Forsinain Trail, Strath Halladale

Summary

The waymarked Forsinain Trail crosses the peat bogs and forestry at the heart of the Flow Country and is a good chance to see peat restoration in action. Look out for dragonflies, and birds such as hen harriers and red throated divers - but also watch your step as the route is very wet.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked route through the bogs and forestry. Some sections have flagstones to pass the bogs but other parts of the route are extremely wet underfoot.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Parking area on west side of A897 opposite the barns of Forsinain Farm. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.5km / 4 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 116m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC903485

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

There is a large parking on the west side of the A897 opposite the barns of Forsinain Farm. There is an information board here indicating some long distance cycle rides across to Loch More and Halkirk. Begin the walk by crossing the road and the bridge over the River Halladale, then turning right along the track. At the next junction turn left and follow the track as it climbs past a cottage and an area set aside for disabled parking.

Stage 2

The track then goes through a gate and swings left, heading towards a row of cottages. When these are reached continue straight ahead through the gate (may be locked and require climbing) and along the grassy track up the hill. Ignore a turn on the right and pass through another gate at the top of the hill. There is now a short boggy section; go half right, passing the marker poles. Soon a flagstone path is reached that gives better going, before another wet section then a longer stretch of flagstones; some of these are slightly submerged after wet weather. The path winds between the pools and bogs, typical of the Flow Country. It is full of colour and there are often many dragonflies. The vast open spaces typical of the area are here curtailed a little by the forestry plantations close by.

Stage 3

At post number 4 the flagstone trail ends and from here the route becomes very wet underfoot. Follow the marker posts, after half a kilometre look out for a marker indicating where the route turns right. Further on there is a junction; the circular trail continues with a left turn but before going this way continue ahead to reach a wooden boardwalk leading to a viewpoint overlooking Loch Bad a'Bhothain. From May to August you may see red-throated divers here. Return to the junction and follow the route through the trees.

Stage 4

The trail reaches a track - a relief from the wet ground - and continues by turning left along this. The track crosses a bridge and continues gently downhill; it eventually emerges on the A897 at Forsinain Bridge. Turn left just before reaching this, passing through a gate and following the trail up the near side of the Forsinain River. The path is wet in places and at one point climbs high above the river before eventually returning to the start of the walk near the barns. Turn right across the bridge back to the car park.

Route Profile

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