This short walk links the town of Thurso to its busy modern port and ferry terminal, Scrabster. It can be done for its own merit, or as the first part of a longer walk around Holburn Head. The time and distance given is for the one-way walk; it is possible to return by bus.
Pavements and good cliff-top paths
Buses/trains toThurso.
Riverside car park, Thurso.
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The walk as described here begins from the Riverside car park in Thurso, set to the east of the main street. Begin the walk by following the river downstream towards the harbour. The ruined church over to the left is St Peter's, dating back to the 13th century. Round the corner almost double back to reach Thurso beach and follow the walkway above the back of this, passing the old Pavilion, a restaurant.
The far end of the beach ends in a cliff. Head up the flight of steps, forking right part way up to climb more steps and keep to the coastline. Soon a grassy area is reached with some stone seats for enjoying the views back across the bay.
Continue on the obvious coastal walkway above the cliffs, passing the campsite at first and rounding the back of a couple of small rocky inlets known as geos. For much of the way the left hand side of the path is enclosed by vertically-placed flagstones, a most effective form of fencing commonly used in this area, making use of the local Caithness flagstones.
At one point there is a sea-stack just offshore, and throughout this section the views to Scrabster and out across the sea towards Hoy are excellent. At the far end the walkway heads beside a fence to emerge on a small cul-de-sac. Follow this to the main A9 road, turning right along the pavement but then forking off to the right again onto East Gill by the coastguard building
East Gill runs between the cliff-tops and the houses; a large stone seat looks out to the busy ferry terminal. The road briefly becomes a footpath before emerging on the A9 once more. Follow the pavement for the final descent to reach Scrabster and the ferries. From here, you could catch a bus back to Thurso, you could walk back the same way, or you could extend the walk by following the Holburn Head circular route before returning.
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Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.
