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.