Origin of Waybaggers

 The Caithness Waybaggers were formed in 1992 by Dan Mackay. His idea was to create a Caithness Way similar to the idea of the West Highland Way.

The Caithness Way was to have started at Dunbeath harbour on the east coast and followed up Dunbeath Strath into the heart of the county. Altnabreac railway station was the next stop and then on to Westerdale, Halkirk and Thurso. the final leg was along the north coast to John O Groats. This was a total of 60 miles

Dan tried very hard to promote the idea but there were concerns from land owners and farmers about the route.There were also problems with large parts of the Way not having the necessary infrastructure of paths and accomodation for walkers. Eventually through lack of support the idea was abandoned.

However the Caithness Waybaggers walking club still survives. We have a walk once a month on a Sunday throughout the year and always welcome new members who wish to explore the more unseen parts  of Caithness and sometimes further afield.