The best walks and hikes around Loch of Mey

The Loch of Mey area offers a variety of hiking experiences, primarily featuring wetland ecosystems, coastal paths, and diverse birdlife. You'll find routes ranging from easy walks suitable for all skill levels to moderate trails, often leading through species-rich fens and along the coast with cliff views. There are currently 14 hiking routes available, with 10 rated as easy and 4 as moderate.

Yes, the Loch of Mey area is well-suited for beginners and families, with 10 out of 14 available routes classified as easy. For example, the St. John's Point Cliffs loop from Castle of Mey is an easy 3.7 km trail offering coastal views. Another great option is the St. John's Point loop from East Mey, a 2.7 km path with scenic coastal views.

The best time to hike around Loch of Mey largely depends on your interests. For birdwatching, late September to late April is ideal, as the loch is an internationally important site for wintering whooper swans, greylag geese, and Greenland white-fronted geese. During spring and summer, the wetland vegetation is vibrant with species like marsh marigold and yellow flag iris, and breeding birds are active. Be prepared for potentially wet conditions due to the area's wetland nature, especially outside of drier summer months.

Absolutely. Loch of Mey is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and part of the Caithness Lochs Ramsar Site, making it excellent for wildlife. It's internationally important for wintering whooper swans and greylag geese. You might also spot breeding birds such as little grebe, grey heron, teal, shoveler, snipe, redshank, and common tern. If you're lucky, you could even see an osprey, otter, or hen harrier. There's a dedicated memorial hide for birdwatching, accessible via a footpath.

Yes, many of the trails around Loch of Mey are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. Popular circular routes include the St. John's Point Cliffs loop from Castle of Mey (3.7 km) and the Peedie Sands Beach – Dunnet Bay loop from Dunnet (5.2 km), which takes you through beach and bay landscapes.

Given its designation as a significant wetland habitat, trails around Loch of Mey can often be wet and muddy, especially after rain or during wetter seasons. The area features fen and wet meadow vegetation, which experiences seasonal flooding. Footpaths are generally established, but appropriate waterproof footwear is highly recommended to ensure a comfortable hike.

The hiking routes around Loch of Mey are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.28 stars from over 28 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique wetland scenery, the abundance of birdlife, and the peaceful, undisturbed nature of the area. Many appreciate the variety of easy coastal and lochside walks available.

While the majority of trails are easy, there are moderate options for those seeking a bit more challenge. For example, the Viewpoint Over Loch Watten – Dunnet Head Lighthouse loop from Brough is an 8.2 km moderate trail that offers more extensive views and a longer duration, typically taking around 2 hours and 13 minutes to complete.

The trails showcase the unique natural features of a nationally important wetland habitat. You'll encounter a shallow loch fringed by fen and surrounded by species-rich wet meadows. Expect to see diverse plant life such as meadowsweet, marsh marigold, silverweed, and yellow flag iris, especially during spring and summer. The Burn of Horsegrow also flows into the southeastern side of the loch, adding to the natural landscape.

While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, many routes, such as those starting from the Castle of Mey or Dunnet, typically have designated parking areas nearby. It's advisable to check the individual route details on komoot for the most accurate parking information before you set out.

Generally, dogs are welcome on public footpaths in Scotland. However, as Loch of Mey is a significant wildlife habitat and SSSI, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, preferably on a lead, to protect ground-nesting birds and other wildlife. Always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and any local signage regarding dogs.

While the primary attraction is the natural wetland and its wildlife, the nearby Castle of Mey serves as a notable landmark and a common starting point for several hikes. The area also features a memorial bird hide, which is a point of interest for birdwatchers. Coastal routes will offer views of St. John's Point and the dramatic Caithness coastline.