Coul Links is a globally-protected wetland site in the Scottish Highlands; home to spectacular dunes, rare wildlife and stunning paths.

 

In 2024, we campaigned for Scottish Ministers to 'call in' a terrible decision to allow Coul Links’ dunes to be turned into a golf course.

Thanks to campaigning, Ministers agreed to hold a public inquiry, which was held in January 2025. 

We’ve stressed to decision-makers that if the golf plan goes ahead:   

• Up to 7 holes will cross the John o’ Groats Trail core path  
• Access will be limited by the creation of greens and fairways  
• The pleasure of enjoying the natural dune landscape will be lost forever.    

 

We await the Scottish Government’s forthcoming final decision – and have our fingers crossed that Coul Links will be saved.  

You could help to protect the paths and access to our nature most at risk by supporting our Legal Appeal. 

 

 

Dornoch to Loch Fleet Walk

To show how wonderful the area is for walking, Inverness Ramblers created a walking route that highlights what we risk losing.

1. Start from the car park beside Dornoch’s old station and follow the waymarked path into peaceful woodland. As the trees thin, the landscape opens to sweeping sea view. If the weather’s on your side, you might even spot the red-and-white stripes of Tarbat Ness lighthouse near Portmahomack.
2. Continue along the old railway line towards the village of Embo. To your right lies Coul Links, a haven for wildlife, tranquillity, and natural beauty that the Ramblers community has worked hard to protect.
3. From here, follow the John O’Groats Trail signs all the way to Loch Fleet, a National Nature Reserve where seals bask on the sands and wading birds feed along the shoreline. It’s a fittingly calm end to a walk rich in coastal character and quiet discovery.
4. You’ll return to Embo, then if the tide is out you can walk along the beach before rejoining the railway trail to Dornoch, passing the Earl’s Cross, a memorial to the Battle of Embo and a ‘fairy glen’ on the right-hand side of the track.

Did you know? Tarbat Ness lighthouse was built by Robert Stevenson in 1830 and is Scotland’s third-tallest lighthouse!

Top tip! Dornoch is a historic Highland market town and seaside resort, and is well worth a visit once you’ve finished your walk. 

 

 

Join the fight for everyone’s right to enjoy the outdoors 

 

Local communities are often the driving force in trying to overcome problems. But if strength in numbers is needed or a case could have national as well as local implications, the Ramblers work alongside them to make sure the law is upheld.    

From the countryside to the courtroom, we’ll fight all the way for your right to enjoy the great outdoors.  Legal action is expensive, and we rely on the generosity of people like you to help us win.  

Donate today and you could help us:  

• Provide legal advice to a community group when local paths or access is blocked.  

• Launch legal action and fight a major threat to paths and access rights in court.  

• Pay for specialist legal support to challenge a decision that prevents the public accessing paths and walking in nature. 

By donating to our Legal Appeal, you will enable us to take action when our ability to walk in nature comes under threat.

Your donation could also be used to protect and improve paths, expand access to the outdoors, or help more people experience the joy and benefits of walking.