Knockfarrel from Strathpeffer

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This superb walk follows paths across the flanks of the hill overlooking Strathpeffer before climbing up to the ridge to visit the site of a vitrified fort with wonderful views. It then continues along the ridge to a minor summit before a final, rougher descent.

Terrain

Mostly easy to follow paths, slightly muddy in places. The descent from Cnoc Mòr is rougher and very steep and but this can be avoided if desired.

Public Transport

Strathpeffer is served by local buses.

Start

Blackmuir Wood Forestry car park. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park in the Blackmuir Wood Forestry car park, reached by turning off the south side of the A834 at the Contin end of Strathpeffer village. The walk begins by following the waymarked path from the car park itself. Fork left to pass to the left of a lochan - look out for wildlife. It then rejoins the forestry track from the car park - turn right along it. Continue along the track towards the log cabins (with a series of wooden sculptures outside). Immediately before reaching these turn left through a gate onto another track - signed for Knockfarrel. The track passes a utility building - keep straight ahead, now on a path waymarked in red and green.

Stage 2

When another junction is reached keep straight ahead (still following green markers). The path continues, giving fine views towards Strathpeffer and Ben Wyvis to your left. Ignore a signed path going left towards the village, instead continuing straight ahead with the green markers; the Touchstone Maze is a short distance further on. It is the result of an ambitious recent project, and its 81 stones, arranged in 5 concentric circles, are based on the design of prehistoric labyrinths which can still be found in one or two places in England and Scandinavia. The stones are examples of the different types of rock that make up Scotland, and they are aligned with the solstices and important pagan festivals.

Stage 3

Continue on the path beyond the maze. This soon joins a larger path - bear left onto it. Continue on the main left hand path when another one forks right, and then ignore a signed path to the right (marked for Knockfarrel) - instead keeping on the track contouring the hill ahead. Soon the track leaves the area of broom and young forest behind at a gate and stile. Ignore the path heading steeply uphill on the right here, and instead continue along the track, with increasingly attractive views. The track slopes gently uphill to gain the saddle between Knockfarrel and the Cnoc Mòr ridge. Turn left on the saddle to ascend to the top of Knockfarrel.

Stage 4

Knock Farril (or Knock Farrel) has steep sides making it a surprisingly impressive viewpoint. The summit is a wide, grassy square fringed by some strange looking rocks. These are in fact the remains of an extensive iron-age fortress. The stones were heated together during the construction so that they fused into a continuous mass of rock in a process known as 'vitrification'. Why or how this was done (the temperatures involved must have been very high) is a mystery; vitrified forts are fairly common in this area of Scotland and have also been found in Ireland and a few locations in mainland Europe but not so far in England and Wales. It is possible to continue and walk through to Dingwall. Otherwise, to continue the circuit, return back down to the saddle.

Stage 5

Rather than returning the way you came, you can continue past a seat and along the crest of the ridge, continuing to enjoy the views. Part way along is a small modern sculpture of three figures embracing. Continue to the next saddle, where - immediately after a gate - there is another cross-roads of paths. If you wish to avoid the very steep descent later on the walk, turn right here and then left onto a track further on to return to waymarked paths and the start. Otherwise, cross the stile and continue along the ridge, keeping the forest fence on your right.

Stage 6

The narrow path sticks to the fence along the undulating ridge, with great views over Loch Ussie to the left. It descends to another saddle - ignore the stile here, and instead continue ahead up a final very steep slope to reach the summit of Cnoc Mòr , marked by a trig point. Although the highest point on the ridge, the views are rather obscured by trees. Cross the stile on the right from here to head into the forestry , keeping right each time the path forks. This leads you to traverses round to the right across a steep slope before the path from the stile at the last saddle comes into view and your path descends briefly but very steeply to reach it. Turn left down this path (away from the stile visible to the right).

Stage 7

The path is narrow but fairly distinct; at any forks, always keep on the clearest path. It descends some distance, then traverses the slope leftwards before turning right for a steep section heading directly downhill. This leads out into an area of younger trees and broom; continue on the path until a junction is reached. Turn right here and follow a path that eventually leads down to join the main track. Turn left along this to head back to the car park.

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