Cromarty explorer

Cromarty boasts a remarkable range of fascinating historic buildings and enjoys a beautiful shoreside setting. This walk climbs through woodland to the South Sutor viewpoint for fine views over the Cromarty Firth before heading back to explore the narrow streets of the town, taking in Hugh Miller's cottage, an ancient church, lighthouse, harbour, interesting shops and cafes.

Terrain

Steep climb on good path to Sutor viewpoint, then streets with pavements in Cromarty.

Public Transport

Bus to Cromarty.

Start

Car park on sea front at Cromarty. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.5km / 4 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 139m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH789676

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 1

From the car park walk east (to the right as you face the sea from the car park) along the Cromarty shore passing the pretty lanes of cottages. At the end of Shore Street, keep heading east (signed South Sutor Viewpoint), follow a short dog leg inland along Miller Road for a short distance before reaching Clunes House on the left. Here turn left following a path signed for South Sutor. The path soon reaches the shore where you turn right following a sign for Cromarty circular walk. The path follows the shore for some distance giving good views over the Cromarty Firth, watch out for dolpins or oil rigs which are serviced at nearby Invergordon.

Stage 2

Keep on the coast path, passing a single house which disguises the town's sewage station and keep following the sign for South Sutor. The path now begins to climb up through woodland via a series of steps some of which are quite steep. The path briefly stops climbing amid some large beech trees and reaches a T junction, turn left here and very soon keep an eye out for the climbing path which continues to the right up some steps. Take care not to miss this path. The path climbs past an old well and the remains of a second world war pill box before curving round the headland providing some lovely views. Eventually you climb up some final steps and emerge out of the woodland at the viewpoint.

Stage 3

Turn right to head along the road until just before Cromarty Mains Farm where you take the right hand turn downhill passing The Stables arts venue and then Cromarty House on the left. After passing the bowling green and an impressive ochre coloured house you return to Miller Road. At the corner with the Brewery (restored by the Cromarty Arts Trust and now a training centre) turn left onto Burnside Place (signed Hugh Miller's Cottage) and follow the street round to the right passing the beautifully restored East Church (made famous by TV's Restoration and worth a visit for the painted pews and simple interior) which is over 700 years old.

Stage 4

Continuing along Church Street you may want to detour to the left up The Paye to see Hugh Miller's memorial. To do this, head uphill and then branch right onto a footpath and take the next left to reach the high pillar - return to Church Street by the same route and continue to the left. Soon the thatched cottage where the geologist Hugh Miller lived is reached. Born here in 1802, Hugh Miller was self taught and published books on geology, fossils and nature as well as being an evangelical Christian. The house and next door museum are open to the public and well worth a visit.

Stage 5

Just along the street is the impressive courthouse. Built in 1773 it houses a museum (open summer only) about the historic buildings of Cromarty as well as the restored courtroom and audio-visual display. Continuing along the street is the Hugh Miller institute built from the distinctive local sandstone. Turn left at the T junction with High Street (both the cafe and antique shop on either side of the road are recommended) and after passing a gift shop turn right along Bank Street and follow it all the way to the waterside.

Stage 6

Pass the Sutor Creek cafe/bistro and turn right to pass the harbour. Trips to spot the local bottlenose dolphins can be taken here and the harbour is also home to a number of small creel and fishing boats as well as the seasonal ferry which crosses to Nigg in the summer. Just before the ferry slipway is reached turn right onto a track passing recycling bins. The Cromarty lighthouse can be seen up to the right. Follow the track then grassy path back to the car park at the start.

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