More Walks

Merkinch Nature Reserve (and Canal basin to Clachnaharry) - park at the turning circle at the end of Kessock Road, Inverness. From the turning circle go through the gate opposite the old ferry terminal office and ramp and head south–west along the path. Continue to the towpath of the Caledonian Canal. At this point you have walked approx. ½ mile. From here you may turn left and visit the Muirtown Basin or turn right and walk to the end of the canal to the first of two sea locks at Clachnaharry. Grey heron can often be seen feeding in the tidal pools. You can return to the nature reserve and alternative paths can be followed through the trees back to the car park.

The Falls of Foyers - Start from the car park in Upper Foyers near the shop.
Opposite the shop take the right hand gate for the Falls of Foyers. Follow the path downhill and turn left at the junction to visit the two viewpoints for the Falls. After the viewpoints climb back up to the path junction and now continue straight ahead following the path signed for Lower Foyers. Follow the path and fence as it skirts the spectacular gorge and then goes downhill giving a view of the lower falls and following the marked Squirrel Trail and occasional blue marker posts. There are good views, from the lower down of the two bridges, of Lower Foyers and Loch Ness - the higher, stone bridge is now closed.

Change House Forest Walk, Erchite Wood, Inverfarigaig - From Inverness, take the B862 to Dores and then the B852 towards Inverfarigaig. The parking area is beside the road on your right after about 5 miles (8km). It has a picnic area. This scenic trail begins with a meander along the loch shore through native woodland of birch, hazel, oak and ash – particularly spectacular in autumn. The route then crosses the road to climb higher through conifer woods for more panoramic views over Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. On the way, you’ll see the atmospheric ruins of Change House.

Caledonian Canal and Dochgarroch Locks, from Canal Park, Inverness IV3 5SS. This easy level walk follows the Caledonian Canal towpath from Inverness to the locks at Dochgarroch returning on the far bank if you wish. 7.5 miles (3-4 hours) round trip. Start on the east side of the canal at Tomnahurich Bridge. There is plenty of nearby parking with a car parking area in Canal Park and parking in the Leisure Centre Car Park. Walk along the towpath with the Highland Rugby club on your left On the way along the canal you will soon have views of the River Ness on your left. When you reach Dochgarroch there is a grassed picnic area beside the lock gates.

River Beauly and Lovat Bridge circuit ( distance 5 miles) near Kilmorack. A pleasant level walk with lots of interest and good picnic spots along the River Beauly. Plenty of opportunity to watch the fishing on this popular section of the wide and picturesque river. The inland return route is peaceful and particularly good for spring flowers or autumn colours Follow the A862 from Inverness for 11 miles, cross Lovat Bridge and go straight ahead taking the A831 for Kilmorack. Drive about 1.5 miles, take the road on the left and cross the bridge, find a safe place to park. You will need to return across the bridge and turn right following the tracks and paths which will take you along the river, through woodland to nearby Lovat Bridge where you will return by good farm tracks to where you started. Note that your dog should be on a lead as you are approaching the farm land. You could meet cattle grazing on the tracks!

Glencharnoch Wood, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. - From the A9 follow signs for Carrbridge. The wood is reached from Station Road via the entrance marked 'Carrbridge Cemetery and War Memorial, Ellan Wood'. Public parking is available in the centre of the village. From here, the most direct route to the woods is across the main street, passing between the Village Hall and the Church. Limited parking for up to 5 cars is available at the Cemetery entrance from Station Road. Courtesy parking for visitors to the wood is also available at the Landmark Forest Adventure Park (360m away). Part of a larger woodland, The Woodland Trust owns part of Glencharnoch, consisting of mostly Scots pine. There are sculptured seats at one of three entrances, woodland walks and good links with core paths.

Drumdefit Hill, Munlochy - Access: On the B9161 turn off at NH 647522 and in about 150m, you'll see the start of the walk directly in front of you. There is parking at the start of the walk when felling is not in progress. If there is difficulty, it's easy to park at the side of the road nearby. - There are many walks on the Black Isle and this seldom-used one is well worth a visit. The paths are very good and it is well-signposted. There is little left of the fort on the hilltop, but it's a fine viewpoint. From Waymark 10, several similar hills with similar forts may be seen. Once you get off the main forestry track at the beginning of the walk, the path is delightful. No special footwear is needed.

In 1998 the community purchased 534 hectares of forest and open hill ground from Forest Enterprise. Since then, as a social enterprise, the Abriachan Forest Trust has managed this land to create local employment, improve the environment and encourage it's enjoyment by the public through a network of spectacular paths, family suited mountain bike trails and innovative education opportunities.
From Inverness take the A82 south for Fort William. (4 miles) Do not turn off the A82 at the first signpost marked for Blackfold and Abriachan (8 miles) Take the right turn marked Abriachan at the large turning circle.
Travelling up the Abriachan road for about a mile the village hall will be the grey corrugated iron building on your right. Shortly after the hall there is a junction, take the left fork, marked Abriachan Forest Walks Passing a small Loch on your left, the Abriachan Forest is the next left turn. The Forest Trust car park is 300 metres on the left.