Ben Bhraggie Circular Walk

The Ben Bhraggie Circular Walk boasts a highlight reel of phenomenal scenery, from waterfalls to coastline views to sections of a fairytale-like setting, while following waymarked tracks and footpaths. The easygoing nature paired with entertaining views makes this a great family-friendly choice—if your young ones can handle the long 5.9mi distance. However, you can make this journey shorter by following a forest track after visiting (and admiring) the lofty Sutherland monument, or you can continue onward toward the scenic Big Burn gorge.

From the town of Golspie, follow Fountain Road and go under the railway line and head toward Rhives Farm. Just after the farm, follow the track in the fork bending right and into the woods. Follow signs for Ben Bhraggie as you make your way through this next section. Eventually, you’ll reach stunning views of Golspie and the coastline. From here, follow steps to a gate under the mountain bike feature and continue onto moorland. Next, you’ll reach the soaring Sutherland monument! And we don’t write soaring lightly; this monument is massive at 100ft tall.

From here, follow the path leading inland, passing a little pool and bench. When you get to the heather moorland, keep straight to go into the forest, ignoring other paths to your side. At the next junction, you can choose to head back to Golspie or opt to continue to the more fairytale-like setting of the Ben Bhraggie Circular Walk! If you want to continue, go straight at the junction.

Shortly after, you’ll reach another junction; go left. Keep an eye out for mountain bikers whizzing by! At the minor road, take a left to reach a bridge, followed by a right onto the lower path hugging the furthest point of a garden. Eventually, the muddy path goes right and follows along the river before rejoining with the main path. The following junction will have you taking a right to cross a footbridge, where the lovely imagery we’ve been promising and Big Burn falls await! From here, the path takes a steep dip to the lower river below. Once here, take a right to reach even more lovely scenery.

After the last bridge, keep left along the Big Burn—and don’t be tempted to turn off the path. When you reach the A9 road, go right along the pavement back towards your car!