Sutors of Cromarty Circular

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
4.43 kms	02:00 (hrs:mins)	140 metres	Explorer 432: Black Isle

Description

The walk begins in the village of Cromarty, at the north end of the Black Isle. It first follows the shoreline, on a good path, then climbs up through birch woods to the viewpoint at the top of the South Sutor (headland) at 140m. The present route then follows a narrow (and quiet) country road to Cromarty Mains Farm, thence back to Cromarty. (Moves to waymark an alternative return route are in hand; the walk will be updated when done). Don't be tempted to take the track going south along the cliffs from the viewpoint - it's no longer there...

Access Info

In Cromarty go to Shore Street, where there are several car parks. Cromarty is also served by a bus service from Inverness.

Additional Info

History records that at one time Easter Ross was inhabited by a race of giants (compared to whom the Cyclops were as pygmies). One day the blacksmith's wife ran off with the baker. The blacksmith set off in hot pursuit and caught up with them near Cromarty. He aimed a mighty swing of his hammer at them. He missed, but such was the force of the hammer blow, the earth's crust broke, forming the two sutors and letting the sea in to fill up the Cromarty Firth... During World War 1 and World War 2 advantage was taken of this; the Cromarty Firth provided a deep and easily defended anchorage for the fleet.