Fyrish Monument, near Alness

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All walkers travelling along the A9 in this region will be keen to visit the prominent, strange monument atop the hills north of the road. They will be rewarded with extremely fine views on this straightforward climb through woodland.

Terrain

Good woodland path with a fair amount of up and down.

Public Transport

Bus and train services to Alness; starting here would add an extra two kilometres to the walk in each direction.

Start

Small car park on minor road to Boath. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a small purpose built car park on the left side of the minor road to Boath. Here the signposted 'Jubilee path' to the monument begins. Go through the gate and begin the walk; the route undulates through the forest. It soon crosses a forestry track; go straight across (marker post). Further on the path descends a flight of stone steps and crosses a footbridge over a burn; climb up the steps on the far side and continue through the trees.

Stage 2

Go straight ahead once more at the next junction (waymarker post). The path now begins to climb clear of the trees, and fabulous views open up back towards Alness and the Cromarty Firth. At a cross roads there is a sign indicating a track off to the right which makes an alternative route for the return, whilst on the left is a small lochan. Continue straight ahead once more, now across more open moorland.

Stage 3

The monument is reached about half a kilometre further on. Close up it is even more impressive than when seen from below - a huge structure of three central arches and four flanking towers. It was built in 1783 by Sir Hector Munro - the local laird. He had been commander of British Forces in India, and defeated the Dutch at the Battle of Negapatam. On his return to the Highlands the Clearances were underway and many people were starving. After the fashion of the time famine relief was provided only in return for work - it being feared that feeding the starving would make them lazy - and the construction of the monument was one of the tasks given to the local destitute. It is a replica of the gates of Negapatam, to enhance Munro's glory.

Stage 4

There's another reward too, as the views are tremendous, with the whole sweep of the Cromarty firth below, from the North Sea right inland towards the great bulky mountain of Ben Wyvis.

Stage 5

Begin the descent the same way. You can vary the route a little from the crossroads just beyond the lochan, where a signpost indicates the alternative turn off to the left. This track soon descends and reaches a t-junction; from here turn right (waymarker) and you'll soon regain the original path further on. Turn left here and retrace your steps to the car park.

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