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.
Bog Factor
Waymarked footpath, track, road with pavement. Road crossings and level crossings.
Dingwall museum on the high street.
Regular bus and train services from Inverness and the north.
NH549587
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.
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.
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.
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; bear right, then turn right along the road, then left up the entrance lane for Pitglassie Farm. The lane goes right just before the first barn, passing between two houses before swinging left to head more steeply uphill. From here there are good views down over the Firth.
When the ground levels off, the Macdonald Monument can be seen to the right. After a felled area 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.
From the cemetery 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.
This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?
