Torrisdale Bay and Broch, Invernaver

Summary

This superb walk takes in a spectacular beach, dunes, riverside and moorland, as well as visiting an iron-age broch with stunning views. It passes an area of Special Scientific Interest due to the rare plants and archaeological remains. The walk section over the top can be hard to follow so some navigation skills are needed.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Coastal path, steep climb to broch, moorland pathless section - navigation skills needed, beach and riverside.

Getting there

Start

Bridge over River Naver, south west of Bettyhill.

Public Transport

Nearest bus stop Bettyhill.

Start Grid Ref

NC710602

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
Ascent: 163m (Profile)

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Explorer 448 - Strath Naver

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

There is little space to park in Invernaver, so instead leave your car at the parking area just east of the bridge over the River Naver on the A836 south-west of Bettyhill. From here walk west along the main road - taking care with traffic particularly on the narrow bridge - and turn right at the junction to head to Invernaver. Follow this minor road until it ends by a bed and breakfast, and then head through the metal gate. Once in the field bear left up over a rise to meet a faint track heading to the shore.

Stage 2

Follow this faint track, either on the sand or closer inland depending on the state of the tide, never far from the course of a line of telegraph poles. There are stepping stones to cross a small stream. Before a large area of raised beach and dunes ahead, take a path heading up a cleft in the hill on the left. Keep following the telegraph poles and stay on the right side of the burn where there is a faint path. Keep an eye out for the distinctive shape of the broch on top of a nobble on the far side of the stream - from here it looks like a large pile of stones.

Stage 3

When level with the site of the broch head across to detour and visit it. The defensive structure cannot be seen until the last minute but is worth the effort. The double wall can still be seen and the superb strategic position can be appreciated in fine views down the River Naver and out to sea over the sands at Torrisdale Bay. From the broch return to the faint path and continue heading over the moor close by the line of poles.

Stage 4

Once the ground levels off follow a faint path through the heather, juniper and crowberry bushes to pass to the south of Lochan Druim an Duin. One path appears to continue around the lochan, do not take this but instead keep following the line of telegraph poles across the moorland which is crisscrossed with tiny paths. Eventually the route descends a pass to the flat ground below and there is a better path for the descent. At the bottom follow the path which heads diagonally to the right across the grass until a slightly wider path is reached, turn right to follow this.

Stage 5

After passing through a section of bracken the path heads through the maze of the dunes, keeping the steep ground to your right. After weaving through the dunes emerge on the extensive sands of Torrisdale Bay. This must rank as one of the most spectacular beaches on the north coast, and its secluded position means it sees few visitors. Turn right to head across the sand back towards Bettyhill. At the far east side of the beach bear right to follow the mouth of the River Naver upstream.

Stage 6

At all but the highest tides it is possible to keep to the sandy and pebbly riverside; if the tide is in then you can head up onto the raised beach above the river; there are many archaeological features such as the remains of hut circles, cists and chambered cairns. Follow the River Naver until the outward route is picked up and retrace your steps over the field to the gate at Invernaver.

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