Braemore to Loch More = 16 miles/25.8 km, with locked gates at each end. There are no facilities of any kind between Dunbeath and Spittal via this route.
At the first junction past the gate at Braemore.
For details of the Braemore to Loch More walk, see the separate description. Note that there may be accommodation available at Glutt, giving distances of Dunbeath to Glutt 13 miles/21 km and Glutt to Spittal 19 miles/30 km – see the website of Dunbeath Estate. Please also check with the Ulbster Estate gamekeeper in advance as this section is sometimes ‘off limits’ due to deer stalking and other estate activities.
Description of the walk from Braemore to loch More (Check mileages and convert )
Braemore to Strathmore
The total distance of the route is just over 26km (approx 16 miles) walking time for this is 9 hours 40 minutes based on Naismith's rule. Small groups of good ability could increase the pace and complete in less.
The route is all on track although the track is pretty rough in places and some areas might be liable to large puddles in wet weather. If this is the case, stay on the track as there is solid ground beneath the water. Going off track you risk getting into some deep bogs. Due to the remote nature of the countryside a good level of fitness is required. As the ground is rough, boots are required that give support to ankles.
The walk starts at the phone box at Braemore (ND073305) which is 10km (6.3miles) from the village of Dunbeath. There are options for getting to the start point including car sharing by leaving a car at the finish point and driving the group to the start point where there is a few parking spaces for people walking or fishing. Get dropped off at the start point and picked up at the end. Or you can take the bus to the start point and walk in. The walk is all on sand track although it is a bit rough in places.
The first section of the walk to the track junction (ND037322) is 4.3km with 110m ascent. Approximate time is 1h 40m
As you stand facing the phone box the track is on your right hand side, general direction is north west, and you set off the river of Berriedale Water is on your left hand side. After a few minutes you should cross a little burn running down to the river. The first 4.3 km of the track is uphill and is a bit steep in places.
About 1km along the track there are hut circles on your right but very little remains visible in the peat and heather. The track is quickly rising above the river at this point but the incline soon becomes more gentle. The track crosses another burn and ahead you will see the rock face of Conachchreag. This a favourite look out point for Red Grouse as they sit on the rock. Looking ahead you will see the sharp turn of the river heading away from the track and a little further on the little Lochan nam Bo Riabhach is on your left. This is about the highest point of the route to enjoy the view from. Approximate time to this point is 1h 40m
The next section of the track is down to the Glutt (ND000370) and is about 6.7km with an overall descent of 90m. Approximate time is 2h 40m
At the junction, take the left hand track to follow straight ahead. About 800 metres on from the junction, the track crosses a burn. All the burns are easily crossable on the track. This is a tributary heading into Dunbeath Water. A further 1.2km along the track there is a little fisherman's shed by a burn. This is the start of Dunbeath Water. Walking onwards the track rises to cross over Cnoc na Saobhaidhe. The track then continues gently downhill to the Glutt.
The lodge is frequently occupied and respect should be shown to the residents. There may also be dogs in the kennels who bark as you approach but they are kennelled.
The bridge at Glutt is a nice stopping point but due to it being low and sheltered and with water, it is also a favourite spot of the midgies.
The next section of the track from the Glutt to Dalgannachan (ND005400) is 3km. There are little undulations in the track but no steep sections. The track is quite rough walking. Approximate time for the section is 1 hr.
The track is now heading in a northerly direction with Glutt Water running along on the right hand side. This is a lovely peaceful section of the walk and the only disruption might be the post van which uses the track.
At Dalgannachan the bridge crosses the Rumsdale Water coming in from the west and about 100m along this meets with the Glutt Water to become the River Thurso. This will be on your right side now until it meets Loch More. The little buildings by the track are used by game keepers for day stops or maybe overnight during the shooting season.
The next section of the walk to the junction at Dalnawillan Lodge (ND030409) is 2.7km and is mostly flat. The track is still pretty rough with significant potholes. Approximate time is 55 minutes.
Dalnawillan Lodge was the summer home of the Sinclair family and Lady Thurso used to recall happy holidays here with the family during the summer months. The house is almost derelict. There is a small intimate cemetery up on the hill to the left where gamekeepers and ghillies to the family were buried. This is the resting place of Sir Archibald Sinclair, his son Lord Thurso (Robin) and wife Margaret. The estate gamekeeper lives at Dalnawillan and the kennels are generally occupied and you will receive a noisy welcome from the dogs.
The next section of the walk will take you to Loch More to the junction to Dalnaha (ND061441) which is 5.2km with a few lumps and bumps but nothing significant. The track is slightly better than the last section. Approximate time for the leg is 1h45m.
This is definitely a section of the walks that allows you to appreciate the wide open spaces of Caithness and the big skies. About 3km along the track there is a little cottage now derelict. Sometimes the area on the other side of the river is used for training birds of prey. If training is happening, keep quiet. The junction at Dalnaha goes down to a little summer house at the end of Loch More. This was used as a holiday house by Margaret Viscountess Thurso after the lodge at Dalnawillan fell into disrepair.
The last section of the walk is 4.8km and will take you to the car park at the end of the track where it rejoins black road (ND091472). The track is very flat. Approximate time for this leg is 1hr 36m.
The track is in pretty good condition. Usually it is estate traffic only but there are occasionally vehicles using the track for fishing access. This last leg provides an opportunity to appreciate the amazing skyscapes and the peace and tranquillity of Caithness.
There are no facilities of any kind between Dunbeath and Spittal via this route.
From the locked gate at Loch More, follow the description given for Braid 1, stage four.