This unusual circuit around the Causeymire Windfarm gives you the chance to get up close and personal with the giant turbines as well as enjoying good views of Morven across the flat expanse of Dale Moss.
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Easy vehicle tracks throughout
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1. There is a parking area next to the entrance to the windfarm on the A9 just south of Spittal between Thurso and Latheronwheel. Here there is a map showing the route and the location of the turbines. Start by crossing the cattle grid and through a pedestrian gate and following the track across the flat ground that is also used for cattle grazing.
2. Built in 2004 this windfarm has 21 turbines, each capable of generating 2.3 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power over 1,200 homes each. The turbines are 60 metres in height to the hub and the blades are 40m in length. It is not until you pass the first one that you realise just how massive they are. Caithness, with twice the wind experienced in London, and much open grazing land, is a popular area with wind farm developers. There are 5 sites currently operational with another 14 either at planning application or consultation stage.
3. Follow the track and keep straight ahead where a track leaves to the left just after turbine number 5. Just before number 7 turn left and follow the track as it curves around. The view of conical-shaped Morven and the smaller Maiden Pap are clear straight ahead across the flat ground of Dale Moss. Turn left again just in front of number 14 turbine and keep following the track.
4. Keep following the straight track until it curves around at the bottom of the windfarm and returns to number 8 turbine. Turn right here to follow the track back to the parking area on the A9. Whilst the construction of these windfarms can contribute to the local economy, providing short term jobs, and longer term financial boosts to local community projects, there is no doubt that a growth in the number and scale of these sites will dramatically alter the landscape of the area. There is also concern that peat bogs are carbon-sinks or natural repositories, and the drying out caused by the construction of the access tracks could release more carbon than is saved.
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