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 with great views over the village, and finally a riverside stroll.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Paths throughout. One section runs beside (and crosses) the busy A9 and care is needed. The riverside path is a little rough.

Getting there

Start

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

Public Transport

Helmsdale is well served by both buses and trains.

Start Grid Ref

ND026154

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.8km / 3.5 miles
Time: 2- 2.5 hours
Ascent: 160m (Profile)

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Explorer 444 - Helmsdale

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

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, passing under the A9 flyover bridge.

Stage 2

The route emerges at Helmdale's attractive little harbour. Pass between the boats and the row of cottages to your left, and at the far end of the harbour keep straight ahead, signed for Lobster Ponds and Navidale; the next part of the route is shared with the John o' Groats Trail. The tarmac lane passes a wood-clad house.

Stage 3

Eventually the lane approaches a bungalow - turn right onto the signed coastal footpath just before reaching it. The path continues round the coast. As it rounds the corner of Sròn a'Chrochair, there are good views of the cliffs further north.

Stage 4

The path is a little rough as the route rounds the back of the pebbly bay beyond. Continue around the bay, using a footbridge to cross a burn at the 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 (the John o' Groats trail goes off right here). Soon the path leads to the left of the fence, parallel to the track; it's a little rough here. Then the path remerges on the track - turn left again along it.

Stage 5

Shortly after this 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. The walk continues up the lane which leads to the A9. Turn left just before reaching it to keep to the grassy verge, climbing up to continue on the left side of the road barriers. Just before reaching a roundabout carefully cross the A9 to join the path on the far side. Then cross another road - the old route of the A9 which also runs out from the roundabout - before continuing towards Helmsdale on the cycle path on the far side. The cycleway soon ends and it is best to cross the A9 once more to follow the pavement on the other side.

Stage 6

After around 400m, after a whitewashed cottage, cross back 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 heads downhill leave it and turn right up a flight of concrete steps - signed for Helmsdale Rock. Above the steps a grassy path continues uphill through the gorse. Continue on the path, which bends right uphill and then later back left, leading across the slope. Eventually it reaches a flagpole and a bench with an excellent view down over Helmsdale.

Stage 7

The path continues round the hillside and eventually begins to descend, with some great views up the Strath of Kildonan. When a stone ruin is reached turn left to head more directly downhill.

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 third. Bear right in the parking area onto a path, then turn left almost immediately downhill on a narrow path that slopes down to the river. Follow the river downstream to return to Helmsdale. The path is a little rough at first but soon joins a constructed path, passing St John's Well. Keep by the river, ignoring paths up left, 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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