Dornoch Beach
Dornoch is a small town situated at the mouth of the Dornoch Firth about 60 miles north of Inverness. It has a long sandy shoreline that extends in both northerly and southerly directions. The south beach and shoreline is quieter and more suitable to walking dogs. Dornoch itself is a nice town with historic interest and plenty of places to eat.
The walk takes as long as you want but 2 hours is probably a good guide. Most is on sand and the best time is to target low tide when a large area of flat sands is exposed.
Take the A9 towards past Tain, at the roundabout turn right, still on the A9, over the Dornoch Firth Bridge. Dornoch is signposted on the right after about 3-4 miles.
Drive into the town until you reach the main crossroads with the Castle Hotel on your right. There are car parking facilities here and public toilets. Turn right towards the beach. On the right hand side immediately after the private houses finish is a small tarmac track that goes to the aerodrome. You are heading for the aerodrome car park but be careful as the track crosses a golf course, park in the car park.
From the car park follow the path towards the beach, this crosses sand dunes, but eventually you will get to the beach on the South side of the town. Note this whole area is a conservation area with wild plants, flowers and breeding birds. You are expected to clean up after your dog and poo bags are normally available in the car park area.
Once on the beach turn south and follow the shoreline. There are seal colonies on the sand banks out in the firth estuary.
You have two walking options:
- Follow the shoreline until you get tired and retrace your steps.
- Follow the shoreline until you turn into the estuary, a little further the sand dunes run out and the estuary opens out. If you turn right and head back towards Dornoch keeping close to the sand dunes you will eventually return to the airstrip. This area is cut up with wide tidal gullies that you avoid by staying close to the dunes.
After your walk you can park in Dornoch and eat at the Eagle or Castle Hotels or even have tea and Coffee at the ice cream parlour.