Taking 365 steps downstairs to an old harbour, and back up again

This morning when we left the campsite we spoke to a Flemish couple.They told us about Whaligoe. Whaligoe is an old fishing port, dating back from 1786. To get to the naturally shaped port you have to go down the 330 steps counting stairs man made back in 1786.  It used to be 365 steps wich the fisher ladies had to climb carrying baskets of herring on there backs. It got its name because of the whales who used to wash up ashore there. Goe means cliff, hense the name.

Before taking the challenge of Whaligoe we visited the whisky distillery of Pulteney and bought a nice bottle of whisky there to take home. Tos is getting pretty filled up by al the trophies from our holliday. On the way to Pulteney we came by the shortest street in the world, officially recognized by the guiness book of records, Ebenezer place. Only 2,06 mtr long but officially a street since 1887.

The entrance of this hotel is officially a street


Entrance to Pulteney distillery

“Dunnet Head” limited idition

So after this little sidetrip we drove to Whaligoe. Thanks to the good directions we’ve got from the Flemmish we found the steps quite easily. There is no sign or anything to find them.

Before we went down the man who takes care of the steps now stopped us to tell us the history of the steps and the port. His grandfather was one of the last fisherman to go to sea from this port. His story made the visit even more interesting.

Liane looking out over the cliff


Tanguy had to climb to higher grounds


The stairway down to the harbour

The winch that used to pull the fishing boats onto the quay. 

Looking out for whales

Down the steps was easy, getting back up a bit harder. Think of how hard it must have been for the women back then with all that fish on there backs.

Unfortunately the restaurant on top of the stairs was closed on Monday’s so we drove furher towards the south.

At the little place of Lybster we made another stop to visit the harbour, once the third largest harbour of Scotland, al that remains now is a visitor centre and a few boats.

The harbour’s lighthouse


Visitor Centre


Mini fishing boat

We payed the visitor centre a visit before heading to the second distillery of the day,  Clynelish.

Clynelish Distillery

The whisky they sold was the same as we could buy in Holland and far more expensive, so we left without a bottle here.

Tos is acting up a little, puffing and plopping a lot, and being way to thirsty than we are used. So we decided to find a campsite and give him some attention. On the way we spotted some seals ending up later as planned on the campsite. Tos has got to wait till tomorrow.

Seals sunbathing

After diner we made a walk along the beach before having a last drink outside the van. It is still a bit chilly but better than it has been in days. We lit a candle to keep the midges away.

Sunset over land - We’re on the east coast

Good night