John o'Groats Trail: Golspie to Brora

Summary

Running along the coastline from Golspie to Brora, this stage of the John o' Groats Trail is somewhat shorter and less rough than other sections in Sutherland or Caithness. It has plenty of interest passing the magnificent Dunrobin Castle and the well-preserved Dun Liath broch; views are good throughout.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good paths to beyond Dunrobin, then becoming rougher; grassy paths and some shoreline walking.

Public Transport

Golspie and Brora are both linked by buses and have rail stations.

Start

Golspie. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 10km / 6.25 miles
Time: 3 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 35m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH832999

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

From the centre of Golspie, start by heading ENE along the High Street, before forking right onto Duke Street, which has some beautiful old estate buildings. At the far end cross the footbridge to the left of the ford, then head through the gate to the left of the cottage onto open grassland with the sea ahead. Ignore a path forking off to the right, keeping ahead to another gate. Soon the path comes alongside the shoreline and continues by the sea.

Stage 2

Soon the spectacular Dunrobin Castle comes into view. This huge house, the biggest in the northern Highlands with 189 rooms, is the ancestral home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, some of whom were notorious for their role in the Highland Clearances. Parts date back to the 1300s although most of the current castle was built in Victorian times by Charles Barry, who also designed the Houses of Parliament. Today it is a major visitor attraction. Continue along the path, briefly passing through some bushes, to follow the seafront track between Dunrobin Castle gardens and the sea; ignore branches off to the left.

Stage 3

When the wide track swings left at the edge of the woods ('Private' sign), leave it by keeping right on the path on the inland side of the seawall. This soon leads through some beautiful deciduous woodland. At a path junction keep straight ahead (signed 'Brora'). Pass through a gate into open grassland and continue across this close by the shore, passing through two more gates.

Stage 4

The old ruin visible up to the left is Dun Liath broch; it is well worth visiting and can be reached by a short detour; head across the grass to reach the track which climbs up to its left. This well-preserved iron-age structure dates back two thousand years. Walk round to the far side to reach the entrance and visit the inside of the broch. The double stone wall encloses a watchroom on the right whilst post holes suggest that the internal circular space may once have had a wooden structure and roof. At the far side is a staircase which still leads up onto the top of the walls. It is thought that brochs may have provided temporary refuge for families during times of raids. From the broch, return to the route along the grassy foreshore.

Stage 5

The path passes through a gate to the left of a dilapidated old iron shed right by the sea. When a shoreline fence starts, it is better to walk on the seaward side of it at first, at one point passing below a white cliff. After the cliff you can either continue on the pebbly shore or take a path that rises to the left a little and runs through a hidden valley.

Stage 6

If you take the higher path, head back down to the shore when it reaches a fine waterfall; there is a deep pool here but it's usually possible to cross on the shore. In spate conditions there is a bridge above the waterfall, but heading back down to the shore after crossing that may involve negotiating a couple of electric fences off to the right up a track marked 'Croft access', so its usually easier to keep down by the sea.

Stage 7

Soon there is a grassy path just above the shore once more. As you continue the going becomes rough on the seaward side of the fence, with easier walking on the inland side. If walking on this side, continue through the fields until a gate (where there is a large shed building to the left); go through the gate and then keep right by the fence enclosing the copse of conifers to reach a crossing point back to get you back the seaward side. Now continue on the seaward side of the fence; further on the route keeps to the right of a high fence enclosing an old World War II radio intercept station.

Stage 8

Beyond this Brora beach car park is reached. Join the tarmac road, keeping straight ahead where Salt Street joins in from the left. When you are above the harbour you can bear right down to reach it. From here a path continues upstream beside the Brora river, passing a huge old ice house. It then climbs up and joins a road to pass under the railway and meet the main A9 in the centre of Brora.

Next stage : Brora to Helmsdale

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