North Kessock and Kilmuir circuit

Summary

This scenic circuit is just over the Kessock bridge from the Highland capital, Inverness. It runs along an attractive shortline to reach the hidden hamlet of Kilmuir before returning along the flanks of Ord Hill.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Mostly good paths and minor road, but one section is tidal - impassable at high tide. This part runs along a rocky shoreline, slippery with seaweed.

Getting there

Start

Parking area off northbound A9 at North Kessock.

Public Transport

Bus to North Kessock.

Start Grid Ref

NH654479

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 242m (Profile)

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Explorer 432 - Black Isle

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Park in the large car park off the A9 just north of the Kessock Bridge; it is only accessible when driving northbound. There are public toilets, and a bakery / takeaway here. Begin the walk from the signpost for North Kessock, heading down a long flight of steps to emerge on the waterfront of the village, with views across the Beauly Firth to Inverness.

Stage 2

Turn left along the front, passing the shop and houses. As the route approaches the Kessock Bridge there's a junction - turn right, passing the coastguard building and under the bridge.

Stage 3

The tarmac lane now continues close by the water, between it and the beautiful woodland; this section is a delight. When the track reaches the entrance to the gardens of the house at Croft Downie, turn left, and then right at a track t-junction. The track passes above Croft Downie and then below a more modern house.

Stage 4

A short distance further on the track reaches a gate and another private garden. A sign indicates for you to turn right here, heading down to the shoreline. The next section of the walk is submerged at high tide, but at other times continues along the shore. Underfoot is very rocky and rough and care is needed with slippery seaweed.

Stage 5

After passing a large house the minor road through the hamlet of Kilmuir is reached; follow this past the attractive cottages. There's a seat at the far end of the houses, from which to enjoy this beautiful and secluded hamlet.

Stage 6

Continue along the road, which now leads slightly inland. Soon the road (and our walk) turns left, but it's worth a short detour ahead on the track to visit the kirkyard and ruins of St Mary's Church. Back on the road, follow it as it leads inland. After around 1km the John o\' Groats Trail' route goes off on the right. Ignore this and continue further along the road, where you turn left onto a signed grassy track (also JOGT), passing through a gate.

Stage 7

Turn right after passing through the gate, following an often muddy track and the JOGT signs. Eventually the houses at Craigbeck Farm are passed (on your right); at the junction here turn left on a path between fields towards the woods. Go through a gate to reach the broad and well made path beyond, then turn left along this. The route now contours around the slopes of Ord Hill, eventually giving views down over Kilmuir and the Firth once more. At a signposted junction continue along the main track (the path left leads back down to Kilmuir). Ignore a further path off to the right (that leads up to Ord Hill itself).

Stage 8

At another junction with steps on the right and a JOGT sign indicating a path downhill to the left, turn left along the JOGT. The path leads down to soon reach a t-junction; turn right here along the main path. It leads down through woods, passing an old forestry sign. At a crosspaths, turn left and then right to emerge on the A9 at a point marked for pedestrians to cross (with a refuge in the middle). If you miss the turn and end up in the car park on the north side of the A9, you can turn left along the grass verge to reach the same point. Cross the road with great care to return to the car park at the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Dingwall and Black Isle Hotels

Dingwall and Black Isle B&B

Dingwall and Black Isle cottages

Loch Ness hostels

Glamping and Camping

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