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Caithness Waybaggers Walk Reports

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November 2009
Braemore To
Gobernuisgeach bothy
The original idea for Novembers walk was to watch the salmon spawning on Berriedale Water. Because of the heavy rain on the previous few days this was no longer feasible. Instead we decided to walk from Braemore to Gobernuisgeach bothy. It was a beautiful winter’s day with no wind, a clear blue sky and a hard frost. The puddles on the track to the bothy were covered by a thin layer of ice and any sheltered ground out of the suns reach was white with frost The bothy was in a good state of repair and the visitors books inside showed that it was quite well visited. We sat outside for our lunch as it was warmer than inside the bothy. Instead of walking back the same way we crossed the swing bridge near the bothy over Berriedale water and headed back for Corrichoich. Dusk had fallen by the time we reached it and before we arrived back at the cars at Braemore it was quite dark.

October 2009
Armadale To Strathy Point
This walk was originally scheduled for Sunday 5th October 2009 but because of a car breakdown and worsening weather it was cancelled until the following Sunday. We made our way to Armadale, running in and out of heavy squalls of wind and rain. At the start of the walk a few mutinous voices were raised about the bad weather but these were quickly quashed. We set off and at once were hit by a heavy rain shower. Those not wearing their waterproofs quickly changed their minds! The sun came out again and Armadale Bay looked stunning with a wild sea running into it. Further on just before Boursa Island we were treated to a spectacular display of water being forced up through a borehole in the cliff by the strong wind and waves. It was hard to get the timing right while photographing it We stopped for a bite to eat and had to hang on to our pack lunch boxes in the gale force winds. We finished our lunch and after walking for five minutes found a quiet sheltered valley. How ironic!  After enduring another heavy rain squall we reached Strathy Lighthouse. So it wasn’t too bad. Only two heavy showers of rain in a day that had not been very promising.
September 2009
Dunbeath Strath
Our walks to Foinaven in July and Ben Klibreck in August were both cancelled because of bad weather. The trip to Slioch in September was not much better. Low clouds and drizzle with water pouring down the burns from previous days of heavy rain. I managed to fall in a burn and get soaked to the arse! Five of us set out and only two made it to the top. It was such a contrast in weather two weeks later for our walk up Dunbeath Strath. A sunny day with a blustery wind. Our first stop was at the Broch only five minutes along the path. It’s worth a look over the stone wall surrounding it to see the lovely view up and down the Strath. We continued on our way following the path up to the soldiers leap then on to the cemetery where we stopped for a tea break. We crossed the moor which was fairly dry to the small hill of Cnoc na maranaich with its cairns on the top. You are rewarded with a fine view of Morven and the Scarabens to the west and the coast of Caithness to the east. The wind turbines at Houstry were busily turning in the strong breeze. Whets the problem some people have with them? I find them quite graceful. David showed us the quarry where a large stone lay with the wedges still in place for splitting it. It was amazing to realise that it had been left like that thousands of years ago. A short walk but very interesting.....Robert Mackenzie
February 2008
Ousdale to Berriedale
It was a lovely morning. The temperature was 4° c but it felt warmer as there was no wind. We parked the cars at Badbea and walked ½KM south along the A9 until we picked up the Ousdale burn. This runs down a lovely wooded strath which gradually becomes deeper as it reaches the sea. Once we reached the coast we walked north towards Badbea passing several old crofts before we stopped at the monument at Badbea for lunch. After some hot tea and rolls we set off again. We picked up the old coast road which made walking a lot easier until we finally came in sight of the two towers (sounds like Lord of the Rings) above Berriedale before scrambling down the hill and coming out at the swing bridge at the shore.
July 2007
Melvich To Sandside
July saw us taking a walk from Melvich to Sandside. The sky was a brilliant blue and the sun shone all day. Further inland grey clouds hung around but the north westerly wind kept the coast clear.
This is a fantastic piece of coastline with many geos, sea stacks and high cliffs.
There were plenty of adult puffins, kittiwakes and fulmars to be seen but there did not seem to be a lot of juvenile birds. Everyone enjoyed their day out and some even had a touch of sunburn! Not bad for this summer.
May 2007
Ben Loyal
As part of the Caithness and Sutherland 2007 Walking festival Caithness Waybaggers hosted a walk and climb to Ben Loyal. This took place on the 20th May 2007. We left Wick at 8.00 am in our hired mini- bus. It took just under the two hours to get to Tongue. Here we met up with a further 10 walkers from the walking festival making a total of 18 altogether. We headed down to Ribigill farm and started our walk from there. There is a good track for the first 3 kms but this peters out at Allt Lon Malmsgaig burn. Luckily there wasn’t a lot of water flowing so we managed to step across without any wet feet. We stopped for a tea break at Cunside cottage before heading for the first slopes of Ben Loyal. The early morning cloud had started to break up so that by the time we arrived at Sgor a Bhatain the day was sunny and clear but with a very strong wind blowing. We admired the wonderful views over The Kyle of Tongue before heading to An Caisteal which is the highest point at 764 metres. We headed back down through the heathery slopes and eventually made it back to our bus. I think everyone was satisfied with their day including our guests, some who had come from as far away as Preston and Glasgow.  Map
June 2006
Morven
The weather forecast for Sunday 18th June was not good. Heavy rain coming in from the west, due to arrive in Caithness about 1.00pm by the BBC weather, or 5.00pm by the Orkney forecast.
We arrived at Braemore and the day was fine and warm. Morven was clear with no low cloud covering it. We walked along the track to Corrichoich before making over the rough moor land to the bottom of Morven. There is a track up but this has become deep and worn in places and does not offer easy climbing. Its just head down and a hard slog to the top with frequent stops for a breather. I think that Morven is one of the hardest hills to climb because of it s steep slopes.
We eventually reached the top with good views all round. It was not long though before the clouds rolled in and visibility was reduced to 20 feet. We left the top and headed back down through the cloud cover and over the peat lands back to Braemore.
The Orkney forecast was correct with the worst of the rain staying off to 5.00pm.
July 2005
Beinn Stumanadh
A small hill just off the A836, 8 kms south of Tongue. The day was bright and dry with a strong wind blowing. I heard later that the Kessock Bridge was closed because of it. We parked the cars at the side of the road and made for the bothy at Achnanclach 2 kms away. We walked along the north shore of Loch Loyal where the water was being whipped up to a frenzy by the gale. Judging by the visitor book at the bothy it was a popular place. The last person to visit it had been only the day before.  We then headed up the gully to Sron Ruadh. Stopping for a breather we noticed four deer higher up watching our progress before they cantered off making easy work of the steep slope. We followed the wide horse shoe shaped ridge from Sron Ruadh round to Beinn Stumanadh and the trig point at 527 metres. The wind at the top was really ferocious with some gusts knocking you sideways or blowing you backwards or forwards. It was good to get back down again into a gentler gale. By the time we walked back past Loch Loyal I swear you could have gone surfing on it. Should have bought that wet suit out of Lidl!
September 2004
Stac Pollaidh

Ullapool is a very lively town with a busy harbour, numerous bed and breakfasts and plenty of cafes and restaurants to eat in. We wandered round the streets looking at the various menus outside the eating establishments. My stomach was growling with hunger by the time we found a place that suited everyone’s taste. Fed and watered we returned to our lodgings for a good nights sleep before facing the big hill the next day.  What a perfect day it was. The sun was shinning and it was pleasantly warm as we started up the track opposite the car park on the Drumrunie to Achiltibuie road. Stac Pollaidh is 613 metres high and attracts 30,000 people each year. Today was no exception with a full car park looking like Safeways/Morrisons/Sommerfield on a Saturday morning. The hill itself is mostly red sandstone which over the course of time had been worn down to a craggy tower with spiky pinnacles and scree. A new path has been created round the western side of the hill while the eastern path is repaired. Eventually a circular route will be made round the hill. The path leads to the eastern saddle of Stac Pollaidh. Six of our party made for the western summit which involved some scary climbing over awkward pieces of rock. The views were brilliant on such a clear day with most of Wester Ross bathed in the September sunshine.   Report Marie Mackenzie   Map Of Stac Pollaidh - known locally as Stack Polly
May 2004
Ben Stack
This hill lies six miles South East of Rhichonich in the North West of Sutherland. We had to go the long way along the North coast as we had to pick up one of our party in Thurso. Loch Eriboll is very beautiful but the drive down one side and up the other is very frustrating. By the time we reached our starting point at the shores of Loch Stack the rest of the party was already there. They had travelled the shorter route via Lairg.  Ben Stack is 2364 ft high, 50 ft higher than Morven.  The way up the South East slopes were quite wet and boggy in places. The water was sitting in pools unable to run of the hill due to the bare rocks only inches below the surface of grass and earth.  The day was warm and sunny and the clouds which covered the top were gradually lifting. The scree slopes of Arkle to the North East glistened as white as snow in the sun. Suddenly the cloud lifted and revealed the final slope. Now I knew why it had been called Ben Stack. It reared steeply upwards in a giant grassy mound. Two people descending the slope looked very small and insignificant. We finally reached the top to be greeted by an amazing site. We were standing above a sea of clouds with only the tops of distant hills rising above them.   We lingered for a while at the top admiring the views but eventually headed back down. It’s a long way to Wick and we had to go back round Loch Eriboll worse luck!   Map
April 2004
Ben Hutig
Some Waybagger walks attract a large attendance. April’s walk to Ben Hutig wasn’t to be one of them. Four brave souls gathered in the car park at Safeway, Wick and scanned the area anxiously for more bodies. It was not to be. We set off for our destination in one car.  Ben Hutig sits 4-5 miles north west of Tongue. It rises 408 metres above the bleak moorland. The weather forecast for the day was a front coming in from the west with squally showers. We parked the car across the bridge at Lubinvullin and trudged up the good track to Loch na h-Uamhachd. No sign of rain yet as we cut across the boggy ground to gain the lower slopes of Ben Hutig. We reached the top quickly and the views were spectacular. The island of Eilean Nan Ron with its ruined cottages and Rabbit Islands lay in Tongue Bay. Ben Loyal with its jagged teeth of tops rose in the east and Ben Hope further west had its crown hidden in clouds. We walked along the ridge of Ben Hutig passing the small hidden lochans on its sides. The wind had turned cold so we left the top to find shelter in a small valley beside a burn. We stopped for our lunch and had the invasion of the caterpillars! Hundreds of them had hatched out in the warmth and shelter and were immediately investigating these strange beings who had invaded their domain. Better than ticks though!  We headed back to the car through some very boggy ground, which Ian managed to fall into. A good day out which the rest of you lazy Waybaggers managed to miss.
February 2004
Braemore
Sunday 15th February was mild and calm. After a bit of confusion over cars we eventually set off for Braemore. The walk started at the telephone box there. It must be one of the last old red ones left. Pity it doesn’t work. We made up the track to Glutt Lodge but took a left after 31 kms down the track to Gobernusgeach bothy. The wind by this time had turned quite cold and everyone was walking along with a drip at their nose.  The bothy is kept in find condition and is clean and tidy inside. We stopped there for a tea break and some sandwiches before crossing the nearby swing bridge over Berriedale water and headed home wards again.  The day head turned warmer again as we made down the river to Carrichoich cottage. One fit person even climbed Carn Mor and Maiden Pap on the way back to Braemore. The rest of us were happy just to stay on the low ground and eventually make our way back to Braemore.

September 2003
Tongue
On a bright Sunday morning a fair crowd of Waybaggers set out for Tongue in Sutherland. The path to "Caisteal Bharraic "follows from the west end of the Ben Loyal Hotel and leads down to the Rhian Burn via a reed bed sewage system, no smell so it must work, not like some that could be mentioned! We were confronted with a sign at the bridge saying that it was dangerous to cross. Being Waybaggers a quick risk assessment was done and it fell to the heaviest to test the safety justification, all crossed no problem. (the bridge has since been repaired) A well kept path crosses bogy ground and leads up a steep hill to the old keep of the Mackay clan.  The views from the castle down the Kyle of Tongue and over toward Ben Hope are worth the climb.With the plan to keep to the high ground we followed the water only to eventually find ourselves on the old road that had to be taken before the causeway was built so much for the plan? A hard climb back up ensued, with this old Waybagger not a happy bunny. Eventually the head of the Kyle was reached but eagle eyed map readers noticed that there were "marked stones" in the vicinity a thorough search revelled two such stones but none of the group could put any light on there purposes.A good day out was had by all.

August 2003
Beinn Alligin
The Secretary Robert Mackenzie when he draws up the programme for our walks fits in an away day. This years away day was to climb Beinn Alligin. The mountain, a Munro, is situated in Wester Ross at the head of Loch Torridon.  Two cars full of Waybaggers set out on a Saturday afternoon and made our way to Torridon. We arrived at the Torridon Youth Hostel which Robert had booked for us in advance and got ourselves settled in. That evening we availed ourselves at a local hostelry and climbed the hill at least 3 or 4 times over a few drinks. When we set out for Beinn Alligin the sky was on the ground but the hostel supervisor said that the forecast was good. We started from the car park at the bridge over Abhainn Coire Mhic Nobuil burn, and followed the well defined path towards Na Rathanan (The Horns of Alligin). However, when we got near them it was decided either because of time or fear that we would go round rather than over them. This meant following a path with a nearly vertical drop on the left. From then on it became clear that the Waybaggers had never encountered this type of hill before but onward and upward. After much struggling by this old Waybagger we reached the first summit Sgurr Mhor and by then the weather had cleared and spectacular views were worth the pain. Having had our second wind we headed down and up towards Tom na Gruagaich, the second Munro on this ridge.  The descent into Coir' nan Laogh was not started until the usual Waybagger plan a and b had been sorted out, eventually we made our way back to the car park from where we set off on the road home tired but content.

July 2003
Stroma

What a wonderful summer we had. The 13th of July was no exception for our trip to Stroma. It was even warm sitting on the boat sailing from Gills to Stroma. We walked up the middle of the island towards the lighthouse which sits at the north end. Hundreds of terns were nesting round it and we were constantly dive bombed by them until we left their territory. The cliffs behind the lighthouse are only 15-20 feet high with shoals of rocks reaching far out into the sea. Several dozen seals were either basking on the rocks or swimming in the shallow sea.  We continued our walk round the west side of the island where the cliffs are higher and more spectacular than the east side. On the way we were buzzed by two Great Skua. We came on the wreck of the Bettina Danika which went aground some years ago. It is now tightly jammed into a small geo and unlikely to ever move again. On our way back to the harbour we were attacked several more times by colonies of terns. However it was good to see such a healthy wildlife population on the island.  More Stroma Pages

July 2003
Ben Hope, Assynt, Sutherland

A small group of Caithness Waybaggers climbed Ben Hope (3040 feet), the most northerly Munro, on Sunday 27th July 2003. It was an excellent climbing day with a nice breeze to keep midgies confined to their heathery barracks and enough of a haze to keep the worst of the Suns rays from frying us.  We climbed the southern ridge from Dun Dornadilidh broch in beautiful conditions but just as we approached the summit the low cloud swept in. However after a wee while it cleared enough to see the fantastic views in all directions. We returned by the slightly shorter but steeper route down the Alt na Caillich burn gully to the sheep sheds at the roadside.  Joining us all the way from near Perth Australia was ex Wicker Don Bruce who is on holiday in Wick at the moment. Don is in the foreground of the group photo at the summit and is planning the Waybaggers next outing to Ben Alligin, also a Munro, on Sunday 10th August.  Map

June 2003
Sandside - Melvich
We set out from Sandside harbour on a fine morning and just followed the cliff edge. On route the lead team came across an Oyster Catcher chick on the hill. It remained motionless and all of us had a good look while the parents made their presence felt by their noisy challenging. Further along a adder was spotted but before the cameras were got out it disappeared. For those who will not go on walks for fear of what they might meet, that snake was one of the very few that we have ever seen.  It always seems longer on a coastal walk probably the in and out of the geos, but when we were as far as the Caithness Glass information sign on the road all stopped at the Puffin colony for a bite to eat and admire the birds. There is a path down from the mentioned sign and ample parking for those on four wheels.  Following the coast was relatively simple until near Melvich where erosion and thick whins made our progress difficult. Having reached the beautiful beach and crossed the bridge with a spring in our step made tracks to the inn for a pint and good feed. The heavens opened while we ate but inside looking out it did not matter.

May 2003
Wick to Whaligoe

The wind was blowing in our faces as we started our walk at the end of the Trinkie road. We were making for Whaligoe along the coast about nine kilometres away as the crow flies. It was quite chilly at first but we soon warmed up with a bit of exertion. The Brig O’Trams just south of the Castle of Old Wick looked quite spectacular. The bird-nesting season had started and every available cliff ledge which faced south-east was packed with birds. Guillemots were in the majority but we also saw razor bills and fulmars. This is a great coastal walk with amazing cliff scenery and masses of bird life all the way along it.

April 2003
Ben Griam Beg  - Near Forsinard, Sutherland
Ten of us set off to climb Ben Griam Beg (580 metres). We left our cars just south of Forsinard. There is a good track, which crosses the railway line, which takes you in to Greamachary where a cottage lies at the foot of Ben Griam Beg. The cottage we presumed is used as a holiday cottage, which is in an idyllic setting with a stream flowing nearby. We had a quick drink and bite to eat on the banks of the stream before we headed upwards. It was a nice day although a bit hazy and we all felt quite warm as we were walking along (jackets were removed and even some of us were in our t-shirts and also shorts.) As we got further up and nearer the top there was quite a wind blowing and it was chilly and all the coats or whatever extra you had with you was all back on. We sheltered on the side of Ben Griam Beg and had our lunch. We carried it all the way up and I wasn’t going to carry it all the way down again. The views at the top were a bit hazy and it was really cold so we didn’t wait to long before heading back down to the cottage at Greamachary. The track back is about two miles long but it felt like six to me when we were heading back to our cars. A lovely day out.

February 2003
Freswick to Duncansby Head
A thin layer of snow covered the ground when we set off from Freswick on our February walk. It was a cold breezy day with the threat of snow coming.  We headed northwards with the wind on our backs.  There was a good turn out of seventeen brave souls, or idiots possibly, considering the weather. There were even some new faces there.   The weather held until we were in sight of the stacks of Duncansby.  They disappeared from view for 10-15 minutes while the blizzard past by.  The sky cleared and we were rewarded with stunning views of the stacks and the coastline northwards to Duncansby Head lighthouse. That was the only snow to hit us that day so we were quite lucky.

December 2002
Poulouriscaig
Our walk in December was to the abandoned village of Poulouriscaig. This lies on the northern coastline between Armadale and Kirtomy. Four families lived here. This was a result of the “Clearances” in Strathnaver. The last family moved out in the 1930’s.  We left one car at Kirtomy and then travelled back to Armadale. The track to Poulouriscaig is marked by a signpost at the last white house.  The day was clear and frosty with a slight wind blowing. Poulouriscaig is 21 kms along the track. It nestles in a peaceful valley which is sheltered from the wind in all directions except the north. Only one house is still standing. The others only have their foundations left. We continued the walk westwards to Kirtomy Point and finally to the community of Kirtomy itself.  Map

October 2002
The Borg to Dyke – Strath Halladale
This was the last weekend of our exceptionally fine summer in the North of Scotland. We drove down Strath Halladale to start our walk at The Borg. This is 10 kms north of the Forsinard Hotel. A vehicle track leaves the road opposite the broch which sits on a small hill.  We walked up the track past Craggy Cottage. As we gained height the countryside opened up giving wonderful views in all directions. The track then entered the forest where it forks.  We took the right fork which shortly reached a bridge over the River Dyke to Dkye Cottage which lies in a clearing in the forest. This is in a beautiful setting. We stopped to enjoy the views.  We could not find the path at the west side of Dyke Cottage so decided to walk down the River Dkye. This cuts through some deep gorges in places which are quite spectacular. The day was still fine and warm when we reached the croft houses at Bunahoun.  We had a look round the graveyard there before picking up the main road to head back to our starting point.

September 2002
Strath Brora - West Of Golspie, Sutherland
September took us to Strath Brora west of Golspie. We parked the cars at Doll beside a ford that crosses the River Brora. A path lead west through woods eventually taking us out on to open moorland to Duchary Ridge where the remains of a hillfort can be seen. The path continues on to Coire Aghaisgeig where it disappeared into the moor. Heading north eastwards we eventually saw the remains of Carrol Broch in the distance. It really stands out from the surrounding countryside. It is still in quite good condition compared to some of the brochs which dot the Caithness & Sutherland landscape. We made for Carrol Rock which although it is not high is very steep.  It was worth it though for the stunning views of Loch Brora and beautiful Gordonbush Estate. It must be great to have money! We made our way back along Loch Brora to the cars.  The Gordonbush Estate extends to 13,354 acres.

August 2002
Beinn Dearg - Wester Ross
Our walk in August took us down to Wester Ross to climb Beinn Dearg.  We stayed overnight at the Aultguish Inn which is on the A835 to Ullapool.   On the morning of our walk, I woke at 7.00am and looked out the bedroom window to a scene of thick mist.  Not a good omen.   After breakfast we travelled 12 miles west by car to Inverlael.  By this time the mist had cleared a bit and we set off through the forest up Gleann na Sguaib.  The midges were in good form and pushed us along at a good pace to avoid being bitten.  It was a warm muggy day which soon had us all cooking nicely.   We could not see the top of Beinn Dearg for the low clouds and mist which continually blew down from it.  We headed on hoping that the clouds would clear.  With the summit 600 metres above us somewhere we kept going.  A huge drystone dyke with massive stones in it runs up the shoulder of the hill nearly to the summit.  We eventually reached the cairn on the top but did not stay long because of the poor visibility.  We headed back down and of course the cloud began to lift.  If we had been 45 minutes later reaching the top we would have had a perfect view!

July 2002
Sandwood Bay
Start:   Car Park at Blairmore  4-mile track into Sandwood Bay
 It was a long drive from Wick but it was very worthwhile as the views were fantastic.  We were lucky as the sun was shinning – it was a bit blowy but that kept any midges away.   Best of all when we all sat down for our tea later on at a local hotel – someone phoned home and said it had been raining in Wick most of the day. Excellent day out
2 June 2002
Loch Hope And Arnaboll
 A full minibus of walkers set off on a damp morning from Wick.  On the way west the rain was heavier and there were foggy patches. By the time we reached our starting point at the head of the River Hope seven miles past Tongue it was clearer and drier. We followed the track in on the edge of Loch Hope and stopped at Arnaboll cottage
May 2002
Halkirk To Thurso Down The Thurso River
It was a nice sunny day although a cold wind was blowing. We put the boots on at Braal Castle and headed off down Thurso River. We saw a variety of wild life. Mallard ducks with their young broods of ducklings. Either Sand Martins or House Martins (we weren’t sure which) zipping up and down the river like small fighter aeroplanes, and a Yellow Hammer.
April 2002
Garvault to climb Ben Griam Mor (590m)

Fourteen of us set off from Garvault to climb Ben Griam Mor (590m).  It was a fine morning although the top of Ben Griam Mor could not be seen for low cloud.  As we made our ascent the cloud lifted and we could then see what we were heading for.
2 March 2002
Crofts of Ben-a-chielt to Rumster
Six intrepid souls set off on a pretty threatening morning from Forse House heading to the Niandt to Corr old road ( now is mostly overgrown by whins) which we followed up to the Corr.  On route we stopped for a wee while to have a look at the hut circles and broughs


 

3 February 2002
Thurso East To Dunnet
Our Walk on 3rd February 2002 was planned to be from Halkirk to Thurso down Thurso River.  Because of the wet winter we have had it was decided to give this a miss as the river was flooded in places.  Instead we decided to walk from Thurso East along the coast by Murkle and Castletown finally ending at the Pavilion at Dunnet beach. 
6 January 2002
Berriedale Water Walk
The first walk of 2002 for the Caithness Waybaggers was up Berriedale Water on Sunday 6th January 2002.

The Braemore road was still quite icy and required careful driving. We left a car at the disused quarry and then drove back to Berriedale where we were to start our walk.

2 December 2001
Dunnet Head Walk
A great walk and in beautiful weather with spectacular coastal views and this is December in Caithness.
Cape Wrath Trip – July 01
Cape Wrath Trip picture – some of the walkers coming back on the Ferry
A full minibus of walkers set of from Wick on a foggy Sunday morning.  We all hoped it would clear by the time we got to Durness.  Still foggy but we were here now ready to stretch our legs after the 2 hour journey.  The ferry  took us across the Kyle of Durness to catch the minibus to Cape Wrath lighthouse.  The driver had no sympathy for the bus.  He hammered the eight miles up the road and deposited us there in a state of shock .  As we stepped of the minibus a blast from the fog horn told we were there, though we could hardly see the lighthouse for the fog.   A quick scout around the lighthouse and then we set off on the track.  Time wasn’t on our side to complete the whole walk as we had to get back to catch the ferry again before the tide went out. 
I am sure Cape Wrath is a beautiful place but don’t go a visit when it is foggy and make sure you get the tides correct.  Better still camp overnight.
View From Scaraben
 
Walkers Top Scaraben 1 October 2001           
The tops of the hills were shrouded in clouds which lifted quickly as the day progressed.  We walked down the Berriedale water to the foot of the first hill and started to climb.  We eventually reached the top where it was blowing a gale.  We dropped down out of the wind and stopped for lunch in a sheltered valley before heading for the next two tops and then the long slog through the pear bog back to Braemore.
Ord Of Caithness - 1 Aug 2001
Nice clear, warm morning as we set off from the Ord of Caithness for our coastal walk to Berriedale.   The gully at Ousdale is really steep and we slipped and slithered down it.  Most of the walk was through long bracken which was chest high at times but you were rewarded with some stunning coastal views.