Stage 5: Dornoch to Golspie

Loch Fleet Shore

Distance | 13.8 miles | 22.4 km     Status |  Amber , almost  Green 

The fifth stage of the JOGT is entirely walkable by the average fit walker. There are few obstacles. A mixture of road and path, with frequent transitions from one to the other. Most of the stage is marked. This stage of the walk is something of a change: mostly walking along the shores of Loch Fleet and through woods, with much less time by the sea. It is mostly level walking and quite pleasant. This stage starts from the centre of Dornoch and goes along a gentle sea coast before turning inland and going round Loch Fleet. It then crosses the bridge known as The Mound at the head of Loch Fleet before going through pretty Balblair Wood on the way to Golspie.

Challenges
Road walking, even on quiet back lanes such as on this stage, can be dangerous: walk on the right except at right curves. One or two fields with livestock may need to be crossed: always be careful of bulls or cows with calves. Cows maybe at the field(s) in Kirkton, just south of Golspie / north of ‘The Mound’ causeway. The long grass can sometimes obscure them but there is lots of room to avoid them. If unsure or uncomfortable, then you can head north from Kirkton LC to the road, then rejoin the Trail at the Mound. Please also note that like much of rural Scotland, ticks may be an issue in areas of long vegetation.

Stage End Information
Golspie is on the Inverness-to-Wick rail line and is accessible by car via the A9 and by X97/X99 Stagecoach busses that connect to Wick, John O’Groats, Thurso, and Inverness. Golspie is a small town with several hotels and B&Bs, a few pub/restaurants, and a couple shops.

More information
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/dornoch-golspie.shtml

Accommodation