Gentle strolls among the pines around Aldie Burn

The Aldie Burn winds lazily through this interesting forest on its way to the sea. Once, the burn powered several watermills and supplied water to the people of Tain; now it bubbles dreamily beside easy woodland trails. This is a forest for all ages, a place of tall conifers and tranquil pine, where capercaillie and pine marten hide in secret groves, and colourful dragonflies hover on gossamer wings.

Guide map to Forests of Ross and Cromarty(PDF 5.8MB)

Walking trails

Walking

Aldie Burn Trail

A lovely walk up Glen Aldie. Stop to watch dragonflies along the burn then meander back through gnarled Scots pines and colourful heather. 

Wide, smooth gravel surface throughout. Some moderate slopes. Includes two bridges, one 1.0m wide.

1 ¾ miles / 2.8 km

Allow
1 hour

Walking

Pond Trail

A gentle stroll to the salmon-shaped pond, where you can try pond dipping or enjoy a picnic by the burn. 

Wide, firm gravel surface, with slightly loose and uneven section along forest road. Short moderate slopes. One bridge.

¾ miles / 1.4 km

Allow
½ hour

Cycling trails

Cycling

Morangie cycle trail

Family fun to a fabulous viewpoint with some challenging cycling beyond it. Also suitable for horseriders. 

12 miles / 19.2 km

More information

Start from Aldie Burn car park and climb steadily on forest roads to a fabulous halfway viewpoint over the Dornoch Firth. You can either whizz back the way you came or continue over rougher terrain with some demanding off road sections. Families may choose to turn around at the viewpoint.

Terrain description

Smooth forest road with some rougher terrain after halfway viewpoint. Moderate slopes, steep in places.

Activities

Adventure in Aldie Burn

There's an extensive network of un-waymarked forest roads here which are great fun to explore on foot, bike or horseback. They’re well-used, so watch out for walkers, cyclists, horses and occasional vehicles. Be especially careful near the car park.

Tain Runners organise training runs in the forest to suit all levels, as well as the annual Tain Hill Trail Race. To find out more about running in the forest contact Tain Runners.

The Morangie Cycle Trail starts and finishes from Aldie Burn car park. It's 12 miles (19.2 km) long and leads to a panoramic viewpoint at the halfway point where you can picnic and rest. The first half is suitable for families but the route becomes more demanding after this.

Horse riders are welcome to ride the forest roads here. Please unload horse-boxes in the dedicated space to the right of the car park where there is direct access to the main trail.

If you're going off the main trails remember to tell someone where you are going and take some water and food, as well as a map.

Facilities & access

Parking

Easy-access facilities

Picnic area

You'll find public toilets, shops and eating places in Tain, 4 miles (6.4 km) away.

Getting here

Aldie Burn is 2 ½ miles (4 km) west of Tain in Easter Ross, not far from the A9. Halfway round the Tain bypass you'll see brown signs to 'Aldie Burn forest walk'. Turn off the A9 here (signposted to Scotsburn) and follow the road for 1 ¾ miles (2.8 km) until you see the Aldie Burn forest walk sign. Turn right and follow the forest road to the car park at grid reference NH 754 792.

Using SatNav?

IV19 1PL is the nearest postcode, just after turning off the A9.

Public transport

Sorry, there is no public transport to Aldie Burn.

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