Littleferry and Loch Fleet

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This walk explores the eastern part of the Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. It has fine views, a spacious sandy beach, Scots pine woodland and great opportunities for bird-watching.

Terrain

Minor road, paths and shoreline. The shore can be walked on a sandy beach for much of the way but at other times it crosses pebbles.

Public Transport

None to Littleferry but the walk could be joined from Golspie by following a path along the coastline. Bus/train at Golspie.

Start

Littleferry car park. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Unless joining the walk by heading along the coastal path from Golspie, Littleferry is the best place to park - there is a signed car parking area off to the left just before reaching the hamlet. From here take the grassy track down to the beach, then turn left to follow the grassy path beside the shores of the Loch Fleet estuary. Loch Fleet is a National Nature Reserve - a haven for wading birds as well as seals; the tide races through the narrows here at great speed at times. A couple of seats provide an opportunity for a rest; keep right by the shores to reach the corner where the coast turns north - from here, unless the tide is right in, the easiest walking is on the beach itself.

Stage 2

Follow the very wide sandy beach northwards. Do not venture too far out from the coast as the tides can be dangerous and cut off sections of the sands. Continue along the beach until the sands finally begin to turn to pebbles; from here the route continues along the coast just above the beach. The path is rough in places.

Stage 3

Continue along the coast, with grand views towards Golspie and Ben Bhraggie rising above, topped by the huge monument to the Duke of Sutherland. Eventually a carting track is visible over to the left; ignore the first track inland beyond this and take the second, which is a minor road (the coastal path from Golspie simply continues along the shore from here). Pass to the left of the static caravans, following the lane to the minor road from Golspie to Littleferry.

Stage 4

Turn left along the road, soon heading into the pine plantations. A marked footpath on the right is the start of the Balblair Wood and Loch Fleet walk - itself an excellent route and worth adding to this walk if you have the time. Otherwise, continue along the road. At one point, opposite a parking area, there are some seats over to the right looking inland across Loch Fleet. In addition to being a great spot for birdwatching, the views from here are excellent of the Scots pines reflected in the water.

Stage 5

After enjoying the views, continue along the road to return to Littleferry. Turn left to return to the car park - though many walkers will first want to detour to visit the pier at Littleferry itself. Loch Ferry was once crossed here by a steam ferry service across the narrows, though the tide really races through this gap at certain times of the day.

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