A day trip to Littleferry and Loch Fleet Nature Reserve is packed with wildlife, woods and water. It is an activity which can be done on foot, by bike or in a car.
Before you set off make sure that you stock up on tasty treats so that you can enjoy a picnic on the go.
Starting from Shore Street car park, off Main Street, you can walk along the shore, or on the beach, passing the golf course and joining the road inland between the caravan site and the Kart track. If you prefer to walk on a harder surface, or you want to cycle or drive, then head out of Golspie on Ferry Road. There is a cycle and foot path alongside the quiet single track road.
If you came up on foot from the shore you will turn left on Ferry road towards Littleferry.
1. Balblair wood
Pine woodland and a wildlife hide
About 2 miles (3.2km) from Golspie you will reach Balblair wood car park. Here you can explore the trails through Scots Pine woodland and alongside the tidal basin of Loch Fleet nature reserve. Rare flowers can be found alongside seasonal fungi. A wildlife hide sits on the north shore of the basin about 0.6 miles (1km) from the car park. Here you can watch wading birds and, if you are lucky, otters and osprey. It is magical place and there is something different to spot in all seasons.
In late summer to autumn you may be able to spot salmon gathering in the salmon pools.
The walks around Balblair wood are part of the Highland Council core paths, a downloadable map can be accessed here Map18a_LittleferryEmbo_Sutherland.pdf
2. Littleferry
The site of an old ferry crossing
After your stroll around the woods carry on down Ferry road until you reach Littleferry (about 1.3m/2.2km) which derives it’s name from the Scots Gaelic ‘Am Port Beag’ or ‘The Little Port’ and the ferry which once crossed the mouth of Loch Fleet.
You can stroll down to the water to see the remains of the pier and see the strong tidal waters running through the channel. In the 19th century a causeway across the Mound superseded the ferry. The area has also produced many lithic (stone tools or artefacts) finds some of which are on display in Dunrobin Castle (see more about this here).
If it is lunch time there are a few picnic benches where you can sit and admire the view while you eat.
3. The beach
White sand and blue seas
From the village follow the paths over the dunes to fabulous white beaches and rolling waves.
Sit and enjoy the beauty and peaceful surroundings.
Bring a bucket and spade to create to your hearts content.
Remove your socks and shoes and play in the waves.
Stroll along the beach watching for seals or birds.
If you are on foot continue walking north along the shore back towards Golspie until you are past the Kart track (1.4m/2.3km), otherwise head back to your bike/car and head back up Ferry Road towards Golspie.
Extra Walks
There are lots more paths and tracks which criss-cross the dunes, and another which heads out of Littleferry village to the east. Zoom in on OS Maps to see the paths in detail.
4. The sea
Try some wild swimming
Swimming at Littleferry is not recommended as the currents are strong. The local tip is to head to between the caravan site and the Kart track. Here you can easily park the car and have quick access to the beach- then if you find the Scottish sea a little chilly you can quickly head back to your vehicle and back to your accommodation for a warm shower.
Be aware of the Open Water Safety Swimming Code.
5. The Battle of Littleferry, 1746
The monument to those who lost their lives
Heading back along Ferry Road you will come across the Battle of Littleferry monument.Here you will see a memorial stone dedicated in memory of those who died on both sides.
The memorial forms part of ‘The Battle of Littleferry: A history and trail guide’ created by the Golspie Heritage Society. It can be purchased locally and you can read more about the battle on the Heritage Society’s website.
The outline walking route detailed above follows this route:
- From Shore Street car park, along the shoreline before heading inland to Ferry Road and Balblair woods
- To the wildlife hide and back
- Balblair woods down the path to Littleferry
- Littleferry to the beach
- Along the shoreline to the kart track
- Inland to the Battle of Littleferry monument
- Along Ferry road and back to Shore Street car park
It is approximately 8.7 miles / 14 km. The route can be seen here.
To cycle the route you would simply head down the cycle path, and back, on Ferry Road.