John o'Groats Trail: Tain to Dornoch

Summary

The fourth stage of the John o'Groats trail crosses the Dornoch Firth to pass from Easter Ross into Sutherland. This linking stage is varied, with the A9 followed across the Firth, and a mix of paths, minor roads, and woodland; the whole area around the Firth is very scenic, and Dornoch is a gem.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Varied: pavements, road verge, woodland paths and tracks, minor roads and rough pastureland.

Public Transport

Both Tain and Dornoch have bus links; Tain additionally has a railway station.

Start

Tain. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time: 4 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 51m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH780821

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

From the centre of Tain outside the Sheriff Court, head NW along the main B9174 (initially Tower Street, then Academy Street), keeping along the pavement, passing Lidl and continuing on the verge to reach the A9 bypass. Turn right to walk along the verge of the A9, then cross with care and head up the tarmac lane on the opposite side signed for Tarlogie. (If you wish to detour to visit Glenmorangie Distillery, do not cross but continue along the A9 verge until the signs for the Distillery - noting the track off the opposite side of the A9. After visiting the distillery take this track, rejoining the main route at the cottages at Tarlogie Farm in the next paragraph).

Stage 2

The main route follows the tarmac lane until a beautiful lodge house where the tarmac swings left; leave it and continue ahead on an unsurfaced track through attractive woodland. When the track swings right into the garden of a house leave it and keep ahead across the grass, following a path to the left side of a fence. This leads to a row of whitewashed cottages (the route via Glenmorangie Distillery rejoins from the right here). Go straight ahead past the row of cottages down a track.

Stage 3

The track bends right and leads down to a roundabout on the main A9. Take great care here; it is best to pass round the right side of the roundabout, crossing the A9, and then following the A9 exit towards Dornoch. Continue along the verge and onto the bridge, where there is a pavement.

Stage 4

Although very busy with traffic, the walk over the bridge does give great views over the Firth; looking inland the mast on Struie Hill is prominent. On the left side of the bridge is a parking layby. Keep an eye out for a waymarker on the side you are walking on which marks where to descend the steep embankment on a path, bearing right at the bottom. There is a stile over the fence at the bottom to cross before you reach the shore.

Stage 5

Turn left and follow a grassy path along the shoreline; it gradually widens into a good grassy track. Eventually it swings left away from the Firth, continuing between two fences and through gorse.

Stage 6

Continue along the track until it reaches the road, and then turn right along this. The minor road is followed for just under 2km but is usually very quiet.

Stage 7

When Camore Woods are reached take a left turn as signed for the woods car park. Pass through the car park and past the metal farm gate and continue ahead on the right hand track when it forks. This heads through the pine woods which stand on a gravel ridge left behind by the Ice Age. After a bench follow the track as it curves left. A mound on the right holds the remains of a settlement, in total there are the remains of more than 25 hut circles and chambered cairns dating back to 2-3000 years ago within the forest. Immediately after the mound turn right at a crossroads.

Stage 8

Stay on the main track to eventually reach a pedestrian and farm gate. Go through this and follow the path alongside the fence. The prehistoric standing stone in the field on the right is where St Gilbert is said to have slain the Dornoch dragon with a bow and arrow. At the road, cross and turn right to follow the pavement into Dornoch, passing the school and staying on the main road to reach the beautiful town centre.

Next stage: Dornoch to Golspie

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