Lael Forest Garden and forest walk

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An easy and pleasant walk taking in the Lael Forest Garden with its 200 different tree species together with a longer plantation section with waterfalls.

Terrain

Clear woodland paths and tracks with some ascent/descent, the latter with steps.

Public Transport

Regular bus service between Ullapool and Inverness.

Start

Lael Forest Garden car park on A 835 north of Braemore Junction and opposite the Woodturner. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 1.75km / 1 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 60m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH196810

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There are 2 car parks for Lael Forest, this walk starts from the north one, opposite the sign for the Woodturner. From the car park and picnic site it is worth first heading up the steps at the back of the car park and along the path to view a lovely waterfall. Return to the car park and go over the bridge and through the gate on the left hand side (as you face the road) to enter the Lael Forest Garden. Before the Forestry Commission took it over in 1929 the land belonged to tree enthusiasts who had collected species from all over the world. Now over 200 species are represented and sign boards identify the different trees including giant redwoods and cricket bat willows.

Stage 2

Turn left almost immediately to head uphill through the woods passing a Tulip tree from the USA on your right. At the next junction turn left again, continuing to gain height. The route passes through Lawson cypress which is the predecessor to the most commonly planted garden conifer today. Continue as the path meanders through the trees and turns downhill to reach a gate at the far end of the forest garden.

Stage 3

Go through the gate into the other car park and picnic area. From the car park take the path on the left, with a green and red marker post, to enter the forest. Keep heading uphill at a junction. At the right time of year many species of fungi can be found in this section of woodland.

Stage 4

Eventually the path reaches a forest track. Turn left along this, continuing gently uphill until the track crosses a bridge over a gorge. On the far side turn left down steps onto a path - waymarked red - downhill. This gives glimpses into the gorge on the descent back to the car park.

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