Stage 2: Culbokie to Alness


Wooded Lane

Distance | 9.1 miles / 14.8 km     Status |  Green 

The second stage of the JOGT is entirely walkable by the average fit walker. There are no obstacles. Most of the walk is on quiet back roads. All of the stage is marked. The route goes along a quiet rural road for a short distance before crossing the long Cromarty Bridge. It then goes along small quiet rural roads and an off-road walk/cycle trail to Alness.

Challenges
The walker must cross the Cromarty Bridge on the left side, and so must cross the A9 before the bridge. Cross with great care.

Stage 2 – Map 1 point 3 in Cicerone guidebook. You may struggle to get to the to land to cross the railway as it has been used recently as a depositing ground for soil and other materials. A ‘no entry’ sign is also visible on the gate. This means that a walk of a few hundred yards further along the A9 is required, then to turn left onto the tarmac road in order to cross the railway line.
Stage 2 – Map 4 point 3 in Cicerone guidebook – alternative (unmarked) route . We advise caution to anyone who is thinking to go this way. The bridge is easy to spot and cross however the undergrowth can be extremely thick and make this path a challenge.
Road walking, even on quiet back lanes such as on this stage, can always be dangerous. Walk on the right except at right curves. Please also note that like much of rural Scotland, ticks may be an issue in areas of long vegetation.

Stage End Information
Alness is near the A9 and is served by the X99/X97 buses that connect to Wick, John O’Groats, Thurso, and Inverness. It is also served by the Inverness-to-Thurso/Wick rail line. From the Alness train station, exit the station (to the north), continue ahead to the High Street and turn left. In a few minutes you will come to the start point at High Street and Ardross Road. Alness is a medium-sized town with a few hotels, pubs, and shops.

More information
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness/culbokie-alness.shtml