Forsinard Flows and Tower, Forsinard

Summary

This short but truly unique walk gives a fascinating introduction to the Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve. The trail crosses the blanket bog on a wooden walkway to visit a spectacular modern tower overlooking this remarkable landscape and habitat. The walk then continues along an older trail of placed flagstones to visit more of the Dubh Lochan pools, rich with bird, plant and insect life.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Excellent wooden walkway to the tower, then optional return along flagstone trails which can be slippery or wet in places.

Public Transport

Train to Forsinard station.

Start

Forsinard Peatlands centre at the railway station. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 1.5km / 1 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Ascent: 6m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC890424

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 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 very briefly before turning right onto the wooden walkway that leads across the bogs.

Stage 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. Continue along the walkway to reach the striking modern lookout tower.

Stage 3

The tower can be ascended, and provides some shelter with an open viewing deck above. It gives an amazing view across this remarkable landscape.

Stage 4

The easiest way back is to retrace your steps along the boardwalk, but there is the option to follow the older flagstone trail which provides an alternative return - though take care as the flagstones are often wet and can be slippery; keep to the middle of the stones to avoid the danger of being flipped into the peat! Follow the line of old flagstones leading north (to the right as you stand with your back to the tower entrance); when the flags fork take the left branch.

Stage 5

The flagtones lead past a sculpted wooden seat before looping between the Dubh Lochan pools. Keep left again at a second fork; eventually the flagstones lead back to the outward boardwalk (the flags actually continue opposite to lead to the road if you prefer). 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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