The Whaligoe Steps, Caithness & Sutherland Venture North


Easy Directions to Whaligoe Steps American Expeditioners

The Whaligoe Steps are the only access to Whaligoe Haven, an ancient harbor in the north of Scotland. The steep stairs are bounded on three sides by cliff faces that reach some 250 feet into the sky.


Whaligoe Steps Hidden Scotland

Scotland. Scottish Highlands. Caithness and Sutherland. Whaligoe. Things to Do in Whaligoe. Whaligoe Steps. See all things to do. Whaligoe Steps.. Whaligoe steps are very much worth a visit on the NC500. Stunning views from the top and all the way down the 300 odd steps.


The Perfect 5 Day North Coast 500 Itinerary The Ultimate Scottish Road Trip! Finding the Universe

Whaligoe Haven is one of the most remarkable harbours to be found in Scotland - surrounded on three sides by 250 feet cliffs, and is reached by the Whaligoe Steps which zig-zag down the cliffside. The natural harbour at the foot of the steps has been a long standing landing point for herring, salmon, whitefish and shellfish. First prospected.


Whaligoe Steps John O'Groat Journal YourCaithness Scotland travel, Scotland, Scotland

Stage 1. Take the narrow minor road which heads inland from Whaligoe; it is signed for the Cairn of Get; there is a marked space to park at the south end of Loch Watenan. Begin the walk by heading back along this minor road; when it turns sharp left by a house (once a railway cottage on the Wick - Lybster line), turn right through a metal.


Easy Directions to Whaligoe Steps American Expeditioners

The Whaligoe Steps are made of flagstone and descend the cliff face in a series of zigzags. Local sources, including the account of those who look after the steps, all say that there are a total of 365 steps. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, which we'd normally take as authoritative, says there are 330.


Whaligoe Steps, Scotland © Andrew Tryon Geograph Britain and Ireland

Whaligoe Steps is a part of the north-east fishing history that you can experience by walking down the 330 steps to the remains of the fishing station and harbour at Whaligoe. Part of the great herring fishing boom in the past it is now a visitor attraction in the north of Scotland. Whales can be seen from Whaligoe.


Whaligoe Steps, Caithness Scotland United Kingdom

The cliff crossing to Whaligoe Waterfall viewpoint Whaligoe Steps history. Dating back to the 1700's, the zig-zagging flagstones lead to one of Scotland's most beautiful natural harbours; a long-standing fishing point for salmon and herring (amongst other fish).


whaligoe steps, Caithness, Scotland Stock Photo Alamy

Whaligoe Haven, 330 of them cut into the cliffisde lead to remote harbour. They are steep and windy in parts with no handrails etc., so descend slowly (your ascent will anyway be slow as you catch your breath!). Parking available at the top, but limited spaces which fill up quickly. Written 30 May 2023.


Whaligoe Steps, Highlands of Scotland Stock Image Image of nature, history 133784905

The Whaligoe Steps is a human-made stone staircase leading to the natural harbour of Whaligoe Haven in Caithness, Scotland. The Whaligoe Steps walk descends some 365 steps, where views of this incredible geo, sheer cliff face and the rugged North Sea are quite incredible.. In this guide, we'll tell you a little about the history of Whaligoe Steps, as well as where in Caithness, Scotland to.


Whaligoe Steps and the Cairn of Get (Walkhighlands)

Whaligoe Steps. Moderate • 4.3 (17) Lybster, Highlands, Scotland. Photos (22) Directions. Print/PDF map. Length 0.5 kmElevation gain 33 mRoute type Out-and-back. Discover this 0.5-km out-and-back trail near Lybster, Highlands. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 12 min to complete.


Whaligoe Steps Scotland David Grau Flickr

History of the Whaligoe Steps. The ancient stones of the Whaligoe Steps have wound their way down the cliffside of Scotland's northern region for over 200 years. In 1786, the Scottish engineer Thomas Telford prospected the small harbour of Whaligoe as he toured the northern coastlines for the Northern Fishing Society.


Whaligoe Steps North Coast 500

Whaligoe Steps. The Whaligoe Steps are 365 steps that descend to what was a naturally formed harbour between two sea cliffs, built by Captain David Brodie who also built the harbour and village of Sarclet some 3 miles north of the steps which was once a landing place for fishing boats.


United Kingdom, Scotland, Whaligoe steps at Caithness stock photo

Dedicated volunteers kept the Whaligoe Steps maintained and usable, although it wasn't always an easy job. After a devastating landslide in the winter of 1975, the steps were buried under several tons of rubble, making the descent impossible. The volunteers estimated that clearing the way would take at least 4 men several days of hard labour.


The Hidden History of The Whaligoe Steps Hidden Scotland

Whaligoe Steps. Leading down to a peaceful, naturally formed harbour, Whaligoe Steps is a man-made pathway of 365 steps towards it. Originally used by local women who would gut the fish caught in the harbour, it's now notoriously difficult to find (it's not signposted) but well worth the visit if you stumble upon it. Visit Website.


Complete Guide to the Whaligoe Steps WHAT, WHERE and WHY.. highlands2hammocks

Whaligoe Steps. Discover this 0.3-mile out-and-back trail near Lybster, Highlands. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 12 min to complete. This trail is great for birding and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.


Whaligoe Steps Scotland travel, England and scotland, Scotland

About Whaligoe Steps. Address: A99, Whaligoe, Caithness, Scotland, KW2 6AA. Attraction Type: Historic Building. Location: Immediately behind the Whaligoe Steps Cafe, which is signposted off the A99 south of Ulbster. There is a small parking area. Open access site. Location map. OS: ND320403. Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express.

Scroll to Top