Rumster land Scotland

0.3 miles / 0.5 km. 15 minutes 15 km. 0.5 / miles 0.3 (Black)

4 miles / 6.4 km. Allow 1 hour 30 mins 30 hour 1 Allow km. 6.4 / miles 4

(Blue)

on Forestry Commission Forestry on 0.5 mile / 0.8 km. Allow 30 minutes 30 Allow km. 0.8 / mile 0.5

(Blue)

Shin Falls Salmon Leap: Salmon Falls Shin

Rumster Mill loop: Mill Rumster Please note: This trail is not is trail This note: Please

Blue trail: Blue

3 miles / 4.8 km. Allow 1 hour 1 Allow km. 4.8 / miles 3 (Green) 0.75 mile / 1.2 km. Allow 40 minutes 40 Allow km. 1.2 / mile 0.75 White dots show link to forest road network road forest to link show dots White (Red)

Golsary & The Mast loop: Mast The & Golsary Red trail: Red

1 mile / 1.6 km. Allow 45 minutes 45 Allow km. 1.6 / mile 1 (Green)

Longer forest loop: forest Longer

Grade Borgie - - Borgie Waymarked Trails Waymarked Grade Waymarked Trails Waymarked

0.6 miles / 1.0 km. Allow 30 minutes 30 Allow km. 1.0 / miles 0.6 (Blue)

Look out for the totem pole and the unusual picnic tables. picnic unusual the and pole totem the for out Look Riverside trail: Riverside

south and west. Look out for pine marten and birds of prey. of birds and marten pine for out Look west. and south

and autumn. You may even spot an otter if you are lucky. are you if otter an spot even may You autumn. and

Allow 15 minutes 15 Allow

and link path, with good views over the countryside to the to countryside the over views good with path, link and

forest flowers in the spring and leaping salmon during summer during salmon leaping and spring the in flowers forest 0.25 miles / 0.4 km km 0.4 / miles 0.25 (Red)

take the blue or yellow loops along the main forest roads forest main the along loops yellow or blue the take

Short forest loop: forest Short at any time of year, but look out for out look but year, of time any at

sites, burial cairns and more. and cairns burial sites, of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope to the west. For an easier trail, easier an For west. the to Hope Ben and Loyal Ben of Devil’s bit scabious bit Devil’s

The Falls themselves are beautiful beautiful are themselves Falls The

viewpoint and look out over Borgie Forest with good views good with Forest Borgie over out look and viewpoint Grade Waymarked Trails Waymarked and discover discover and brochs, battle brochs,

map Location

Borgie Glen: Glen: Borgie Climb the steep Lonesome Pine trail to the to trail Pine Lonesome steep the Climb home to the rare aspen hoverfly. aspen rare the to home

, or or , step back in time in back step wildlife

shimmering of the aspen trees, trees, aspen the of shimmering

with some of of some with Scotland’s finest Scotland’s

demonstrations. Look out for the for out Look demonstrations.

8 miles / 12 km. Allow 2 hours 45 mins 45 hours 2 Allow km. 12 / miles 8

(Blue)

trees, so so trees, get near to nature to near get

area, where we hold events and events hold we where area, Blue trail: Blue

You’ll pass our green woodwork woodwork green our pass You’ll

Our forests aren’t only about only aren’t forests Our

7 miles / 11.2 km. Allow 2 hours 30 mins 30 hours 2 Allow km. 11.2 / miles 7

(Yellow)

These areas are great for wildlife. for great are areas These Yellow trail: Yellow

. . the on Scotsburn to Strathrory drove road drove Strathrory to Scotsburn out

the native riverside woodlands. woodlands. riverside native the

0.75 miles / 1.2 km. Allow 45 minutes 45 Allow km. 1.2 / miles 0.75

(Red)

The blue trail takes you through through you takes trail blue The or or our on stride courses orienteering yourself lose Lonesome Pine trail: Pine Lonesome

, the on can natural play features at Camore at features play natural wild go

to work up more of an appetite! an of more up work to Grade Waymarked Trails Waymarked

As well as a great selection of woodland trails, you trails, woodland of selection great a as well As the towering spruce trees if you want you if trees spruce towering the

Follow the longer green trail through trail green longer the Follow

there is something for everyone to enjoy. to everyone for something is there

for wheelchairs and pushchairs. and wheelchairs for

Trust to develop recreational facilities in the forest. the in facilities recreational develop to Trust

opens the forest to all, and is suitable is and all, to forest the opens buzzards and roe deer. roe and buzzards heart pumping hikes to easy access routes, access easy to hikes pumping heart

with the North Community Forestry Community Sutherland North the with

From here, a short easy access route access easy short a here, From eyes open for the local the for open eyes

From ...to the forests of the far north. far the of forests the ...to

created by the local community. We are working are We community. local the by created

shop, cafe and toilet facilities. facilities. toilet and cafe shop, houses and brochs. Keep your Keep brochs. and houses

This spiral feature and viewpoint was designed and designed was viewpoint and feature spiral This

centre, which has a well stocked well a has which centre, remains, look out for long for out look remains,

Pearl-bordered fritillary Pearl-bordered

. . lies park car first the At forest. the of centre a’chraobh

forest from the Falls of Shin visitor Shin of Falls the from forest many of the archaeological the of many

famous salmon rivers. There are lovely views towards the towards views lovely are There rivers. salmon famous

Achany: Achany: Start your visit to Achany to visit your Start opened up we have exposed have we up opened

The red trail runs along the River Borgie, one of Scotland’s most Scotland’s of one Borgie, River the along runs trail red The

picking bog cotton bog picking coast. As the forest has been has forest the As coast.

A local school group school local A original trees are still standing and can be viewed from the trail. the from viewed be can and standing still are trees original

gradually changing. There are fine views over the North Sea North the over views fine are There changing. gradually

in Scotland planted by the Forestry Commission, some of the of some Commission, Forestry the by planted Scotland in

as a commercial timber crop in the 1940s, this forest is forest this 1940s, the in crop timber commercial a as

Borgie: Borgie: Planted in the 1920s this was one of the first forests forests first the of one was this 1920s the in Planted

Rumster: Originally crofting ground, which was planted was which ground, crofting Originally

Achany Rumster Borgie Glen Borgie 1 3 4 Borgie - Falls of Shin of Falls - 2 Welcome...

5 Ferry Wood & Ord Hill 6 7 Raven’s Rock Gorge

Contact 1 Forestry Commission Scotland, Explore The Forests of the North Forest District, The Links, Golspie Business Park, Golspie, Sutherland, KW10 6UB. Enjoy Tel: 01408 634063 and E-mail: [email protected] Discover Far North Web: www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland Public enquiry line 0845 FORESTS (367 3787) Ord Hill

Location map Raven’s Rock Gorge: A magical almost secret place, the trail For Ferry Wood: Follow the broch trail to visit the 2000 year old information broch site and get some great views of the Shin dam. The dam Rosehall: An extensive descends down by the Allt Mor burn. The forest in the depths on what’s holds back 23 mile long to power the nearby hydro network of trails through this of the gorge has an almost primeval feel from the carpets of available electric station. The Little Loch Shin trail passes a dragonfly former deer park starts at the moss and lichen. You never know what you might see! from Forestry pond and sculpture and wanders along the west bank of Little community built log cabin. Commission Loch Shin. Both trails are suitable Sightings of sika deer are Scotland in for wheelchairs and pushchairs. common. Why not take the the rest of the Sika trail which rises to 900 feet Northern Ord Hill: Starting from the giving views to the mountains Highlands Ferrycroft Centre the path goes of the west on a clear day. and right past the main feature - a surrounding huge stone cairn. You also pass 48 the remains of hut circles, ancient areas Ferry Wood please banks, burnt mounds, burial contact cairns and field clearance heaps. Location map 2 , Ross & Skye Forest District Take in the views north to Ben Tel: 01463 791575 Klibreck from the top of the hill. E-mail: [email protected] 41 150m Waymarked Trail Grade 3 Moray & Aberdeenshire Forest District Gunn’s Wood Tel: 01466 794161 Red trail: E-mail: [email protected] Also near is Gunn’s Wood. (Red) 0.75 mile / 1.2 km. Allow 45 minutes

Graeme Findlay. Named after a local forester If you need this publication in an Mr Gunn in 1846 this sheltered alternative format, for example, in trail through mixed woodland is Rosehall - Waymarked Trails Grade a great little loop to walk the dog. large print or in another language, Pine Marten trail: please contact: (Red) 2 miles / 3.2 km. Allow 1 hour The Diversity Team Waymarked Trails Grade Deer Park & Wildwood trail: The & Ben More Assynt by by Assynt More & Ben Sutherland of Kyle The (Yellow) Tel: 0131 314 6575 2.5 miles / 4 km. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes Little Loch Shin trail: E-mail: [email protected] Waymarked Trail Grade Cassley trail: (Red) 0.75 mile / 1.2 km. Allow 30 minutes (Green) 2.5 miles / 4 km. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes Designed by: Design & Interpretative Services, ForestryPhotography Commission by: Forestry Scotland Commission -K.Allander.May D&IS.40 Picture 2012.EditionLibraryFront & coverGraeme 2. image: Findlay. Broch trail: Ord Hill trail: For information on public transport services contact: Achness Burn trail: (Green) 1.5 miles / 2.4 km. Allow 1 hour (Blue) 1.3 miles / 2.1 km. Allow 1 hour Traveline Scotland, 0870 200233 or (Brown) 1.5 miles / 2.4 km. Allow 1 hour 48 www.travelinescotland.com

© Crown Copyright 2012 8 Carbisdale 9 Balblair More places to explore...

Location map Forest Borgie Forests of the Far North Overview map Carbisdale: Starting from below Carbisdale Balblair: Two trails within walking distance Castle, the yellow trail winds its way to the of , the longer green trail has loch side picnic site at the Montrose Bridge, spectacular views over the Kyle of Sutherland descending to the viewpoint which overlooks and to the west, . Can you the site of the Duke of Montrose’s final battle. spot the newts in the wildlife pond? A shorter loop on the trail passes through fine Look out for these other Forestry Commission mixed woodland taking you to View Rock Scotland publications at information points with extensive views down the Kyle of throughout the highlands or by contacting our Sutherland to the inner and Bonar Bridge. forest district office (contact details on back of this leaflet):

Tongue • Our Guide covers some of the forests you can explore between the Dornoch Ben Loyal Firth and the Moray Firth. 764 • Lael Forest Garden has a varied collection of tree species from all around the World. Its well worth a visit on the road to Ullapool.

• Kyle of Sutherland Mountain Bike Trails: Fancy getting out on your bike? There are various grades of trails here starting from both Carbisdale and Balblair. Waymarked Trail Grade Viewpoint trail: (Yellow) 2.5 miles / 4 km. Allow 1 hour 45 mins Waymarked Trails Grade Trail grades Forestry Commission Scotland trails are graded Red trail: according to the degree of difficulty, gradients and (Red) 1 mile / 1.6 km. Allow 45 minutes type of conditions visitors can expect.

10 Skelbo Green trail: Easy Moderate Strenuous Sensible Hillwalking (Green) 2.25 miles / 3.6 km. Allow 1 hour 30 mins MTB Trails Waterproof footwear footwear boots

Easy Moderate Strenuous Muscle Muscle Muscle Loosener Stretcher Builder

MTB Trails

Please note: Any symbols that appear Key black indicate they are not Forestry Commission Scotland facilities

Sibster and Newtonhill Forestry Commission land Forestry Commission We have recently purchased woodland and planted these two sites. Other woodland Parking Skelbo: Directly off the A9, this trail starts at the wildlife pond They are your forests for the Main road Disabled parking before winding its way through pleasant mixed woodland future, and currently offer a Secondary road down to the Skelbo burn where you will find remains of a more open experience than Disabled access 1940s pump house. This once supplied the surrounding farms the other forests featured in Minor road Visitor centre with water. On the return to the car park you will pass the site Waymarked Trail Grade this leaflet. Why not go along for a look? Forest road of a 2000 year old broch, which forms a link in the chain of Green trail: Road/track Toilets strongholds along the coast. Look out for woodland creatures (Green) 1.5 miles / 2.4 km. Allow 1 hour Footpath Information carved to the designs of local school children. The forests 9. Balblair Railway/station Viewpoint Grid ref: NH 603 930 Forest trails at a glance... Take the A836 west from Bonar Bridge for a mile. (colour coded) Picnic place The Forestry Commission car park is signposted on the right. Link routes Cycling 11 Camore (white dots) 1. Rumster 5. Ferry Wood & Ord Hill 10. Skelbo Rights of way Play area Grid ref: ND 206 394 Grid ref: NC 579 062 Grid ref: NH 780 194 9 Trail locator numbers Mountain biking From the south, follow the A9 to the A99 to Wick. Just before Follow the brown tourist signage to Four miles north of the Dornoch Bridge, follow the brown Lybster turn left following the sign for Achavanich. Ferrycroft Visitor Centre in Lairg. 65 Locator posts Forest archaeology tourist signs east to Skelbo car park. Continue along this road for five miles. S Battlefield HYYA Scottish Youth Hostel 11. Camore Permanent orienteering 2. Borgie 6. Rosehall Other points of interest course Grid ref: NH 765 884 Grid ref: ref NC 665 587 Grid ref: NC 480 018 From Dornoch travel west on the A949, then take the road The car park is 8.5 miles west of Bettyhill along the A836. Take the A839 from either Lairg or Bonar Bridge to Rosehall, signposted for Cuthill. Two miles further, turn right at the Follow the Borgie Forest signs. then take the A837 to . Follow road signs to Rosehall. Forestry Commission signs. 7. Ravens Rock Gorge 3. Borgie Glen 12. Sibster Grid ref: NC 665 587 Grid ref: NC 498 008 Grid ref: ND 155 596 The car park is situated down a forest road south of the A836, Follow the A839 from Lairg. Six miles west of Lairg turn Sibster is situated just off the A9 next to the Georgemas seven miles west of Bettyhill. left and follow the Forestry Commission signs for the trails. Junction train station, approximately 1 mile from Halkirk. Camore: Step back in time at Camore - the forest here holds the remains of 25 hut circles dating back about 2000 years. 4. Achany - Falls of Shin 8. Carbisdale 13. Newtonhill Grid ref: NC 572 017 Grid ref: NH 575 955 A distinctive glacial ridge called an esker dominates much of the Waymarked Trail Grade Grid ref: ND 341 495 woodland. Today, this forest is being managed under continuous From Lairg, take the A839 west, Follow the signs to Carbisdale Youth Hostel from From Wick, take the A882 then the minor road to the south- turn left after half a mile and follow or take the train to Station. cover where the trees are thinned or small pockets are removed Blue trail: east (towards Tannach) for approximately 1.5 miles until (Blue) 2 miles / 3.2 km. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes the tourist signage to Falls of Shin. to allow for natural regeneration of native species. you see the Forestry Commission Newtonhill Croft signs.