Explore the Loch of Funzie RSPB reserve - famed for its red-necked phalaropes - before walking the clifftops around Funzie Ness to pass an impressive sea arch on a wild stretch of coastline.
Bog Factor
Minor road, coastal walking, pathless and boggy in places, stiles over all fences.
Loch of Funzie car park.
None to start.
HU652899
Start from the car park on the B9088 at the Loch of Funzie (pronounced "finnie") where there is an information board and geowall showing the rare conglomerate rocks that have been stretched and compressed over millions of years. Begin by walking east along the road passing the loch which is home to the rare red-necked phalarope from late May to late July, red-throated divers also live on the loch and you may also spot or hear whimbrels in this area. If you want to spend longer birdwatching a path on the right leads to the RSPB hide overlooking Funzie mire. Otherwise stay on the road passing a cattlegrid.
Keep on the main road ignoring the left turn to Everland and soon descend towards Funzie Bay. At the bottom of the hill leave the road to follow the left side of stream down towards the bay. Turn right to cross the footbridge (signed Snap Walk) and stay on the seaward side of the fence at first before crossing a stile and walking towards the house. Go through the gate and keep to the left side of the house before picking up a path which climbs up the grassy cliff.
The route climbs steeply, sticking close to the cliff top, with good views opening up to Funzie Bay behind. At the high point aim for a stile over a stone wall and stay on the right side of the fence for a short distance until a stile, climb this and continue on a narrow path traversing the slope above the cliffs. Soon an impressive array of sea features are passed including the sharp-edged Furra Stacks after going through a gate in a fence.
Continue around the coast passing a couple of geos and the headland of Busta. Descend staying close to the cliff edge to reach a spectacular sea arch on way to the headland of the Snap. After rounding the headland follow a faint grassy path along the coast where arctic terns can sometimes spotted as they nest in banks in this area.
Round the end of a fenced deep and narrow inlet before aiming for the back of another geo and a stile. From here cross the very boggy ground at the back of Geo of Litaland to eventually reach another stile as you continue along the coast.
Otter spraint can often be seen near the shore here and the sea is popular with eider ducks. Go over another stile and continue towards Aith. Eventually round a stone wall on the seaward side and cross two stiles before heading towards the cottage at Aithbank which is now a camping bod. Veer left downhill as you approach the cottage to pass in front of its garden to reach the road. Turn right to follow the road uphill noting the line of planticrubs, circular stone shelters used for growing plants, particularly kale. The road soon returns to the car park at the start.
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