The Dubh Lochan Trail at Forsinard gives a short but fascinating introduction to the Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve. The trail crosses the blanket bog on flagstones giving a chance to explore this remarkable wild landscape and habitat, with rich bird, flower and insect life.
Summary
This level walk crosses deep peat bog by following a trail constructed of flagstones.
Terrain
Forsinard Peatlands centre at the rail station.
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1. The parking for this walk is at the RSPB Forsinard Flows Visitor Centre, housed in the railway station at Forsinard. The centre is well worth a visit for information on the remarkable Flow Country bogland habitat, one of the rarest in the world. Begin the walk by crossing the level crossing and following the road southwards for a couple of hundred metres. A sign then indicates the start of the path out onto the bog on the right; keep to the centre of the flagstones to avoid the danger of being flipped into the peat!
2. The ridges and hollows on the ground are the result of peat-cutting over the years; peat from here was taken by the railway to distilleries across Scotland. The prominent hill seen across the flat peatland is Ben Griam Beg - site of the highest ancient hill fort in Scotland. When there is a junction in the flagstone path, take the left hand option. This part of the bog has neveer been cut; look out for dragonflies on the countless pools. When the path forks again, the left hand option leads to a beautiful wooden picnic table.
3. Continue from the junction near the picnic table along the furthest part of the trail. The flagstones lead past a sculpted wooden seat before looping between the Dubh Lochan pools and eventually rejoining the outward route. The bog myrtle which grows so well here is said to repel midges - something you may doubt on a still August day. Continue back to return to Forsinard.
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