Easy walk through old conifer and broadleaved woodland, boasting some of Britain's tallest trees.
Summary
Easy woodland paths throughout.
Terrain
NH558431
Grid ref
1.5km/0.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Reelig Forest walks car park
Start
Maps
GPS Waypoints
View in 3D
1. Park at the Forestry Commission car park for Moniack Burn - from the A82 north of Inverness take the sign for Moniack Castle, ignore the right turn for the Castle and the car park is just before the bridge. From the car park head south along a wide path upstream alongside the Moniack Burn.
2. The path continues through Reelig Glen wood, climbing gently at one point. Where there are steps there are also alternatives suitable for some pushchairs and wheelchairs. There are also accessible picnic tables. Posts give information about the trees and wildlife. You may see dippers and grey wagtails near the burn, and bats at dusk.
3. The trail reaches a wooden bridge crossing the burn next to the much older stone arched bridge built with the adjoining grotto in the nineteenth century by the owner at the time after inspiration from continental journeys. Continue down the other side of the burn, crossing another small bridge and seating area. You will soon reach an impressive stand of Douglas Fir trees, well over 100 years old with an average height of 50 metres. One specimen has been measured at 62 metres (204 feet) making it the tallest tree in Britain. After a local competition it was named Dugall Mor - meaning 'Big Stranger'.
4. Follow the wide path, past picnic tables, back to the bridge which you cross to return to the car park. From here take the uphill path out of the back of the car park signed for Upper Reelig Woodland walks. The path leads up to a lovely viewpoint amongst impressive beech trees; Moniack castle (now a winery) can be seen in the distance. The stony mound here is the remains of an iron-age burial site. From here you can continue uphill extend the walk on a loop path through the woodland or return by the same route to the car park as described here.
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Route profile
