This lovely headland has excellent views across to Orkney and numerous stacks and geos on its coastline which also has the remains of a defensive fort. The second part of this walk visits Scotland's Haven, a natural harbour which is cut off from the rest of the sea at very low tide.
Summary
Rough and boggy paths with high cliffs in places, paths easy to follow.
Terrain
Bend in the road near the Tea Cosy cafe just off A836, east of East Mey.
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
Bus from Thurso and John o'Groats, alight at road end for East Mey, 0.5 km from start
of walk.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. There should be space for a couple of cars on the bend in the road next to the gate at the start of the walk - take care not to block the gate. Apart from the winter months it may be possible to park at the Tea Cosy if you stop for a cuppa before or after your walk. Go through the gate and almost immediately bear left to head downhill on a faint track which can be boggy in places. The islands of Stroma and Hoy can be seen to the right and straight ahead respectively.
2. The track reaches a farm gate, go through this and continue downhill on the clear grassy track. As the path narrows and the headland gets nearer, climb up to pass a large stone wall. This is the remains of a fort built here to defend the headland from attack. To the right a jetty can be seen and an old winch from when this bay was used to land herring.
3. Continue out to the end of St John's Point, there are a number of geos (inlets made by the sea) and the Men of Mey, a series of sea stacks. The tidal race between here and Orkney can often be seen producing raging seas at the end of the headland. Return inland and after the fort wall continue following the coast on a faint path. There are good views towards John o'Groats.
4. Once a stream is reached turn right heading inland, keeping the gorse bushes on your left and following a faint path until the main track is reached. Turn left up this to pass through the gate and almost return to the start point. Just before the first gate is reached bear left on the other path and follow it across heather moorland to Scotland's Haven.
5. This natural harbour is cut off at very low tide and makes a lovely resting spot with good views over the Pentland Firth to Orkney. The large expanse of visible sky here mean you can often see the weather coming and the sky and sea are always changing. Once you have explored Scotland's Haven retrace your steps to the start point near the Tea Cosy.
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