Walking and Hiking
A Guided Walk Around Fortrose
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A Guided Walk Around Rosemarkie
By clicking on the link above, a new page will open which can then be printed using your browser's print facility. There is a map with numbers on it which references to the commentary.
Avoch - Fortrose - Chanonry
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 11.0km
Duration: 2 hours
Height Gain: 0m
Website: http://walks.walkingworld.com
Beginning at Avoch on the south side of the Black Isle the route first follows the path of a now removed railway line to Fortrose (2 miles). A short walk through the village then takes you to the path along the south shore of Chanonry Ness, to Chanonry Point. You then take the path along the beach on the north shore of Chanonry Ness nearly to Rosemarkie, thence cutting across the peninsula to rejoin the outward route. You can either do the complete walk Avoch back to Avoch or go on to Rosemarkie and take a bus back to Avoch, which would cut the walk to 5 miles. The path from Avoch to Fortrose can be muddy; no special footwear needed.
For full details of this walk go to the Walking World website at the link given above and search for walk number 965.
Fortrose - Swallow Den - Rosemarkie
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.0km
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Height Gain: 120m
Website: http://www.walkingworld.com
From the East Watergate turn-off the route climbs steeply for half a mile, offering views across the Moray Firth to Fort George and Inverness.There is then a traverse, descending gradually to the outskirts of Rosemarkie, skirting Swallow Glen gorge. The return to Fortrose is by the pedestrian footpath alongside the A832. Good path; muddy in bits. Steep hill on Rosemarkie side.
For full details of this walk go to the Walking World Web Site at the link given above and search for walk number 250.
Fairy Glen - Rosemarkie
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.0km
Duration: 1 hour
Height Gain: 75m
Website: http://www.walkingworld.com
From Rosemarkie the path follows the Rosemarkie burn, climbing 75m to reach the waterfalls.Quite a good path; muddy in places. There are earth pillars in the gorge, left as the burn eroded soft deposits, but they are hard to find amongst the dense vegetation. From the upper waterfall you have the choice of returning to Rosemarkie either by your outward path or by walking down the A832. The road is narrow with blind bends and no footpath.
For full details of this walk go to the Walking World Web Site at the link given above and search for walk number 251.
Eathie - Rosemarkie
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.0km
Duration: 4 hours
Height Gain: 20m
Website: http://www.walkingworld.com
This is a very interesting walk geologically; the sea has sculpted the different rock types in different ways. If you are lucky you may find ammonites.
The walk is along the beach (this, and the interest of the rock formations, accounts for the suggested 4 hours for the walk). There is a path for the last half mile only. Please note that at Scart Craig (waymark 07) the route is blocked at high tide. So it`s best to enquire about the tides before setting out.There is an "escape route" to avoid the tidal barrier, at waymark 06; it`s a stepped path up to the top of the cliffs, but is badly overgrown and not recommended. Better to do the walk after high tide. Boots are advised. Food, drink and toilets at Rosemarkie.
For full details of this walk go to the Walking World Web Site at the link given above and search for walk number 978.
Eathie Burn
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.0km
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Height Gain: 150m
Website: http://www.walkingworld.com
The three parts of this walk are the level beginning, the zigzags down the cliff and level along the sea shore. The first views are of the rich farmland of the Black Isle plateau, later ones are coastal views on the descent to the shore. The path is good, with a muddy patch or two in wet weather, and boots are recommended, particularly for walking along the shore.
For full details of this walk go to the Walking World Web Site at the link given above and search for walk number 978.
