Boats in the Harbour

The View From Eldrable Hill

The Navidale Shoreline

Helmsdale River

The Walks 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Harbour Views Marrel Fishermens Footsteps Bun-Ullidh Loop Navidale Gartymore Crofts Stags & Mountain Hares Lothmore Beach Badbea Glen Loth

Annual Highland Gathering

Thank You For Purchasing This Book This booklet has been produced on a nonprofit basis. The money raised by the sale of this booklet will be used to cover printing costs. Any surplus revenue will be donated towards other Helmsdale Community Projects Photography by Chris Dobbs & Jan Kilpatrick Printing by Kelvin Bannister.

Front Cover : Harbour Sunset Back Cover : Winter In Gartymore

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WALK 10

Glen Loth

With steep hills, spectacular views, and abundant wildlife, the route over Glen Loth is one of the Highlands most scenic drives. The road however is little more than a track and is not suitable for large vehicles, caravans, or trailers.

E. Follow path along the shore back towards the Harbour. Turn left and go under the A9 bridge. F. Follow path, enjoying the finest views of the old bridge. Cross the old bridge and take a look at Timespans picturesque gardens.

The Drive
A. Leave Helmsdale heading south on the A9. B. After passing Loth and Crakaig, look out for a sharp right hand turning signposted for Glen Loth. Follow the single track road over the top of Glen Loth. The views are spectacular but there are few proper passing places. C. At Kildonan, turn right and head back along the A897 to Helmsdale. D. Unwind in one of Helmsdales cafes and restaurants.

A B F DC E

The Walk
This is a very long and strenuous walk. Attempt in Summer only and allow full day. Notify someone in Helmsdale of your intended route and take all safety precautions. WARNING - weather conditions in Glen Loth are subject to rapid and severe change all year.
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Suitability : Level 1
Steps and slight inclines with good quality paths, suitable for all walkers when conditions are dry

30 Minutes

Duration

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WALK 9

Badbea

E. From turning circle follow road back to Helmsdale.

Perched on the cliff tops on the Sutherland/Caithness border lies the site of the clearance village of Badbea. A memorial marks where a dozen families survived on the windy cliff tops. Also enjoy views of the Piper Oilfield, the only one visible from the British mainland.

E C B

Getting There
1. Leave Helmsdale heading north on the A9. 2. Drive for approx 7 miles. Look for brown sign for Badbea - park in lay-by on right hand side.

The Walk
Option 1
A. Depart car park at gate behind notice board B. Take path straight ahead over boardwalk. C. At memorial explore site of village. D. Return same way.

Option 2

Suitability : Level 1

E. Take poorly marked path which leaves car park diagonally to the left. F. Follow track over top of moor. The track crosses wall at far left hand corner of site of village (ignore first hole in the wall).
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Gentle walk on hard flat surface. Easier option is to turn back at telephone box and retrace steps to Helmsdale.
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Duration 1 Hour

WALK 8

Lothmore Beach

Option - At E, turn left on road and follow along the Strath of Kildonan. Pleasant flat walk past bubbling burns and stone bridges to Baile An Or, historic site of the Kildonan Gold Rush (go to Strath Ullie in harbour for

more information). Allow 2 to 3 hours for return journey.

There are many marvelous sandy beaches in the Northern Highlands; home to a thriving seal population, the beach below Lothmore is one of the most beautiful and least visited.

The Walk
A. Walk over the A9 road bridge and pass over the railway line and take first right turn and climb the flight of stone steps. Follow road up the hill. Go straight on, pass two right turns and a cross roads.. B. Where road curves to the left, take right hand farm track down and across a small burn. C. Before reaching large pylon, take track up to the left. Climb hill, go through gate and walk in front of old croft house. Go straight ahead, through gate and down to wooden bridge over burn. D. After burn, follow track to gate, pass through gate and follow road down to Portgower. At A9 turn right and cross the road (with care). E. Turn left opposite Old School House and follow road round. Take track to left opposite end cottage and at cliff top take path to right where track turns left.
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D C F B A

Suitability : Level 2
Uneven path, muddy and slippery when wet, but relatively flat and even. Wear stout shoes.
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Duration 1 Hour

WALK 7

Stags & Mountain Hares

F. Continue along track. At foot of steps turn left and then turn right on to A9. Cross with care and follow A9 back in to Helmsdale.

A walk over the moors behind Helmsdale where wildlife and fine views abound. From the high spots there are good views of the distinctive peaks of two of Scotlands Munroes : Moven and Scaraben.

D B C E F A

The Walk
A. Cross the old bridge and follow the road and take the first right hand turn after crossing the railway bridge and follow the single track road up the hill. B. After a sharp left bend take the next right hand road (after new house) and continue up the hill. C. After a sharp left bend continue up hill and take next right hand road. Follow road up hill and after the farm, continue along farm track. D. Climb stile and follow track over top of moor. Option - After 50 yards follow track to right and climb to top of Creag Marail which provides the best view of Helmsdale (add 20 minutes for this extension). E. After 15 minutes follow a farm track to left (opposite white cottage at base of Strath). Where the track splits, take the right spur. Go over and down the slope. Option - At E, carry straight on and follow track to top of Eldrable hill. Fine views and deer (add 1 hour for return journey).
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Suitability : Level 2/3

Uneven paths and steep incline which can be muddy and slippery. Wear walking shoes.
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45 Minutes

Duration

WALK 6

Gartymore Crofts

F. Reach the A9 and follow to Helmsdale. Keep to verge on side of Southbound carriageway. Option - Take road behind house called Rosewood (at G) and follow reverse of Walk 4 (Bun-Ullidh Loop). Allow extra 30 minutes for this extension.

These walks explore the old crofting settlement of Gartymore. Single track roads meander amongst the working crofts, neglected crofts, and fine vantage points that litter the hills traveling south from Helmsdale.

E F G B A C D

The Walk
Option 1
A. Walk over the A9 road bridge and pass over the railway line. B. Take first right turn and climb the flight of stone steps. Follow road up the hill. C. At top of hill pass road on right (see option 3) D. Pass next road on right (see option 2) E. At cross roads take road to right and climb hill. F. Take right hand turn at top of hill. Walk along top road and pass the Land League Memorial. G. Take left hand turn after memorial and follow the road which starts to go down the hill. H. take next left turn and follow road. Turn left at end of road and cross railway bridge and return to village.

Suitability : Level 2
Mainly level, but parts of walk across muddy tracks and shale beaches. Stout shoes recommended.
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Option 2
At D, take right hand turn and climb steep hill. Join Option 1 at G and return to village.
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Duration
1 Hour