This excellent walk follows the coastline between Brora and Golspie; make use of the train for the return leg of the journey. The route has lots of interest including tiny harbours, sandy beaches, a well-preserved iron-age broch and Dunrobin Castle, the grandest house in the Highlands.
Summary
Decent path along the coastline, mostly on dunes and field edges.
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1. For the best views, do this walk heading southwards. Trains are fairly infrequent so it may be best to catch a train from Golspie to Brora first and then to walk back. From Brora train station, turn left along the main A9. Cross the bridge over the River Brora with the clocktower memorial in view ahead, but on the far side immediately turn left, following a lane back under the railway. Beyond this follow the path down the steps on the left alongside the river. The path passes an old ice-house to reach Brora harbour with its few tiny boats and lobster pots. At the far end of the harbour follow the ramp back up to the road and then turn left to keep to the road nearest the shore. Turn left again past a white bungalow to reach Brora beach car park.
2. Brora has some good short stretches of sandy beach; perhaps the best is on the other side of the river. There is a signpost here for the path to Golspie; begin along the track which keeps just to the left of the fenced old portakabins. Beyond these the walk continues, either on a dune path keeping just left of the fence, or on the beach itself. Look out for bird-life on this stretch; oystercatchers can often be seen strolling amidst the surf.
3. After a little over two kilometres of coastline the dune path descends roughly onto the beach, just short of the Sputie Burn. The burn here falls onto the shore in an attractive waterfall; cross it on the beach and then either take the path up the other side of the fall (turning left once back on top) or continue along the beach. Either way, the path ends up back on the beach and passes beneath an eroded rock with a low cave underneath. Further on, go through the kissing gate and continue, passing just to the right of a dilapidated corrugated iron shed filled with old tyres.
4. The old ruin visible ahead is Dun Liath broch. Follow the track passing just beneath the fence enclosing this and then turn right up to the track to visit it. This well-preserved iron-age structure dates back two thousand years. Walk round to the far side to reach the entrance and visit the inside of the broch. The double stone wall encloses a watchroom on the right whilst post holes suggest that the internal circular space may once have had a wooden structure and roof. At the far side is a staircase which still leads up onto the top of the walls. It is through that brochs may have provided temporary refuge for families during times of raids. From the broch, return to the track along the flat grassy foreshore.
5. There is an alternative path in the Baile na Cloiche woodland but it is quite overgrown and it is probably best to stick to the grassy shore. A couple of muddy streams are crossed before the foreshore track heads through a gate into mature woodland. At the signposted junction, keep straight ahead on the track signed for Brora. It soon comes alongside a fine stonebuilt wall and then passes some attractive estate cottages. The route continues along the shore in front of the gardens of the amazing Dunrobin Castle. This huge house, the biggest in the northern Highlands with 189 rooms, is the ancestral home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, some of whom were notorious for their role in the Highland Clearances. Parts date back to the 1300s although most of the current castle was built in Victorian times by Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament. Today it is a major visitor attraction.
6. Continue along the shoreline track. After a further kilometre head through a wooden gate and across a grassy field towards an attractive cottage. Pass through another gate to reach a footbridge over the Big Burn by some beautiful old estate cottages in a picturesque corner of Golspie. Continue along the road past the old Architect's Office and the Estate Offices to reach the A9, then turn left along Golspie's main street. The railway station is at the far end of the town.
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