Golspie's 'Wee Mannie' & 'Big Burn'

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
9.18 kms	02:30 (hrs:mins)	415 metres	Explorer: 441 Lairg, Bonar Bridge & Golspie

Description

Golspie's Wee Mannie & Big Burn route map

A circular walk starting from the car park or train station in Golspie, ascending the recently improved tourist path through woodlands and open hillside to the statue of the 1st Duke of Sutherland on the shoulder of Ben Bhraggie (Bh being pronounced V.) Here the walker is rewarded with views along the Sutherland coast and across the Moray Firth.

From the train station head into Golspie on Back Road. At the junction with Fountain Road turn left and go under the bridge heading beyond Rhives and into woodlands. Follow the path and climb steeply through the woodlands onto open hillside to reach the statue of the 1st Duke of Sutherland (the 'wee mannie', credited with much of the notorious Highland Clearances) on the shoulder of Ben Bhraggie. The route continues beyond the summit, eventually descending to the top of 'The Glen' with maintained pathways running along the banks of the 'Big Burn', past a waterfall and through a gorge. These pathways return to Golspie village. The walk also runs near Dunrobin (a large and majestic castle with a French design influence) which is well worth a visit (admission charge applies). To return to the railway station carry on along the A9 road via the seafront.

The 1300ft ascent of Ben Bhraggie if not rushed is easy for all walkers. Some soft going beyond 'The Mannie' is easily bypassed.

Access Info

The start point is Fountain Road car park, on the inland side of A9. Access by Fountain Road just South of pelican crossing. Bus services run along A9. Alternatively take the train from Inverness to Golspie - train operator and timetable information is available by calling the National Rail Enquiries service on 08457 48 49 50.

Additional Info

Golspie is the premier village on the A9. (It is the first unbypassed.) Shops & pubs. Cafe & toilets at start/finish. Two of its pubs are passed half a mile from the end of the walk. The Orcadian Stone Company (on A9 400 yards north of car park) provides an exhibition including local geology.

Historic view: in 1746 (on the day before Culloden) local militia ambushed a large force of Jacobites on the road to the Little Ferry below Ben Bhraggie. The officers escaped back to Dunrobin Castle but their men fled to the ferry where they were massacred or drowned.