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Below is an example of the busy times outside the front door. Thankfully the congestion shown in this edited video clip does not happen all the time, with many visitors to the Whaligoe Steps finding themselves able to negotiate the parking facilities without mounting the kerb, causing property damage or having any other accidents. (Check out earlier posts).

Nevertheless, as someone who may be considering seeing the Whaligoe Steps, please keep in mind that the access via the resident’s lane was not designed to cope with large amounts of traffic. Timing of your visit at the moment this blog was composed is a serious consideration to make in order to have a positive experience.

As always, take care and be safe.

For just over a week, I began to assemble this blogging website that you see before you although the idea had been kicking around in my head for several years prior. The idea was to be informative about different aspects of living so close to the Whaligoe Steps.

With that in mind, this site would share what would be perceived as public announcements, share observations and thoughts, share images of wildlife and nature, to generally make the immediate area safer and more enjoyable for visitors and residents alike. It was with sadness though that I observed a significant tailback in both directions of the A99 at the end of the resident’s lane yesterday.

A two-car accident had taken place at the junction here in the hamlet of Ulbster. Right beside the telephone box which is situated at the entrance of the access lane which takes you to the resident’s car park. (Although it is known amongst many people these days as the “Whaligoe Steps car park”).

Due to the increase in traffic and general activity around the Whaligoe Steps in the past four or more years, it is going to be busy at times. If you have time, check the earlier posts which show congestion and delays. Even my Postman was stuck the other day and could not tackle his rounds on time.

During these busy and occasionally congested times all I can keep on saying is please be mindful, take care and be safe so that all who visit this area will have the best of times – not the saddest of times.

Around the Whaligoe Steps you’ll notice all manner of natural delights. This regular sighting of a juvenile Herring Gull (I painstakingly checked my trusty British bird handbook and this was the closest I could find!), posed on a rock jutting out in to the North Sea. Thank you Mr. Gull.

Now this friendly fellow pops up here, there and everywhere…

I wanted to share this as I went for a walk this morning and felt like it was important. The weekend is here and the number of visitors increases, so if you see this blog then be mindful that maintenance continues on the Whaligoe Steps.

I have some lovely photographs I will share with you from today in other posts.

Remember that within this blogging website I want to share the happenings which go on around this picturesque part of the Northerly East coast, and that includes wildlife. More on this in times ahead.

For now, please take care and be safe.

Three years ago at the time of this blog entry, I had the pleasure of seeing the Whaligoe Steps from a different perspective. Over the decades I had always wanted to see them zig-zag down the side of the coastal cliff via the North Sea. Not just that, but to get an idea of the grand scope of this section of the environment.

These photographs were taken from a boat and provide a hint of the majesty and presence of this beautiful location.

Thanks for your time and have a positive day.

The conversation about campervans is not a new one, and I am simply unqualified to enter in to such a debate. All I wish to do is to point out what can happen within certain parameters.

This outer wall separates the property of a home-owner from their parking space here at the Whaligoe Steps. The parking space was clearly marked as the resident’s parking space. At this specific time there were no cones or items to protect the empty space out of respect for those visiting the Whaligoe Steps, allowing an invaluable space for parking as the numbers of tourists swelled due to the increasing popularity.

Sadly on this occasion a campervan reversed too far and as you can see, property damage was inevitable. Another concern for those thinking about these accidents, is that if this campervan had gone any further then the resident’s actual home would have been impacted!

Just a reminder to be vigilant at the time this blog entry was made. It ruined the holiday for this tourist, and it ruined the few months that the resident spent chasing and resolving this particular issue.

As always thanks for your time, take care and be safe.

On Monday the 16th of August, the day proved to be busy regarding tourist activity (although to the author of this blog, still not as busy as some days in the past).

Traffic began to build up right outside the front door with some frustrated occupants of vehicles waiting to find a place to either turn around or park.

Looking down the resident’s lane, this author noticed the postal vehicle also stuck as they went about their daily route delivering mail. Behind the postal vehicle was a queue of more traffic which reached the main road, the A99.

Please take note that at the time this blog was compiled, there may well be delays or situations which may arise due to the volume of activity.

Take care and as always, be safe.

Reading about other tourist destinations I have noted regular observations about litter being found, or bins not being used, etc.

Around this specific site of the Whaligoe Steps the same issue is relevant. At the time of this blog being assembled I will let you know we do not have a bin for your litter, so please keep this in mind and take it with you. Dropping your litter, or anything else like dog waste around this area is not pleasant for other visitors or the local residents.

Thankfully we do not witness large amounts of mess first thing in the morning, just hints of examples as seen in the photographs.

Many thanks as always for your time, take care and be safe.

Today brought the sunshine out a little, and as you can see this brought plenty of visitors too. One of our main concerns is that when our wee lane gets too overwhelmed vehicles mount the path. The path runs directly in front of our homes.

If one was to conduct a risk assessment this would be highlighted as a concern. It is not a big stretch of the imagination to worry about the wellbeing of the residents as they leave their front doors.

About five to six years ago this volume of traffic was not a conversation anyone locally was having, and tourists have always been welcome to visit this beautiful location. They still are today. It makes sense that people would want to visit. I love living here because of the environment, scenery and wildlife, so I can completely understand the appeal.

This blog is simply sharing and reiterating what is taking place right outside.

Take care and be safe.

All those familiar with this local area and since the upturn in numbers of visitors to the Whaligoe Steps, agree that currently as I type this blog entry the car park is not fit for purpose. It has been this way for about the last four years.

Designed originally to host vehicles relating to residents – whether they be for the residents themselves, health reason related visits, commerce or extended friends and family, the car park now hosts mostly tourists. Being objective, it does make a difference what time the visit takes place, but it is still a major disruption worthy of note. More blogs in the future about this.

The examples below give you an insight in to the little lane which is the only access to the parking facilities currently.

Campervans and cars, occasionally convoys of cars and campervans, and also vehicles pulling trailers pass the row of resident buildings which run adjacent to it. The little lane and car park are simply not designed for this consistent volume of traffic.

Thanks for your time, take care and be safe.