Littleferry and Loch Fleet

Summary

This walk explores the eastern part of the Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. It has fine views, a spacious sandy beach, Scots pine woodland and great opportunities for bird-watching.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Minor road, paths and shoreline. The shore can be walked on a sandy beach for much of the way but at other times it crosses pebbles; there's also a rough path in the dunes.

Getting there

Start

Littleferry car park.

Public Transport

None to Littleferry but the walk could be joined from Golspie by following a path along the coastline. Bus/train at Golspie.

Start Grid Ref

NH806957

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.25 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 15m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

There is a signed car parking area off to the left just before reaching the hamlet of Littleferry. From here take the path past the picnic tables to the beach, then turn left to follow the grassy path beside the shores of the Loch Fleet estuary. Loch Fleet is a National Nature Reserve - a haven for wading birds as well as seals; the tide races through the narrows here at great speed at times. A couple of seats provide an opportunity for a rest; keep right by the shores to reach the corner where the coast turns north - from here, unless the tide is right in, the easiest walking is on the beach itself.

Stage 2

Follow the very wide sandy beach northwards. Do not venture too far out from the coast as the tides can be dangerous and cut off sections of the sands. Continue along the beach until the sands finally begin to turn to pebbles; from here you can continue on the pebbles (if tide permits) or rough going just above the shore. There's a better path further back from the coast if needed.

Stage 3

There are grand views along the coast towards Golspie and Ben Bhraggie rising above, topped by the huge monument to the Duke of Sutherland. Eventually a karting track is visible over to the left; head up onto the stony bank above the coast. Continue along the top of this embarkment until the end of the karting track and the start of the campsite. Here head inland along a track and tarmac lane (the coastal path from Golspie simply continues along the shore from here). Pass to the left of the static caravans, following the lane to the minor road from Golspie to Littleferry. Turn left here; there's a path running parallel to the road on the far side to keep you off the tarmac; it soon passes through woodland.

Stage 4

A marked footpath on the right is the start of the Balblair Wood and Loch Fleet walk - itself an excellent route and worth adding to this walk if you have the time. Otherwise, continue ahead, now along the road. At one point, opposite a parking area, there are some seats over to the right looking inland across Loch Fleet. In addition to being a great spot for birdwatching, the views from here are excellent of the Scots pines reflected in the water.

Stage 5

After enjoying the views, continue along the road to return to Littleferry. Turn left to return to the car park - though many walkers will first want to detour to visit the pier at Littleferry itself. Loch Ferry was once crossed here by a steam ferry service across the narrows, though the tide really races through this gap at certain times of the day.

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