Stage 10: Dunbeath to Lybster

Old Bridge at Latheronwheel

7.9 miles | 12.6 km.

The route rises immediately to clifftops and continues outside the fences most of the way. There are wonderful views and several interesting landscape features along the way. The route visits the beautiful harbours of Latheronwheel and Lybster, the abandoned fishing station at Achastle-shore, and the sweeping panorama of Forse Bay with its castle at one end and waterfall at the other.

Status
 Amber  (mostly marked). The tenth stage of the JOGT is a bit rough in places and still involves crossing 2-4 barbed wire fences. It may require walking in tall summer grass along some of its length. The stage is marked except for a half-mile gap midway between Dunbeath and Latheronwheel. The 2/3 mile from the whale-watching viewpoint down to Lybster harbour is a good developed trail and then the walk into Lybster is along a quiet tarmac road.

Risks
Burn crossing may be on slippery rocks with risk of falling. Risk of injury on barbed wire. Risk of injury when crossing dry stone dykes due to falling stones. Beware cows in fields in a couple places. Please also note that like much of rural Scotland, ticks may be an issue in areas of long vegetation.

Stage End Information
Along the walk, there is a friendly butcher shop in Latheronwheel that sells some ready-made food and drink. Lybster is accessible by car via the A99 and by busses that connect to Wick, John O’Groats, Thurso, and Inverness. Lybster is a small town with a couple of each of hotels, pubs, and shops. The long wide Main Street runs from the A99 south to the cliff tops.

More information
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/dunbeath-lybster.shtml

Accommodation