are in abundance in May and June but this route is a 1 Ferry Wood & 2 Big Burn & Ben Bhraggie treat year-round. 4 Camore 5 Ledmore & Migdale, Ord Hill, Lairg Spinningdale Managed by Golspie Community Council. More Big Burn 1.5 miles Moderate Blue Loop 2 miles Moderate information on walks in the Golspie area can be Ben Bhraggie 3.75 miles Strenuous 4 miles Moderate Little Loch Shin 0.75 miles Easy found in the locally available Golspie Walks booklet. (All-ability path) (red marker) The Scots Broch Walk 1.5 miles Easy Built in the 1830s, pinewood with Some 1700 acres of native woodland shroud ancient (All-ability path) (green marker) a 100ft statue of its rich burial chambers, ruined farmsteads and traces of Ord Hill 1.3 miles Moderate the first Duke of understory of vanished industries. The oakwoods above the Dornoch (blue marker) Sutherland looks heather and Firth once provided fuel for smelting iron and bark for over Golspie from blueberry may tanning leather; now their steep shores hide otters and Follow the shoreline the top of Ben provide a haven the elusive wildcat. Around Loch Migdale, majestic of Little Loch Shin Bhraggie (1300ft). for birdlife now, Scots pines are the legacy of 18th century estate seals, osprey and the elusive otter too! It wasn’t through a pinewood Enjoy the but 2000 years forestry, designed to provide employment for tenants always so tranquil though – in 1746 Scottish forces with a few stunning views ago it must have during the notorious Clearances. Swathes of young loyal to the British government defeated a Jacobite sculptural surprises and appreciate the been buzzing with human activity. The remains of 25 birch and pine mark logging activities by the Canadian force on this site just before the decisive Battle of along the way. Little efforts of those hut circles have been uncovered here and suggest a Forestry Corp during World War II, while open Culloden which ended Bonnie Prince Charlie's Loch Shin was bringing the statue once-thriving community. Natural regeneration is hilltops and valley wetlands add diversity to this rich aspiration to become King. In the 19th Century formed in the 1950s after the Lairg Dam was built to up piece by piece encouraged within these woods which are managed woodland mosaic. several shipwrecks occurred and a tragic ferry raise the water levels of Loch Shin. The Broch and – Lawson’s Well under continuous cover to ensure that trees are accident in the narrow crossing between Coul Links This route passes through varied woodlands to Loch Ord Hill walks pass by the remains of much earlier was built just for thinned or removed in small pockets to allow native and Littleferry ultimately led to building of the Migdale, then up the old coffin path to A’ Chraisg. construction work with hut circles, burial cairns, field them! On species to re-seed. Mound Causeway, a road across the estuary designed Park in the lay-by 0.8miles along the Spinningdale – clearance heaps and ancient banks over 2000 years Fountain Road by the Scottish engineer, Thomas Telford, in 1816. Migdale road. The marked entrance is 250m further old! The ascent to the top of the Ord is also worth it another 19th century water feature, designed by Sir If you’re up for the challenge, why not have a go at The walk follows forest tracks and paths and may be up on the left. for the spectacular Charles Barry (architect of the Houses of the Natural Play Features? Parliament), is dedicated to the Duchess of uneven in places. views over central 3 Balblair Woods, Loch Fleet Managed by Woodland Trust Scotland. Sutherland. Sutherland. Managed by Forestry Commission Scotland. Managed by Scottish Natural Heritage, Sutherland Balblair Trail 3.5 miles Easy Estates and Scottish Wildlife Trust. Both walks start out Golspie’s Big Burn is a at the Ferrycroft very popular route Countryside Centre, through a hidden gorge Much of this planted Scots open April - October complete with waterfall. pinewood is within the Loch with its fascinating Start at the north end Fleet National Nature Reserve audio-visual displays, of the village beside where scarce plants thrive cafe and tourist Sutherland Stoneworks, adjacent to the woodland trails. information. or park at Backies and This estuary provides rich feeding join the route mid-way areas for hundreds of waterfowl, Managed by Forestry for a shorter walk such as wigeon, greylag geese, Commission which is still steep in oystercatcher and curlew, harbour Scotland. places. Spring flowers

6 Gearrchoille Community Wood, 7 Carbisdale Trails 8 Rosehall Trails This leaflet offers only a selection of the routes Ardgay Yellow Trail 2.5 miles Moderate Pine Marten Trail 2 miles Easy available in this area. Explore further and look (red marker) out for individual site leaflets, ask locally or Yellow Walk 0.5 miles Easy Discover... Red Walk 0.2 miles Easy Deer Park & Wild Wood Trail 2.5 miles Moderate contact VisitScotland. Carbisdale Castle was completed in 1917 by the (All-ability path) (yellow marker) Duke of Sutherland’s widow who was denied Cassley Trail 2.5 miles Moderate East Sutherland’s permission to build within the Sutherland boundary. (green marker) Part of the ancient Gearrchoille woodlands are now Undeterred, she built at Carbisdale which was at Achness Burn 1.5 miles Moderate owned and managed by the local community but they Top 10 Woodland Walks that time in Ross-shire and the first place the train (brown marker) have played an passed on leaving Sutherland - the clock tower has important part in faces on only three sides so she didn’t have to give thousand years ago, can also be found. Ardgay’s social and Sutherland the time of day! A community built log cabin welcomes you to these economic history trails of which the Deer Park & Wild Wood trail, Managed by Forestry Commission Scotland in Before you go for generations - The yellow trail climbs up through the woods to a with it’s interactive information points, is a favourite. agreement with Rosehall and District Action Group. you can still see Sensible and appropriate footwear is viewpoint overlooking the site of the Duke of For a shorter walk, follow the Pine Marten trail and parts of the old recommended for all paths. During periods of Montrose’s last battle. In defeat, he was harried to watch out for Sika Deer which have spread into the drove road rainfall and adverse weather, paths may the west, captured and eventually executed. The surrounding area from the original 19th century recorded by General Wade in 1730. There is also become muddy or slippery so please take care. shortcut loop passes through mixed woodland deer park. For fine views follow the Achness Burn evidence of past coppicing and woodland pasture too. dominated by pine and a variety of mature uphill from the hotel. 9 Ravens Rock All-ability paths offer prepared smooth and On foot from Oakwood Place at the south end of broadleaves. At View Rock you can look out over even surfaces with no steps or steep inclines Ardgay, follow the fingerposts through the kissing the Kyle of Sutherland, the Inner Dornoch Firth The Cassley Trail passes by Rosehall’s Millennium Red Walk 0.75 miles Moderate and are suitable for wheeled buggies and gate and into the woods where yellow way-markers and Bonar Bridge. Cairn, built by local people to mark the year 2000 (red marker) mobility aid users. All other routes follow guide you around the circular walk. The path is and containing a casket of their wishes. Near the traffic-free forest roads, tracks and paths uneven and can be muddy in places. Parking is Carbisdale Castle is also a starting point for the Kyle river, the remains of ancient brochs, built over two signposted on the A836 0.5miles south of the Ardgay If you are short on time but fancy an escape, come which may not be suitable for all users. If in of Sutherland Mountain Bike Trails. and explore a mysterious wooded gorge! This walk doubt please check with the relevant war memorial. Join the circular walk from here via an all-ability path to the former curling pond. follows the Allt Mor burn, taking you through fairy- woodland manager. Managed by Forestry Commission Scotland. tale woodland furnished with a thick moss carpet and lichen-clad trees and outcrops - but keep an eye From time to time, it may be necessary to Pick up a copy of the ‘Guide to Trees out for a former woodland dweller! There are several close sections of these walks so please take places to stop and soak up the atmosphere or the note of any closures or warning notices. in the Gearrchoille’ to learn more about views from the upper This leaflet was prepared by Highland Birchwoods the species that part of the on behalf of East Sutherland Woodlands make up the wood. Details of moth, walk. amphibian and bird Timeless pinewoods ringing surveys are Managed by past settlements Iron Age This project is being part-financed by the Scottish Government and available on the Forestry the European Community Highland LEADER 2007 - 2013 Programme GWCA website. Commission historic battlefields Photography by Matt Dent, Nathan McLaughlan, Graeme Findlay, Scotland. ancient brochs WTPL/Eleanor Garty, Highland Birchwoods and Iain Sarjeant. ancient oaks rich wildlife East ESW is working with woodland Sutherland managers throughout the area to Woodlands Woodland Walks in encourage more people to enjoy their woods. Find out more about the routes featured in this leaflet and the organisations that manage them by getting in touch with:

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) North Highland Forest District - part of East Sutherland Balblair Woods the forestry department of the Scottish Government and responsible for the management of the National Forest Estate. From Sunday strolls to more strenuous stretches, the woodlands around the Kyle of Sutherland and the East Sutherland coast offer something for everyone. Contact: The Links, Golspie Business Park, Golspie (t: 01408 634063) or visit These woodlands have been shaped by man over the centuries and have a history all of their own. Within them you can explore Iron Age sites and remnants of Sutherland’s past, uncover www.forestry.gov.uk a world of plants, insects and birds or simply enjoy some of the breathtaking views and landscape. Gearrchoille Community Wood, Ardgay - a community-owned charitable Ledmore & Migdale, Spinningdale The East Sutherland Woodlands (ESW) project aims to add biodiversity, recreation, economic and tourism value to local woodlands and encourage those who live, work and visit the area to (WTPL/Eleanor Garty) company established to conserve and be more active in them. ESW is being delivered by Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, The Highland Council, Sutherland Partnership and Sutherland Estates. enhance the biodiversity, cultural and recreational values of Gearrchoille Wood. For more information, visit www.gearrchoillecommunitywoodar dgay.org.uk

Rosehall and District Action Group (RADAG) - a community group working in partnership with FCS to develop and manage the trails around Rosehall. For more information go to www.rosehallhighlands.co.uk

Ferry Woods (Graeme Findlay) Golspie Community Council - a body of local representatives which maintains a network of paths around Golspie. www.golspie.org.uk

10 Achany Trails Sutherland Estates - a private estate working in partnership with Scottish Riverside Walk 0.6 miles Easy Natural Heritage, Scottish Wildlife Trust (Blue marker) and local community groups to manage Salmon Leap (Shin Falls) 0.3miles Moderate access. (Black marker) Contact: Sutherland Estate Office, Duke Red Loop 0.25 miles Easy Street, Golspie (t: 01408 633268) or (All - ability path) Green Loop 1 mile Moderate visit www.sutherlandestates.com

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) - a The River Shin twists government body tasked with looking through Achany Glen, after Scotland’s natural heritage, banked by riverside helping people to enjoy and value it, woodlands which are amongst the richest in and encouraging people to use it Sutherland and home sustainably. to many protected Contact: The Links, Golspie Business species. Between April Park, Golspie (t: 01408 634063) or visit and October, salmon www.snh.gov.uk leap up Shin Falls on the return to their Woodland Trust Scotland - Part of the upstream spawning grounds but the woods UK’s leading woodland conservation themselves put on a show all year round. In times charity. gone by, these woodlands were managed to produce Contact: Woodland Trust Scotland useful timber products, Forestry Commission Scotland is now developing a greenwood workshop (t: 01738 635829) or visit alongside the trail. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

All of the trails start at the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre, a popular local tourist attraction and café, with children’s play area and ample parking.

Managed by Forestry Commission Scotland.

Reproduced by Permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown Copyright and database right [2010]. Ordnance Survey Licence number [100021242]