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.