Two walking routes offer practical guidance when planning a stay in North Kessock: the Ord Hill route combines waymarked woodland paths, a viewpoint and archaeological remains; the North Kessock and Kilmuir circuit includes a rocky coastal section that depends on the tides. You can first decide whether you would prefer to plan for views and traces of history, or a coastal route with a specific high-tide restriction.
Walks with Different Conditions
The walk up Ord Hill follows waymarked woodland paths and trails and involves some ascent. Along the way, the route passes the remains of a vitrified fort—a fortification whose structure was fused by fire. A viewpoint offers views of the Kessock Bridge, Inverness and the Beauly Firth. The fort remains give the walk an archaeological connection, while the viewpoint looks out towards the bridge, Inverness and the firth. Those who would like to combine scenery with a specific historical theme will find both on this route.
The North Kessock and Kilmuir circuit has a different focus. One section runs along a rocky coast, is impassable at high tide and is slippery because of seaweed. Take the tides into account when planning this stretch; the high-tide restriction applies specifically to this section. While the ascent and viewpoint are among the features described for Ord Hill, the coastal passage requires particular attention to the timing of the tide.
The Ord Hill route has a large car park on the north side of the A9 at North Kessock. For the North Kessock and Kilmuir circuit, there is a car park off the northbound A9 at North Kessock. When planning, you can match the relevant parking information to your chosen route.
Bridge, Waterways and Local History
The Kessock Bridge also offers practical connections: footpaths run along both sides of the bridge deck, and the bridge forms part of National Cycle Network Route 1. This means you can consider both the footpaths on the bridge and its connection to a cycle route.
North Kessock Pier points to a historical role of the village: it was a crossing over the Moray Firth and Beauly Firth to South Kessock. The North Kessock & District Local History Society also put together an exhibition on Bronze Age metalworking in the region. These topics offer different cultural and historical perspectives: the pier represents a historic crossing of the waterways, while the exhibition focuses on regional metalworking in the Bronze Age.
Putting Outings into Your Stay
The two routes raise different planning questions: the Ord Hill walk involves some ascent, while the tide determines whether the coastal section of the circuit is passable. So take the tides into account specifically for this stretch.
For a broader travel overview: Inverness.
