Explore Nairn through its coastal walks and culture. Four beaches with stretches of white sand and marram grass-covered dunes define its connection to the coast. The piers at Nairn Harbour also offer views across the harbour and out to the Moray Firth. Walks range from a 5 km circular route to trails lasting several hours; one of these is accessible only at low tide. Nairn Museum and Fishertown tell the town’s maritime history, while events celebrate traditional Highland culture and a range of art forms.
Walks between the River and the Coast
For a shorter circular walk, the River Nairn Circuit offers a clear option: it is 5 km long, graded easy and takes 1 to 1.5 hours to walk. The walk from Nairn to Cawdor follows the river. At 9 km and around 2 hours, it takes longer and is also graded easy. Longer and rated somewhat more challenging is the route from East Beach to Kingsteps: it is 10 km long and takes 2 to 3 hours. Distances and walking times for these three routes can vary depending on conditions.
The longer coastal option runs from Nairn to Whiteness Point: the route is 16.5 km long, takes 3.5 to 4 hours and is graded easy. The key consideration here is the tidal condition: the route can be walked only at low tide. Check the tide level before your walk and plan the route only for this time window. The routes therefore differ not only in length and walking time, but also in grading and access conditions.
Museum and Maritime History in Fishertown
Nairn Museum was founded in 1858 and is housed in Viewfield House, a Regency-era building. Its exhibitions tell Nairn’s maritime history through the distinctive culture of Fishertown. One specific insight into the area’s former fishing industry is the old Barking Yard in Fishertown, where fishermen used a brew made from tree bark to preserve nets and sails. Fishertown was officially designated a Conservation Area by the Highland Council in 1979. The museum, fishing history and designation of the neighbourhood illustrate different historical aspects of Nairn, without telling the same story.
Highland Culture and Events
The Nairn Highland Games showcase traditional Highland culture through sport, bagpipe music and dance. They have been part of Nairn’s summer calendar every year since 1867. Another cultural highlight is the Nairn Book and Arts Festival, an annual celebration of literature, art, music, theatre and film in the Scottish Highlands. If an event is a deciding factor for your trip, check the dates for your preferred travel period.
Getting There and Other Interests
The A96 connects Nairn with Inverness and Aberdeen. Trains run regularly from Nairn railway station to Inverness; check the timetable for your travel date. Three types of wheelchair are available to borrow free of charge at the Nairn Beach Cabin at the Leisure Centre. If you plan to use this service, confirm availability before you arrive.
Golf is another interest to consider. Nairn Dunbar Golf Club has a 6,800-yard links course. Nairn Golf Club has the Championship Course and the 9-hole Cameron Course.
Discover more destinations: Staffin, Dornie, Balintore, Kenmore, Mey, Evanton, Thurso, Cannich.
Back to the main travel overview: Highland.
