This short loop links the pier and the jetty at the old fishing and crofting village of Portskerra by means of a coastal path, returning via minor roads. The walk visits the Drownings Memorial which commemorates those who died in three separate tragedies here.
Grassy coastal path, tarmac lanes.
Melvich / Portskerra is served by buses between Thurso and Bettyhill.
Drownings Memorial car park near Portskerra pier.
The walk starts from the Drownings Memorial car park; take the minor road into Portskerra, keep right at the fork, and then the car park is down the road to the pier which is signed on the right hand side. From the parking area there are steps up to the memorial overlooking Melvaig bay; it commemorates the lives of 26 local fishermen lost in three separate accidents off the coast here. An information board relates a verse on the drownings by a celebrated local poet. Begin the walk by heading back up the road very briefly, then turning right at a footpath signpost for Portskerra Jetty.
The mostly grassy path crosses a small footbridge and then continues an undulating course above the coastline, keeping the fence on your left. There are blue waymarker posts at intervals. Eventually the route passes to the left side of a low grassy mound.
Beyond the mound the old Portskerra jetty is reached. From here follow a track and then turn left along the minor road which leads back towards the village.
Eventually the top of the lane that led down to the car park is reached - turn left to head back down this to return to the start.
Before leaving it is worth continuing to the end of the road where there is a concrete pier. This looks out towards the magnificent sands of Melvich Beach which are well worth visiting - reaching the sands from here however is rough going so it is better to treat the beach as a separate walk.
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