Helmsdale Explorer

Summary

This circuit makes a very varied exploration of the environs of Helmsdale, taking in the harbour, a short coastal walk, a climb across the hillside overlooking the village, and finally a riverside stroll.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Paths throughout, from grassy and pebbly going by the shore. One section runs beside (and crosses) the busy A9 and care is needed; after that, the path rising behind Helmsdale is rough.

Public Transport

Helmsdale is well served by both buses and trains.

Start

Car parking at the west end of the Main Street in Helmsdale; above Timespan Heritage centre. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6km / 3.75 miles
Time: 2- 2.5 hours
Ascent: 130m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: ND026154

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

WARNING

Some of the Helmsdale riverbank got washed away in late 2023 storms, route passable here with care

If this information is out of date please email to let us know.

Stage 1

There is a parking area by the public toilets at the west end of Helmsdale's Main Street, part of the A897. There are views of the chapel and a large ice-house across the bridge to the southwest. Begin the walk by taking the road that heads downhill past the Spar shop, passing Timespan, Helmsdale's heritage centre which also houses a cafe. Follow the pavement downriver towards the sea, forking right onto a footpath which heads under the A9 flyover bridge.

Stage 2

The path emerges at Helmdale's attractive little harbour. Pass between the boats and the row of cottages, and at the far end of the harbour keep straight ahead. The tarmac lane passes a dilapidated factory building and a bench looking out to sea.

Stage 3

Turn right onto the coastal footpath before the lane reaches a bungalow. The path heads round the coast, soon passing another bench. As the path rounds the corner of Sròn a'Chrochair, there are good views of the cliffs further up the coast.

Stage 4

The going is a little rough as the route rounds the back of the pebbly bay beyond. Continue around the bay, crossing a small stream at its far end, to eventually reach the ruins of a house. From here, turn sharp left up a path (signed Navidale) climbing away from the coast, turning left when it reaches a grassy track.

Stage 5

When the track reaches a gate just short of a steading, don't go through the gate but instead keep to the narrow path to the left which runs alongside the fence. Turn left onto the lane at the white cottage; just beyond here it is worth detouring to the left to visit the cemetery with its great views out to sea; in very clear weather you might be able to spot oil rigs far out across the water. Continue up the lane which leads to a newly built section of the A9. This new road has rather demolished the next section of the walk, so turn left just before reaching the A9 and keep to the grassy verges. Just before reaching the new roundabout, carefully cross the A9 to join the path on the far side. Then cross the old route of the A9 which also runs out from the roundabout before continuing towards Helmsdale on the cycle path.

Stage 6

The cycleway soon ends and it is best to cross the A9 once more to follow the pavement on the other side. After around 400 metres, after passing a whitewashed cottage, cross over again to head up a tarmac lane on the far side. This climbs across the hillside. After passing a house and just as the track looks like it will head downhill, turn right up a flight of concrete steps. These are the start of a grassy path heading uphill through the gorse.

Stage 7

Continue on the path, which bends right and climbs up to the level of the pylons before turning left and leading more across the slope. Eventually it reaches a flagpole and a bench with an excellent view down over Helmsdale. The path continues round the hillside and eventually begins to descend, with some great views up the Strath of Kildonan.

Stage 8

Follow the path down to reach the road up the Strath. Briefly turn right up this passing two blocks of houses and then turning left onto a track between that block and the next. Keep straight on through the parking area and then bear right onto a path, then turning left almost immediately downhill to the river. Follow the river downstream to return to Helmsdale, eventually reaching a picnic area. A set of steps at the back of this leads back to the car park at the start.

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