Stage 11: Lybster to Whaligoe

7.4 miles | 11.9 km

This stage starts from the high street in Lybster and goes along the cliff tops most of the way. It passes a beautiful cascade of waterfalls and a needle-like sea stack before reaching the stunning hidden world that is Clyth Harbour. It then passes more waterfalls and there is a chance to see the remains of ancient sea access steps at The Haven. It ends at the stunning Whaligoe Steps. Please note, if you are continuing on to the next stage, go round to the left of the stone building (a private residence) and follow the markers from there. Please do not go in the private garden gate below the stone building.

Status
 Amber  (mostly marked). There are 2-4 barbed wire fences to cross depending on the exact route walked. There are two or three burns which may be leapt and there will be tall grass on some sections in summer. Most of the stage is marked.

Risks
Risk of falling when crossing burns. Risk of injury when crossing barbed wire. There is a risk of death from falling off cliffs along most of this stage. Please also note that like much of rural Scotland, ticks may be an issue in areas of long vegetation.

Stage End Information
Whaligoe is a small community with the Whaligoe Steps historic stone steps. From the A99 look for a sign for the Cairn of Get but go the opposite way from the sign, toward the sea. The steps itself doesn’t have a road-side sign. If coming from the south, look for a red van parked in a field just before Whaligoe, marked “skip hire.” Busses will pick up and drop off on the A99 near this area. As Whaligoe currently has no accommodation, you could stay at Thrumster House or The Lemon Tree, asking them to pick you up from Whaligoe. Alternatively, you could walk as far as Sarclet Harbour and then either walk the 3 extra km to Thrumster House or ask them to collect you from there.

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

Accommodation