Carbisdale Castle circuit

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This walk explores the woodland paths above Carbisdale Castle overlooking the Kyle of Sutherland. It gives excellent views, passing the castle and a very attractive forest loch as well as the site of the Battle of Carbisdale.

Terrain

Good but unsigned forest paths and tracks; some sections prone to becoming overgrown.

Public Transport

Bus to Invershin; train to Culrain or Invershin.

Start

Layby on A836 just north of railway viaduct and station at Invershin. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There's a layby on the west side of the A836 immediately north of the railway viaduct. Begin the walk here, heading back towards the viaduct along the verge, crossing the barrier and taking the footbridge over the Kyle of Sutherland; the bridge was added alongside the rail bridge in 2000. The bridge gives great views towards the Castle. On the far side follow the footpath alongside the railway until the road is reached. Turn right here, then fork left between the gateposts, passing an old parking area.

Stage 2

Stay on the track, climbing gently and passing the grand gateway to the stables. At the top of the hill the entrance to Cabisdale Castle is reached. It was built between 1905 and 1917 by the Duchess of Sutherland. When the Duke died the Duchess initially inherited a great part of his estates, but his family contested the will and the Duchess was tried and briefly imprisoned for destroying documents. Eventually a financial settlement was reached and the Sutherland family agreed to fund a new castle for the Duchess so long as it was outside the county of Sutherland. She had Carbisdale built just inside Ross-shire but overlooking Sutherland; you may note that the clocktower has clocks on only three sides, not even giving the time of day to Sutherland. The castle is now a private home, so do not approach it.

Stage 3

Pass the castle on the track, almost immediately reaching a t-junction with open views ahead. Ignore the main tracks left and right here and instead turn sharp left between two stone markers, following a broad footpath uphill into the trees.

Stage 4

The clear path climbs steadily through the trees, soon curving round to the left. When a junction is reached turn right, now following a narrower footpath into the trees. This winds left and then right, descending to reach the lookout at View Rock, with a grand vista over the Kyle of Sutherland. Just before the lookout take the path on the right that descends through the trees and eventually meets a forest track.

Stage 5

Turn left down the track. When a clear junction is reached keep right. Ignore another path off left (used on the return) and instead follow the main track which climbs gently. Eventually it runs closer to the burn with some attractive waterfalls and a bench. When a track is reached turn left along this.

Stage 6

There is a short detour on the right to a waterside seat, otherwise keep left before the lochan and follow the path to Montrose Bridge. Cross this and then follow the path which swings right and then left, heading a gap in the pines until the site of Carbisdale Battle is reached. Fought in 1650, this was the last battle fought by one of Scotland's greatest generals, the Marquis of Montrose. Montrose was defeated and wounded by the Covenanters but escaped, but he was eventually captured by the victorious Covenanters and was executed in Edinburgh.

Stage 7

Looking towards the information board head left up through the trees, eventually crossing a wooden bridge and reaching a forest track you were on earlier. This time turn right, and then keep right at the next junction. Go through a gate onto a track by a cottage, and almost opposite the entrance to two houses turn left onto a clear path. After a while the walls and gateway to the Castle's private walled garden are passed on the right. After this the path soon reaches a junction; turn right here to head to the old parking area, then take the track to the right beyond. Retrace your steps from here back to the start of the walk.

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