Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint is improving active transport links, raising the profile of infrastructure on the east coast, for example the railway; making things fairer on this coast by including people from Helmsdale in the Caithness and Sutherland Walking Festival; and raising awareness about traffic and flood risks.
Our story
The Moray Firth Trail is a 147 mile walking route up the east coast of Scotland from Inverness to John o' Groats, supported by local authorities, Visit Scotland and community efforts. It links with the North Highland Way at John o' Groats, which in turn links with the Cape Wrath Trail. It links with the Moray Firth Way, and then down the Aberdeenshire Coast right into Lincolnshire. The forests and glens of the east coast offer shelter from the wind, and there is an outdoor centre at Rumster Forest.
The Moray Firth Partnership originally designed the trail as a virtual trail as part of the North Sea Trail. The east coast is easier to traverse than the north coast, though there is a new bridge at Loth near Helmsdale to keep people off the busy A9.
SUSTRANS discontinued the N1 cycling route to the north some years ago, as it was deemed to be very dangerous. The route is marked in some places. Around Golspie there is a lot of flooding so it can be dangerous, so do watch out for this. Coastal erosion changes the route in several places, and you will need to check in at local businesses to get the latest information. There are several cafes along the east coast, and the trains offer a great place to jump on and off. There is an excellent bus service as well.
We have worked with local businesses on the east coast especially Timespan. At Timespan, you can cut off the trail and walk to the North Highland Way at Forsinard and the Flow Country. We have developed our own products such as Environmental News. We have an online shop for environmental products, and have developed a course with the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Our advice
- Talk to people, especially farmers, they are very important!
- The Scottish Outdoor Access Code should be adhered to at all times.
