Introduction

Easter Ross Rights of Way Association

(ERROWA)

It is with sadness that we have to announce the cessation of ERROWA activities from July 2023. 

It has been a pleasure working to clear local rights of way for just over thirty years but the time has come to hang up our tools for the last time.

We wish all users of local rights of way continued enjoyment and good health.

1 - Brief description of ERROWA

ERROWA was formed in 1992 as a voluntary organisation with the objective of identifying and recording public rights of way and to take any necessary action as may be required to preserve or help to restore any such rights of way that may be in danger of being lost.

We also arrange a walk each month for our members and any members of the public who wish to attend, transport from Tain to the location of the walks and return is provided free of charge by committee members.

The work involved in maintaining the rights of way is currently carried out on a voluntary basis by a work party of four members.

The work that we do keeps the paths open for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, without our efforts these paths would become overgrown and inaccessible in a short space of time.

ERROWA is managed by a Committee of 5 members.

We currently have 20 members.

2 - Projects

2A - Current projects

The ongoing maintenance of rights of way in the Easter Ross Area, the major paths which require most of our effort are – (1) Scotsburn to Strathrory (4.5 miles), (2) 4 miles of the route from Quebec Bridge to Edderton, the rest of the 14-mile route is forest road or public road and (3) the core path from East Lamington (2 miles) to the junction with route 2.

2B - Other projects

There are many other paths in the area which require occasional maintenance, we respond to notifications from the public of paths which need work. In the last year we have responded to three requests from the organiser of a new trail from Inverness to John 0’ Groats (146 miles which is being done mainly by voluntary labour)  to clear sections of the trail and we will be carrying out work on a further two sections within our local area, early in 2019.

The work consists of cutting whins, broom and grass, clearing and digging ditches, clearing fallen branches and maintaining a timber bridge and gates.

The work is done by the work party who expend an average of 500 hours per year.

We are the only group who are doing ongoing path maintenance in the area, and if we had to cease then most of these paths will be lost within two to three years.

Before After 

Walk 1 Dalnaclach-Scotsburn to Strathrory

Easter Ross Rights Of Way Association

Recommended walks

Walk 1 Dalnaclach-Scotsburn to Strathrory

OS Landranger Map No 21

OS Explorer Map No 438

The route can be walked from either end. Its distance is 4.55 miles for one way. It follows an old cattle-droving route.

Allow around 2 hours in one direction and 4 hours for the return journey.

The Dalnaclach-Scotsburn start point is at Grid Ref NH734 763 where there is space for several cars to park, along with a picnic bench and explanation board.

The Strathrory start point is at Grid Ref NH 667 778 where there is space for several cars to park.

From Dalnaclach-Scotsburn the route follows the strath upstream and is mostly gently uphill. Livestock in the adjacent fields and in the upper strath means that dogs should be kept under close control – and especially in the nesting season.

The reverse route is downstream and generally downhill.      

The following description will follow the route from Dalnaclach-Scotsburn.

Starting from the car park, take time to read the explanation board in the picnic area, before heading westwards along the trackway. Passing by the houses and kennel on the left side, continue through the walkers gateway to the drove road proper which is broad and clear for the next kilometre or so, along the forest edge.

This portion of the route proceeds through the next gate and continues westward through the policies of Scotsburn House.

Just beyond this gate, the John o’ Groats trail (www.jogt.co.uk) is crossed as it heads north from Scotsburn Farm on its way to Tain. The next gate along is beside a field with horses roaming about so please ensure you follow the country code and close all gates behind you. Continue up the track a bit to another gate which leads the walker onto the rough hill grazing.

Continue westwards along the track with the deep gorge created by the Strathrory river way down to the left. The flowing of the river will be audible for most of the journey from here. The route opens out onto an area of pasture surrounding Coag Bothy.

The path passes the bothy heading towards rougher country and a waymark post shows the best route west. The left-hand path only goes to the river while the right-hand route passes through a cairnfield and hut circles.

In front is the hill Cnoc an Duin with an unfinished Iron Age ‘fort’ on top. There is no easy route up and at least an hour would be needed for a fit person to climb up and return to the path. At this point the path skirts around the base of the forested area, passing several ruined farmsteads and enclosures.

A little further west, the path reaches an area of boggy patches where duck-boarding has been put in place to carry the path. It’s not always helpful and walkers should watch for the used path, which may often prove the better option.

Continue carefully until a footbridge is eventually reached. It is maintained by ERROWA so should be in a safe condition. The stream it crosses is the outflow from Loch Sheilagh, an artificial loch. The path continues westwards through the flat ground which is often wet in places.

As always, the river bubbles along on the left and beyond another gate, the track joins the forest road which comes from the Aldie area.

To the right are the ruins of Strathrory farmstead surrounded by an area of deforestation and a forest road leading to Loch Sheilagh.

Next up is the car park and journey’s end – unless the return trip is to be made.

Please let ERROWA know of any changes in conditions on the route which may need some attention or TLC.

Walk 2 Aldie and Morangie Forest circular around Hill of Tain.

Walk 2 Aldie and Morangie Forest circular around Hill of Tain.

OS Landranger Map No 21.

OS Explorer Map No 438.

The route can be walked in either direction and the following description takes the anticlockwise route. Its distance is 7.5 miles and follows forest roads for most of the route.

The Aldie and Morangie Forest starts and finishes at the Aldie Forest car park at Grid Ref NH757 792. The car park is sign-posted on the Scotsburn road from Tain beyond Quebec Bridge on the north side of the minor road. There is ample room for parking, with picnic seating. There is an explanation board and leaflet dispenser at the walkers exit to the car park.

Start at the footpath exit from the parking area and continue westwards, crossing a forest road. The path continues, overlooking a picnic area and pond. At this point the route has two options for a short distance before converging at the wooden bridge and shelter at Grid Ref NH745 793 next to the old drove road ford.

One option is to keep to the high ground above the burn through the woodland. Keep straight on at the next fork in the path. The path passes by the ruins of Mineralbank farm which was abandoned in the 20^th century.

The footpath winds about, making easy wheelchair access in this area before reaching the wooden shelter at the ford.

The second option is to descend into the glen and cross the wooden bridge over the burn before proceeding upstream, passing a ruined building above the path and modern stone artwork in the path before reaching the wooden shelter at the ford where the first option re-joins the route.

From the shelter follow the signs for the dog’s grave, this is part of an old drove road from Edderton. To the west is a low-lying area where Roe deer are often seen.

The wall beside the track peters out as a junction with a forest road is reached. Turning east for a very short distance and this track meets the main forest road. There is a sign for the ‘Dog’s Grave’ and this is the next way-point to look for westwards along this road.

It will be seen at Grid Ref NH 743 794 where a stone marks the memorial to a pet killed in an accident in Perthshire many years ago. After passing this spot continue to the junction and take the right-hand branch to the north and proceed uphill along this branch for about 2 kilometres until the track passes under a line of electricity pylons. Turn uphill at this point to follow a footpath which leads to a viewpoint and picnic table near the top of Tain Hill.

Views around are extensive – if the weather is clear. Ben Rinnes can be seen away eastwards and Ben Klibreck to the northwest to mention just two hills.

Continue to follow the track below the pylons until it meets the forestry road at Grid Ref 744 818 and turn westwards along this road.

After about a kilometre Lochan Uaine is seen on the north side of the road, this is the halfway point of the route, with expansive to the west and the wind farm on the slopes above the Struie hills. Continue with the gorge of the Allt Clachach to your west.

The road swings around to an easterly direction. It can be a difficult route in wet weather and care is needed to keep to dry ground.

The Neolithic Long Cairn Carn Liath (Grey Cairn) can be seen in the trees below and after around a kilometre the outward forest road is re-joined at Grid Ref 739 799 and the downward trek returns to the car park via the ‘Dogs Grave’.

Please take note of any Forest notices of work in progress which may cause the route to have restrictions due to timber extraction. This warning is for all walks through the Forest Estate in Scotland.

Please let ERROWA know of any changes in conditions on the route which may need some attention or TLC.

Walk 3 Aldie and Morangie Forest circular around Hill of Tain and Edderton Hill.

Walk 3 Aldie and Morangie Forest circular around

Hill of Tain and Edderton Hill.

OS Landranger Map No 21.

OS Explorer Map No 438.

The route can be walked in either direction and the following description takes the anticlockwise route around the hill. Its distance is 12 miles and follows forest roads for most of the route and forest made-up footpaths for the remainder of the route.

There are two places where public roads can give access to the route to allow for any need to shorten the walk due to weather etc.

The first place is Tarlogie where a small parking area near to the cottages at Grid Ref NH754 833 allows foot access to the forest. The second is at Upper Bogrow where a farm track runnning parallel to the route terminates at a forest gate and forest track leading upwards to the route. A small turning area needs care with farm equipment and farm access.

The Aldie and Morangie Forest circular around Hill of Tain and Edderton Hill starts and finishes at the Aldie Forest car park at Grid Ref NH757 792. The car park is sign-posted on the Scotsburn road from Tain beyond Quebec Bridge on the north side of the minor road. There is ample room for parking, with picnic seating. There is an explanation board and leaflet dispenser at the walkers exit to the car park.

Start at the footpath exit from the parking area and continue westwards, crossing a forest road. The path continues, overlooking a picnic area and pond. At this point the route has two options for a short distance before converging at the wooden bridge and shelter at Grid Ref NH745 793 next to the old drove road ford.

One option is to keep to the high ground above the burn through the woodland. Keep straight on at the next fork in the path. The path passes by the ruins of Mineralbank farm which was abandoned in the 20^th century.

The footpath winds about, making easy wheelchair access in this area before reaching the wooden shelter at the ford.

The second option is to descend into the glen and cross the wooden bridge over the burn before proceeding upstream, passing a ruined building above the path and modern stone artwork in the path before reaching the wooden shelter at the ford where the first option re-joins the route.

From the shelter follow the signs for the Dog’s grave. This is part of an old drove road from Edderton. To the west is a low-lying area where Roe deer are often seen.

The wall beside the track peters out as a junction with a forest road is reached. Turning east for a very short distance and this track meets the main forest road. There is a sign for the ‘Dog’s Grave’ and this is the next way-point to look for westwards along this road.

 It will be seen at Grid Ref NH 743 794 where a stone marks the memorial to a pet killed in an accident in Perthshire many years ago. After passing this spot continue to the junction and take the right-hand branch to the north and continue uphill along this branch for about 2 kilometres until the track passes under a line of electricity pylons. Turn uphill at this point to follow a footpath which leads to a viewpoint and picnic table near the top of Tain Hill.

Views around are extensive – if the weather is clear. Ben Rinnes can be seen away eastwards and Ben Klibreck to the northwest to mention just two hills.

Continue to follow the track below the pylons until it meets the forestry road at Grid Ref 744 818 and turn eastwards downhill along this road. Continue downhill for about a kilometre swinging left and right until it meets the main forest track coming up from Tarlogie at Grid Ref NH756 828. Note that on the OS 1:25000 there are some roads not shown. At this point access from the A9 is close if required.

Turn west along the main track, climbing for the next 3 kilometres or so with views over the Dornoch Firth and out to the mountains to the north and west.

Ben Klibreck with its pointed top is visible in clear weather.

A suitable stopping place overlooks Meikle Ferry and Cambuscurrie Bay.

The road continues, swinging around southwards for several kilometres gradually descending. The Ben Tarsuin windfarm is visible to the west over the Edderton Burn and Upper Bogrow where access from public roads is possible.

Now continue eastwards on the same forest track. At the crossing of the Allt Clachach are the ruins of a small community NH 728 797 and at NH 737 797 are the ruins of an inn. Continue past the junction and the ‘Dogs Grave’ reached on the outward journey and the trek returns to the car park via the outward route.

Please take note of any Forest notices of work in progress which may cause the route to have restrictions due to timber extraction. This warning is for all walks through the Forest Estate in Scotland.

Please let ERROWA know of any changes in conditions on the route which may need some attention or TLC.

Walk 4 Hill of Tain circular

Easter Ross Rights Of Way Association

Recommended walks

Walk 4 Hill of Tain circular

OS Landranger Map No 21.

OS Explorer Map No 438.

The route can be walked in either direction and the following description takes the clockwise route around the hill. Its distance is 4 miles and follows forest roads for most of the route and forest tracks for the remainder of the route.

The  Hill of Tain circular starts and finishes at the quarry car park at Grid Ref NH757 812. The car park is reached from the A9 Tain by-pass by turning south up the minor road minor road sign-posted for the Carnegie Hotel (just north of the Tain Health Centre junction). Continue to the top of this single-track where there is ample room for parking. There is an explanation board at the walkers exit from the car park.

Start at the footpath exit from the parking area and continue southwards, through a gate and along a forest road. Continue along this road for more than 1 km until a junction at NH739 799 is reached. Leave the major track and turn westward to circumnavigate the hill. Care will be needed for parts of the track which have become heavily rutted and hold water.

Near to NH730 800 can be seen the Neolithic long cairn Carn Liath (grey cairn in gaelic). It is down slope below the track.

Further on the track runs parallel to the Allt Clachach, or stoney burn, which is fed by Lochan Uaine (green loch), seen to the west.

Another kilometre or so and the track – which has become much improved- reaches a junction at NH744 818. Takes the uphill southern branch and continue up to the large erratic boulder beside a picnic bench at NH746 813. This is the highest point of the route and gives excellent views out over the Dornoch and Moray Firths.

The usual return route to the car park heads north downhill, skirting the old quarry workings. Stone for many of the listed buildings in Tain was extracted from this quarry and taken down the hill. The bottom of this track exits onto the car park.

Please take note of any Forest notices of work in progress which may cause the route to have restrictions due to timber extraction. This warning is for all walks through the Forest Estate in Scotland.

Please let ERROWA know of any changes in conditions on the route which may need some attention or TLC.

Walk 5 Dalnaclach-Scotsburn Wood circular.

Easter Ross Rights Of Way Association

Recommended walks

Walk 5 Dalnaclach-Scotsburn Wood circular.

OS Landranger Map No 21.

OS Explorer Map No 438.

This shorter route can be walked in either direction. The following description goes clockwise. Its distance is 3 miles. It follows part of an old cattle-droving route. Livestock in the adjacent fields means that dogs should be kept under close control – and especially in the nesting season and on the part of the route which is on a public road. Allow around X hours for the journey.

The Dalnaclach-Scotsburn start point is at Grid Ref NH734 763 where there is space for several cars to park, along with a picnic bench and explanation board.

         

Starting from the car park, take time to read the explanation board in the picnic area, before heading westwards along the trackway.

Passing by the houses and kennel on the left side, continue through the walkers gateway to the drove road proper which is broad and clear for the next kilometre or so, along the forest edge. There are excellent views eastwards across the Cromarty Firth towards ‘The Sutors’ at the mouth of the Firth. The Firth was a Royal Navy anchorage using the port of Invergordon and seaplanes were based at Alness point to the south.

This portion of the route proceeds through the next gate and immediately turns uphill just beyond this gate, the John o’ Groats trail ( www.jogt.co.uk) is followed as it heads north from Scotsburn Farm on its way to Tain and there are waymarker posts along the route in Scotburn wood.. A large cleared area on the east side of this track is passed at NH722 767. The remains of a Neolithic chambered cairn are concealed amongst the bracken. Care is needed if exploration is to be attempted.

At the top of this track is the junction with a forestry track. Turn eastwards along this track. It becomes a main access track. Follow it as it trends downwards heading for the gate at the Forest edge at NH 742 767.

Turn westwards along the public road back to the Dalnaclach car park and journey’s end.

Please let ERROWA know of any changes in conditions on the route which may need some attention or TLC.