Flagstone Trail & the Battery, Castletown

Summary

Caithness flagstones were once a major industry in this area and can be seen as field boundaries, roofing slates, and house building material everywhere locally. This route combines three short walks - the Flagstone Trail which explores this heritage, a walk along the coast above the wavecut flagstone pavement, and a small sculpture trail through the community woodland.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Well-prepared trail, coastal track, optional woodland section can be muddy.

Getting there

Start

Castletown Heritage Trail carpark near the old harbour.

Public Transport

Bus to Castletown.

Start Grid Ref

ND195685

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.75km / 2.25 miles
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Ascent: 25m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Park in the large car park signed from the centre of Castletown for the Heritage Trail; it is just before you get to the harbour. Begin through the gap in the flagstones on the seaward side of the car park, heading straight across the flag-lined track, to take the the path leading ahead towards the prominent stone tower - originally windmill which was used to power saws used to cut the stone before it was polished and hauled down to the harbour by horses using wagons running on tracks. Keep to the main path as there are hidden holes from the time that this was a thriving quarry and processing depot for the stone which was also exported from the harbour here.

Stage 2

By 1825 a hundred people were employed at the site of these derelict buildings with flagstone produced here being exported all over the world. By the end of the 1800's the number had risen to over 500 but production here ended about 80 years ago following the rise of cheaper concrete products. The path leads to a viewing platform overlooking the sea. The ruined house on the right was once lived in by pilots who guided vessels in and out of the harbour. Keep following the path through the ruins; it soon leads towards the harbour.

Stage 3

Follow the pathway past the seats to the edge of the harbour. The harbour is constructed from stones placed vertically to better withstand the impact from the sea. Although the harbour is no longer busy with boats, Caithness flagstone has revived as an industry - albeit on a small scale. Flagstone products such as fireplaces, kitchen worktops and pavements are proving popular once more. From the harbour head back along the road to the car park and the start of the walk. You can visit the heritage centre on the left side of the road to find out more.

Stage 4

Now take the singed track between the windmill and the car park - it is initially lined with flagstones. At the junction turn right to follow the track down to the coast. Continue along the main track which has good views over the water to Dunnet Head. At all but the highest tide the large wave cut platform of Caithness sandstone can be seen along the shore. The grassy lump on the left is all that remains of an iron-age broch.

Stage 5

Keep following the track, passing an old bunker. Soon afterwards the Victorian cannon battery is reached. The field in which it stands has livestock, so best avoided if you have a dog. Now return back along the track, with lovely views of Dunnet Bay ahead, until you almost reach the car park entrance again.

Stage 6

The final section of the walk can be muddy. Take the path leading out of the south west corner of the car park where there is a sign board about the community woodland and sculpture trail created in 1997 on the site of the old quarry where flagstone was first extracted in 1793. Follow the path to view the first sculpture. From here take the grassy path that veers left, then go right at a junction. Follow the path until you reach three carved Caithness flagstones depicting animals. Turn left here, passing another sculpture of a family group and then left again passing picnic tables to return to the car park.

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