[This walk was completed on Wednesday 27th May 2026]
A new year of coastal walking, and I return to Balloch to pick up my route from the end of last year’s walk. Instead of cycling along the dangerous A96, I park at a place called Petty Church and catch the bus. It is a sure sign that I have left the wild Highlands behind me. There are actual buses!
[This walk was completed on Friday 16th May, 2025]
I cycle back to Alturlie point – well, not the point itself, but to the access road that curves around the bay. Leave my Scooty bike chained by a farmer’s gate, and heave my little rucksack on my shoulders.
It’s my last walk of this trip, and it is going to be a short one.
Continue reading[This walk was completed on Thursday 15th May, 2025]
I was really looked forward to walking over Kessock Bridge. I’d driven over it several times on my way back and forth to the north Highlands, and I’d cycled over this morning. So, walking the bridge – taking my time and looking at the views – was going to be a treat.
But, the reality turns out to be deeply disappointing.
[This walk was completed on Thursday 15th May, 2025]
Alturlie Point is a pretty place. Palm trees. Nice houses. And a great view across the Moray Firth to Avoch. I can see Avoch clearly today because it is sunny – unlike the day I walked through the place when the views were spoilt by a sea mist.
[This walk was completed on Wednesday, 14th May, 2025]
After my picnic lunch, I heave my rucksack back on my shoulders, and set off through the woodland, following the little path.
[This walk was completed on Wednesday, 14th May, 2025]
What a difference a day makes! Yesterday was dull, cold and wet. Today is bright and sunny. Yippee! I drive back to North Kessock, and park my van in almost the exact same place as yesterday. But, today, I’m going to walk.
[Tuesday 13th May, 2025]
I pack up the van and leave Fortrose behind. Drive to the end-point of today’s planned walk, North Kessock, where I sit in my van looking at the miserable view of Inverness across the water.
Perhaps the rain will stop soon, and the mist will clear up?
Continue reading[This walk was completed on Monday, 12th May 2025]
Ormond Castle turns out to be a disappointment. I climb a grassy hill, and find a few stones and a flag pole. That’s all. Even the views are disappointing, as the sea mist has thickened and is drifting in a chilly cloud around the place.
[This walk was completed on Monday 12th May 2025]
Nobody else gets off the bus at Munlochy. It’s a small place with houses among trees and a handful of shops. I set off along the road, heading back towards the main A832.
[This walk was completed on Sunday 11th May 2025]
Such a treat to have lunch in a cafe! There have been so few places open on the north coast of Scotland – closed pubs, and cafes that have erratic opening hours. I feel I must be approaching civilisation again.
Leaving the cafe behind, I head along the shore. Rosemarkie is a pretty place, and popular with visitors.
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Incident number 1305Date: 30.08.26Site: Public footpath alongside of Egglestone Abbey near Barnard Castle. County Durham.Bull with cows and calves (Comment: very large brown cattle with small horns.)2 walkers with dog on a lead. Miley’s Report: “We were walking from woods towards grasslands alongside Egglestone Abbey. This was the only route back to the gate onto […]
Incident number 1303Date: 31.5.26Site: Between Lewes and Hamsey on the river footpath BN7I dog, on a lead, 2 walkers Description: “Chased by cows on footpath, not for the first time here but very scary. Our dog froze in panic making getting away from cows near impossible.We reported it to the council who have replied saying […]
Incident number 1301Date: 24.05.26Site: Roughly this: What3words:Punctuate.Otter.Fronted. Near Over Alderley, Hare Hill permissive path. 1 dog on lead, 3 walkers. RH’s report: “We were just walking and suddenly a group of cattle burst out of a field (from nowhere) and moved around us, not charging but getting quite close, agitated and shifting around restlessly with […]
Ruth's Coastal Walk (UK) 