Rosemarkie beach and Hillockhead circuit

Summary

This circular walk has great variety. Starting with a sandy beach, it continues along a rough and rocky coastline. A steep climb gives fine views before the walk continues with country lanes and then a final descent through a lovely wooded glen, complete with waterfalls.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

The shoreline section of the walk cannot be completed for the hours around high tide (check tide times before setting out) and runs over tiring terrain - a mix of sand, rounded pebbles and rough boulders. Steep climb up path from coast; otherwise minor roads and footpaths.

Getting there

Start

Rosemarkie.

Public Transport

Bus service to Rosemarkie.

Start Grid Ref

NH736577

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.25km / 5.75 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 217m (Profile)

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Explorer 432 - Black Isle

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Walk Description

User reports (8)

Stage 1

Use either of the two car parks towards the northern end of Rosemarkie. The walk begins by heading down Mill Road which leads off the north end of the High Street, alongside one of the car parks; it soon runs down to the sea front. Once down to the front, turn left on an initially tarmac path which crosses a small bridge and heads through a picnic area and past a cafe behind the beach. At the end of the concrete path you can decide whether to continue along the beach, or take the signed path ('Cairds Cave') up the steps to instead follow a coast path amongst the trees.

Stage 2

The two options rejoin on the beach just before Cairds Cave, which is set well above the high tide line and reached by a small path. Though only a shallow cave - more of a rock shelter - but excavations have revealed a midden and that the cave was once inhabited. This may have also been the cave Dr William MacLean found pieces of worked bone in 1907-12, which were donated to the National Museum of Scotland. The cave was also used much more recently - with the Devine family camping here in the early 20th century.

Stage 3

From the cave the walk becomes much rougher, and is impassable at high tide as it runs along the shoreline. Pass between the blocky sea stacks and the cliffs of Scart Craig, before eventually reaching another sandy stretch.

Stage 4

A signpost ('Hillockhead') indicates where to leave the beach and turn left onto a path which soon begins climbing steeply with many steps, threading a route up to the top of the cliffs. Higher up the path swings left, then back right. Ignore a kissing gate giving access to the yurts, and instead continue ahead, keeping the fence to your left. When the fence turns left inland, keep following it; the path climbs through woodland. At another corner follow the sign indicating Ridge Path / Brown Hill; the path never strays far from the fence.

Stage 5

Continue along the fence past another kissing gate, turning another field corner and uphill away from the fence to the highest point, Brown Hill. From here a steep descent takes you down to a farm track.Turn right then right again near buildings at Hillockhead along the track leading back to the Eathie Road.

Stage 6

Turn left and follow this quiet country road for 2.5km until it reaches the main A832. Cross this carefully, bearing left briefly before turing right onto a footpath (signed 'Rosemarkie') into the Fairy Glen. This descends to reach a waterfall, crossing a bridge beneath it and then heading downstream.

Stage 7

At one point the path has a chain to ease the descent to a second waterfall. The burn is crossed and recrossed, and the path passes an old mill pond before leading back to Rosemarkie.

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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