Castle Sinclair Girnigoe and Noss Head

This varied circuit takes in the dramatic cliffs between Staxigoe and Noss Head and then visits Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, and then returns on minor roads through farmland. Can also be walked as a linear walk if transport is arranged from Noss Head.

Terrain

Rough coastal walking above unprotected high cliffs, boggy in places, the section to the Castle is on a clear, sometimes wet, track, and the final section is on minor roads through farmland.

Public Transport

Bus to Staxigoe; or it is possible to walk from Wick on a footpath round North Head.

Start

Staxigoe. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 9km / 5.75 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 84m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: ND384525

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is limited parking in Staxigoe, which has its own harbour a couple of miles from Wick. The walk could easily be extended by starting from Wick, either following the road or the longer coastal route around North Head. From Staxigoe, follow the lane northwards towards the obvious field of Noss farm. Pass through the farmyard and continue on the track to the field beyond. Go through the gate and follow the coastal fence along the right hand edge of the field.

Stage 2

A stile over the fence gives access to the clifftop; it is possible to walk on the seaward side of the fence from here but great care is needed as the path is both rough and very narrow with an unprotected drop on the right. Alternatively you could stay on the landward side of the fence, walking along the very edge of a ploughed field; at the far end of this you would have to step over the barbed wire fence. The lighthouse of Noss Head is clearly visible though it is a little further than it seems.

Stage 3

The route now continues across the rough and open pastureland with low but intricate and fascinating cliff scenery on the right. There are several small sea-stacks cut adrift from the land whilst a series of very small burns have to be crossed with boggy going in places. Two large geos (marked at Scholl on the OS map) force the route a little further inland. The huge stone wall enclosing the lighthouse area is now seen ahead; aim for the obvious gate that gives access through it. Once through the gate continue towards the Lighthouse, passing through another gate in a fence to join the road to the lighthouse 100m south of the buildings.

Stage 4

Noss Head lighthouse is today the library for Clan Sinclair, though entry is by appointment only. Go straight across the tarred access road to pass through a gate on the other side. Aim left of the lochan - with the best view of Noss Head lighthouse - to reach a stile / makeshift gate in the next stone wall.

Stage 5

The route is now along the coastal cliffs once more, passing the back of two deep geos before reaching a track, and turning right along this to reach the ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. The castle is perched on a small sandstone stack between two geos; it has been undergoing restoration on and off for some years, and you may or may not be able to go inside across the drawbridge.

Stage 6

There are excellent views of the castle from the path which can be followed a little way further along the coast to view more sea stacks and the castle. Return along the castle access track, following this back to the Noss Head road and then turn right to head inland. This minor road goes through flat farmland, and passes some cottages and then the entrance to Noss Farm on the right. At the crossroads with Wick airport straight ahead, turn left. Follow the road until a sharp left bend brings you to the outskirts of Staxigoe. Follow this road through the houses to the harbour and the start point for the walk.

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