Strathy Point

Summary

Strathy Point projects sharply out from the central section of Scotland's northern coastline. Visiting its lighthouse makes for a straightforward walk with some excellent coastal views including a dramatic arch. It is also a great place to watch for cetaceans, with whales and dolphins frequently seen in the summer months.

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Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Tarmac road (private); optional variation on return across pathless but short-cropped grassy pastures. There are usually livestock present so if you must bring a dog it should be kept on a lead.

Getting there

Start

Car park on left (opposite old chapel) at start of road to Strathy Point.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NC829668

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 120m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

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Explorer 449 - Strath Halladale

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

WARNING

If your access rights are questioned on this walk then as elsewhere in Scotland, please report to the council Access Officer.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

The crofting township of Strathy is scattered along the roads near a fine sandy beach. For Strathy Point, there is a car park marked on OS maps at the public road end; however this former parking has been blocked off. Instead, there is parking opposite the old chapel on the left side of the Strathy Point road after turning off from the A836. Begin the walk by heading along the tarred road. After 2km ignore a road off left, continuing to the end of the public road and then on towards the lighthouse, now on a private road through grazing land. There is a good view to the left at one point of a great ravine in the cliffs.

Stage 2

The road leads past Lochan nam Faoileag to end at Strathy Point lighthouse. Completed in 1958 it was the first electric lighthouse in Scotland and filled a long, dark gap in the lighthouse system across the north coast. Today the lighthouse is automated; do not ascend the steps as it is private property.

Stage 3

Detour briefly to the left of the buildings for a view along the coastline to the west; there is a dramatic sea arch as foreground to a rugged stretch of coast.

Stage 4

Return to the road; to visit the point pass to the right of the lighthouse; there is a seat and an information board giving details of the marine life you may be lucky enough to spot out beyond the rocky extremity of the peninsula. The easiest return is back along the road, but it is possible to vary the way back by heading up the hill to the left (east) of the loch, aiming up towards a concrete lookout post.

Stage 5

From the lookout - now used as a tiny store - there are stunning views along the coastline, with Dounreay clearly visible and Dunnet Head beyond. Walk along the grassy ridge back towards the start of the walk. When a fence is seen barring the way ahead bear right to rejoin the tarmac road and follow this back to the car park.

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