A straightforward short circular walk from the old fishing village of Avoch. The walk visits Ormond Castle - once an important medieval stronghold but later completely destroyed by Oliver Cromwell. Today the green mound offers excellent views back to the village and across the bay.
Summary
Easy to follow forest tracks and minor road, with short steeper path up to top of castle mound.
Terrain
Parking on the seafront at the southern end of Avoch.
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1. Turn off the main road southwards in the village of Avoch (pronounced 'Och) and find a route through the maze and narrow lanes to eventually head southwards along the shore of Avoch Bay. There is space to park at the end of the houses where the road turns away from the coast and heads uphill. There are good views back across the bay to the village. Avoch is an old fishing village and has many tiny and quaint cottages, many built sideways on to the sea for shelter from the winds.
2. Continue on foot up the minor road (between the National Speed limit signs) which climbs away from the shore, well sheltered by trees. At the top of the slope there's a wooden footpath sign. Turn left here (signed for 'Ormond Castle') along a beautifully tree-lined track. When the track reaches Castleton Farm, go through the middle gate on the left (there's a blue arrow waymarker on the gate post). This leads to a fenced grassy path between fields, aiming just left of the prominent flagpole-crowned artificial mound, and passing through another gate. The track rounds to the back of the mound, where a small gate on the right gives access to the path up the mound.
3. The mound is the site of Ormond Castle, which was once one of the largest in all the Highlands, though little remains today. It was built in the twelfth century and was the home of the De Moray family. In 1297 Andrew De Moray raised his standard here to rally his forces before marching to the support of William Wallace. From the flagpole and cairn at the top of the mound, there is a good view over the Moray Firth and back down to Avoch.
4. Return back down from the mound to the small gate, and continue along the track into the forestry. The trees block the views of the Firth, though there is a brief glimpse of it from a wooden seat. Towards the end of the forest, ignore the track off to the right and continue on the main track which soon emerges from the trees.
5. The track now ascends gently with open fields on the left and views towards Munlochy Bay - an RSPB reserve and an important site for wading birds. Continue up the track until it meets a tarred lane - turn right onto this. Further on is a junction with a minor road - turn right here and follow the quiet road back through rolling farmland to return to the start.
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