairn

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.

Terrain

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

Public Transport

Bus or train to Nairn

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Start

Nairn Central Beach car park, beside Leisure Centre. Map and directions.

grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 16.5km/10.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 25m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NH877570

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 422 - Nairn
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the car park by the main beach in Nairn, at the end of Marine Road Central and next to the Leisure Centre. The beach here 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. Begin the walk by following the coastal walk to the left - signed as 'Promenade Walk'.

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. A green signpost indicates the 'Delnies Circular path' (partly followed by this walk) turning inland along Seabank Road. However it is more pleasant to continue along the front, passing the golf course clubhouse, and briefly between course and sea before a marked route turns sharp left. It cuts across a couple of holes on the golf course so please be courteous and give way to golfers looking to play a shot. The path leads onto Altonburn Road; turn right along this and pass all the houses and an old hotel.

Stage 3

At the end of the road - by the golf course gates - turn left and then right to follow the Delnies Path along the field-edges on the inland side of the golf course. Follow the path left and then right, continuing ahead to pass Easter Delnies farm. At the farmhouse fork slightly right downhill to follow a track when bends right, passing the entrance to a house and continues to the hedge at the far end of the field. At the hedge turn left and follow the track, with good views across the golf course on the right towards distant Ben Wyvis. The track eventually becomes a path across rough grassland and gorse.

Stage 4

Follow the path which eventually crosses a footbridge. It becomes a track and reaches a junction (where a track on the left leads off to the farm at Hilton of Delnies). Continue ahead, ignoring a path and track to the right, go through a gateway and continue on the track through gorse bushes and across a flat area. The track soon reaches the edge of the pebble embankment next to the shore and here you have a choice. Either continue along the track which follows a fence and after passing a restored bothy the path peters out and it is necessary to join the shore, or head across the pebbles to the shoreline and turn left.

Stage 5

Depending on the state of the tide it is often possible to walk on sand below the pebbles - this is a good place to spot sea birds that hunt for creatures living on the tide line. The semi-restored bothy can be seen on the left, opposite it is the deep water inlet and industrial site once used for large construction projects there are now plans for the development of a marina and housing on the far side.

Stage 6

Continue along the beach as 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 at the headland and return along the same route with the option of taking the inland track for the first part (look out for the very low lying trig point) or returning all the way on the beach if the tide allows.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.