Access issues

There are two bridges at Dunbeath which are impassable and no one knows who owns them, according to the John o Groats Journal 4 July 2025

Sutherland Local Access Forum
25th March 2024
Proposed Core Path Diversion – Upper Bighouse SU19.03
Background
The core path SU19.03 leads from Kirkton Cemetery to Upper Bighouse, Melvich. It
follows a built track with a deep ford at one point and some gorse encroachment.
Both land owners promoted the path through Scottish Governments Land
Management Contract scheme and it was adopted into the core paths plan in
September 2011.
Since the adoption on the route into the plan the steadings at Upper Bighouse have
stopped being used for cattle and agricultural use and the buildings have been used
for the running of a biomass and timber processing facility. No planning applications
were received for the change of use and over time the area used for this new
purpose has slowly increased. Retrospective consent was granted in December
2023 with a condition that an alternative route for the core path be provided.

There are still issues, and flooding at Golspie. Have the trail developers looked at that

We got in touch with the ferry man at Durness.  He was not a happy bunny.  We tried to fix things for him, and hopefully the local councillor will help. Meanwhile, our magazine is going down well, thanks to Quintfall Forest.  As at 31 May 2024 the ferry man reported he is finally getting the road sorted out and the bus will be able to get down it.

However, there is still another problem at Rispond, where there is a "No Through Road - Private sign".  The Highland Council maintain that road so that sign should not be there.

From the South West Path to the Moray Firth (John o Groats Trail) there are issues.  Walking along the road around Keiss as the John o Groats Trail, on which so much money has been spent, is impassable in places.  SUSTRANS have cut off the cycling route at Tain, sending people up the Pilgrims Path to the North Coast which is great news for the North Highland Way.
Even more reason to highlight problems around Dounreay.

We also note that The Highland Council Access Officer is trying to re route the CPN around Upper Bighouse Lodge.

We are now on the Lincolnshire Access Forum, and have linked up with the South West Path... What an achievement.

This is an example.. Aberdeenshire are invited to add their routes here.

There may be problems around the Sutherland Space Hub....log on to see what they are.  These have been ongoing sinece 23 May 2023, as mentioned in the local press.