Tarbat Ness Coastal Walk
Tarbat Peninsula, Highland
For Outdoorists • 6 hours • All Ages
Health & Safety
Suitability
Please refer to the tour description and the information in this section to decide whether a particular tour is suitable for you and your group before you make your booking.
Our Countryside Rambles are at a leisurely pace and are suitable for all age groups.
This is a more strenuous activity requiring appropriate footwear such as walking boots with ankle support.
Walking Sections
- Distance: 8.75 m / 14 km
- Ascent: 132 m
- Walking Time: 6 hrs*
Moderate - reasonable fitness level required:
Walking over rough ground, some boggy sections, shingle beaches and country roads with a few short but steep slopes.
*Walking Time includes time to admire the views and have a picnic.
Accessibility, Dietary, Mobility & Special Requirements
We are always happy to make adjustments to our tours to make them more enjoyable for you. If there is anything we can do or provide, please let us know.
Please inform us about any allergies or specific dietary requirements.
Further information on the above can be found on our website.
COVID-19
Your health is our top priority, and we have put special measures in place to keep all guests safe both during and after your adventure.
Find out more:
Two Firths, One Lighthouse & Lots of Fresh Air
The Tarbat Peninsula juts out northeast into the North Sea and divides the Dornoch and Moray Firths. It is an absolutely lovely area and the perfect location for a quiet day out.
During the time of the enigmatic Picts, the area was an important centre of activity and if you want to start your hike with an insight into the area's past, we may be able to arrange a visit at the Tarbat Discovery Centre in Portmahomack.
Portmahomack is a picturesque fishing village. In its heyday, the harbour, built by Thomas Telford and completed in 1816, was the home of a fleet of over 100 fishing boats.
Our walk takes us along the harbour and two fine 18th century warehouses to the grassy shore from where we can enjoy superb views of the Sutherland hills. We continue along the shore until we reach the northernmost point of our walk, Tarbat Ness Lighthouse.
Scotland's third-tallest lighthouse is dramatically yet idyllically located and according to local folklore, its site was used as a meeting place for witches covens. Indeed, not one rowan tree in sight! But a species-rich maritime heath with salt-tolerant species such as crowberry, heather and thrift. It is a great spot to watch seabirds and if we are lucky, we may even spot some dolphins.
We enjoy our picnic and then continue our circular walk, breathing in the fresh sea air and passing flocks of sheep and Ballone Castle before we reach the tiny village of Rockfield from where we return to Portmahomack.
Duration
6 hours
Highlights
- Portmahomack
- Tarbat Ness Lighthouse
- Dornoch & Moray Firths
- Ballone Castle
- Lovely views & loads of wildlife
Included
- Private Bubble Tour for up to 6 people
- Professional Guide
Not Included
- Meals / Packed Lunch
- Admission to Visitor Attractions