A Highland Coastal Path
Reeds Loop Path – Past, Storm and Future
Background
The Reeds Loop Path was established around 1996, providing access to the longer 100 Steps route up the South Sutor, with its panoramic views across the Moray Firth. It also forms a popular shorter coastal loop back into Cromarty.
For almost 30 years, thousands of local people and visitors have enjoyed this beautiful coastal walk, stopping at viewpoints to watch for the resident bottlenose dolphins and abundant birdlife.
Restoring Access
Although originally wheelchair accessible, over time the coastal section became badly overgrown and eroded. In places, the path was barely a footprint wide, making it difficult for people to pass and inaccessible to those with limited mobility.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the path became particularly busy, highlighting the need for safer, wider and more inclusive access. The aim was simple: restore the path so it could once again be enjoyed by the wider community, including older and disabled people and families with pushchairs.
In 2021, Cromarty Community Development Trust successfully secured funding through NatureScot’s Better Places Fund 2. Working with Highland Council and specialist contractor Hightak Ltd, around 700 metres of path was widened, regraded, resurfaced and improved for drainage.
Volunteers supported project management and access throughout the works. By July 2021, the restored path was once again accessible to walkers, wheelchair users, pushchairs and trikes.
Storm Ciarán
In October 2023, Storm Ciarán caused severe coastal erosion along the eastern Black Isle. Reeds Loop was badly affected, with around 25 metres of the path completely lost to the sea.
For safety, the path was immediately closed. Following discussions between Highland Council, Cromarty Community Development Trust and the landowner, a temporary diversion was created through the adjoining field, using pedestrian gates to bypass the damaged section.
The Future
The temporary diversion has kept the route open, but a long-term solution is still needed. Restoring and protecting Reeds Loop will require significant investment and careful planning to create a path resilient to future coastal erosion.
A small local team continues to work with Highland Council and the landowner to explore options and secure a sustainable future for this much-loved coastal route.
Story and images supplied by Nigel Shapcott and Terrie Sawyer, Moray Firth Coastal Partnership.
