The starting point
Tain was the birthplace of Saint Duthac and has been an important pilgrimage centre since the 12th century. For more information, go to www.tainmuseum.org.uk and www.tain.org.uk.
Braid 1: Tain to Kirkwall via Helmsdale, Forsinaine, Loch More, Spittal and Gills Bay
The braid is divided into 11 stages, as listed in the table below. All mileages are approximate as different sources quote different figures, possibly because they use different start and stop points. They are repeated here as a guide to planning the trip. Our guide book will also help. GPS mapping is available through the British Pilgrimage Trust website. However, each pilgrim should use map and compass to check the route and distances for themselves. Please be aware that the Forsinain to Loch More section is very isolated and the road is rough.
Stage Miles Km
Tain – Dornoch 8.6 13.9
Dornoch – Golspie 13.8 22.4
Golspie – Brora 6.2 10.1
Brora – Helmsdale 12.8 20.8
Helmsdale – Kildonan 10 16.1
Kildonan – Forsinard 15 24
Forsinard – Altnabreac 14 22.5
Altnabreac – Spittal 15.5 25
Spittal – Watten 6 10
Watten – Gills Bay 14.7 23.7
Via Canisbay 17.2 27.7Gills Bay to Kirkwall via ferry (1 hour) and bus (30 min, 15 miles). As the road includes three causeways without pedestrian walkways, we do not recommend walking from St Margaret’s Hope to Kirkwall. Anyone wanting to walk all the way could take the Scrabster-Stromness ferry and join the St Magnus Way at Orphir.
At Altnabreac, there is the option of turning south to Dalnawillan and joining Braid 2 there, adding 12 miles to the journey. From the car park at Loch More there is the option of visiting St Bridget’s Chapel and holy well at Achscoraclate. Further along the road to Spittal, there is the option of visiting the graveyard at Dirlot, dedicated to St Colm. Including Achscoraclate adds another 4.2 miles and adding Dirlot adds yet another mile.
The only public transport is a train service which goes from Helmsdale to Wick and Thurso via all the points listed except Kilphedar, Dalnawillan and Loch More. Some of the stops are 'request only' and even then some only stop on request at specific times. So please check an up-to-date timetable before setting off. Some local hotels and B&Bs will provide a pick-up and drop-off service for their residents and there are various local taxi firms.
The area around Altnabreac, Dalnawillan and Loch More is part of the Ulbster Estates, which is a sporting estate with grouse and deer shooting. There may be occasional restrictions on access to the paths. Local hotels and guest houses will be able to advise but, if in doubt, it is best to contact the estate office or local gamekeeper in advance.
Having said all that, the walking is easy – the road from Helmsdale to Forsinain is fairly quiet and has broad grass verges. As it follows the river Helmsdale, some sections have riverside paths for fishermen. From Forsinain, there are forestry tracks to Loch More, from where there is a tarred road. The section from Mybster to Spittal is along the busy A9 and care is needed.
For further details of this braid, go to
Update from a pilgrim: at the northern end of the Dornoch Bridge, the route takes you off the A9 and down onto a coastal path. This means climbing over the road barrier and negotiating a ‘particularly steep’ slope. However he enjoyed the day.