Portskerra brings together coastal scenery, geological history and maritime remembrance. The options range from a short circular walk along coastal paths to two audio walks, each with different landscapes and destinations. When planning a stay, it helps to decide first whether you want to focus on geological features, birdwatching or historic sites.
Coastal geology
Moine rocks are exposed along 1.5 km of coastline around Portskerra. They formed about 1.1 billion years ago from sands and muds on the seabed. At the Strathy Coast location, banded rocks known as migmatites are clearly visible. Together, these offer two geological impressions: the great age of the coastal rocks at Portskerra and the striking banding at the Strathy Coast location.
Walks and birdwatching
The circular walk to the pier and jetty in Portskerra is a short loop along a coastal path and minor roads. Walk ONE of the Portskerra Melvich Audio Walk heads west through Portskerra towards Baligill, with views of the geos. Walk TWO leads from the village across peatlands towards the headland of Big House Head and is associated with fulmars and puffins. The landscapes differ: coastal views and geos on Walk ONE, peatlands and seabirds on Walk TWO. Sightings vary, and local path conditions can also change.
The sea cliffs west of Portskerra can be reached via an unsigned path that branches off the minor road running around the village. Assess conditions on site. A very large colony of herring gulls lives on the rocky outcrops at the western end of the beach west of Portskerra. The colony is seasonal, and viewing conditions vary.
Maritime history and memorial sites
In the area around Portskerra, the 33-ton wooden sloop Mary and Jane was wrecked in Skerra Bay on 12 September 1885. The Drownings Memorial in Portskerra overlooks Melvaig Bay. It commemorates 26 local fishermen who died in three separate accidents off the coast, as well as people who lost their lives at sea in storms in 1848, 1890 and 1918.
Also in the area around Portskerra stands the Melvich and Portskerra War Memorial: a granite obelisk on high ground at the edge of Melvich. From there, views extend over Portskerra and the bay. The two memorial sites have different emphases: the Drownings Memorial preserves the memory of those lost at sea, while the War Memorial stands as an obelisk on high ground.
Getting there and finding accommodation
A bus service between Thurso and Bettyhill connects Melvich and Portskerra. Check the current timetable before travelling. If you would like to borrow the Portskerra Melvich Audio Walk, check availability in advance at West End Stores in Portskerra. If you are looking for hotels in Portskerra, first decide whether coastal paths, geology or maritime memorial sites should shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Aviemore, Avoch, Cononbridge, Kinbrace, Totscore, Strathan, Duntulm, Grantown On Spey
View the main travel overview: Highland.
