Macdonald Monument and the Firth, Dingwall

 THE BLACK ISLE, DINGWALL AND GARVE

This exploration of the outskirts of the attractive market town of Dingwall includes a lovely coastal section, a climb with good views over the town and a visit to a large tower and a wander down the high street.

Summary

Waymarked footpath, track, road with pavement. Road crossings and level crossings.

Terrain

NH549587

Grid ref

6km/3.75 miles

Distance

grade Key

Grade

95m [Profile]

Ascent

2 hours

Time

Bog Factor

Dingwall museum on the high street.
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]

Start

Maps

  Download walk in GPX format
  For use with Memory Map, Anquet etc.

GPS Waypoints

View in 3D

Users'
rating

No trip reports have been submitted for this walk. Why not be the first?
Add your own report on this walk and win £40 of TISO vouchers each month

Users'
reports

Regular bus and train services from Inverness and the north.
Open Traveline Scotland

Public transport


Click to enlarge

1. There is a large free car park just south of the high street, signed and accessed from the A862. From here it is a short walk to the Museum and clock-towered Town Hall on the High Street which is the starting point for the walk. From the car park walk between the shop mobility hut and the public toilets to follow a narrow lane to the high street. Turn right to reach the Museum which is free and houses a permanent display about Dingwall as well as temporary exhibitions. Continue down the street until you reach Tulloch Street. Turn left and follow this street past a small supermarket on the right and a furniture shop until a pathway on the right is reached.



Click to enlarge

2. Follow this pathway alongside the small canal, the path is signed for the Ferry Picnic Site. The canal, built in 1817, was designed by Thomas Telford to turn Dingwall into a working port with a large harbour where it meets the Cromarty Firth. The builder ignored Telford's advice not to let the River Peffery flow into the canal and as a result the canal silted up regularly and was abandoned in 1840. Eventually the path reaches the railway line, keep straight on here crossing the line with care and then following the path alongside the caravan park towards the open water or mudflats of the Cromarty Firth. Pass the footbridge, staying on the right side of the canal, and a couple of houses on the right before reaching the Ferry picnic site.



Click to enlarge

3. Follow the path around the edge of the small park which is a good spot to watch for seabirds, particular overwintering greylag geese, widgeon and goldeneye. In the centre of the grass is a sculpture mirroring the much larger Fyrish monument which can be seen high on the distant hills ahead to the north of the Firth. Keep following the path, turning left where the paths cross, and at the entrance driveway to the picnic site turn left to leave the site. At a crossroads turn left to return to the side of the estuary by following a path past a bungalow on the left side.



Click to enlarge

4. Cross a wooden footbridge and continue along the side of the estuary. After another bridge keep to the left following the Round Dingwall Walk sign. Eventually an old bothy is passed at Pitglassie and the path heads inland along a track which includes a level crossing. Keep straight ahead to go under the main road via a tunnel and then bear right to reach the entrance road to Pitglassie. Turn left here to head towards the farm for a short distance. Turn right up the private road just before the first barn. The road bears right to pass between two houses before heading more steeply uphill. From here there are good views down over the Firth.



Click to enlarge

5. When the ground levels off, the Macdonald Monument can be seen to the right. After a small wood on the right go through a gate and turn right onto the minor road which passes the cemetery. After a steep downhill section the road forks. To detour visit the cemetery and impressive Macdonald Monument turn right and head uphill to the entrance. The tower was built between 1904 - 07 to commemorate Sir Hector Macdonald, a local crofter's son who rose through the ranks of the 92nd Gordon Highlanders, eventually taking command of the army in Ceylon. However, having also made enemies, rumours around his sexuality and morals made life unbearable for Macdonald who committed suicide. His supporters erected this monument in his memory and it is visible from most of Dingwall.



Click to enlarge

6. From the cemetary return to the road and continue down it to reach the A862. Turn left and very soon carefully cross to return to the car park and the start of the walk.



Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?

Please let us know by using the error report form.

Quick links:
Black Isle Hotels
Black Isle B&B
Black Isle cottages
Loch Ness hostels


Route profile


Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is the walkers responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.
See our Terms of use, Disclaimer, Privacy and Copyright Policies for more details. ©2006-2009 walkhighlands.co.uk