Blackmuir Wood

Home of ancient rituals, geology, and mountain views

There’s plenty in Blackmuir Wood to bring you back again and again, from the old curling pond by the car park, to the Touchstone Maze and an Iron Age hill fort. The Touchstone Maze is a fascinating collection of over 80 ancient rocks, laid out as a labyrinth. The stones represent the range of rocks which make up North Scotland, and include 3,000 million-year-old Lewisian gneiss, among the oldest rock-types in the world.

Walking trails

Blackmuir Wood route card (PDF)

Walking

Red Kite Trail

A short loop with good views of Ben Wyvis and an opportunity to see kites and buzzards soaring above the edge of the forest. 

Firm, largely wide gravel surface. Some uneven, loose and slightly grassy sections. Long moderate slopes for up to 700m with short slightly steeper ramps.

1 ¼ miles / 2.0 km

Allow
¾ hour

More information

A short and easy circular route beside a pretty lochan and through an open area of regenerating woodland with summer wildflowers. Catch some spectacular views west to Strathconon, the Fannichs and Ben Wyvis and check the skies for a sharp-eyed red kite looking for prey below.  

Walking

Touchstone Maze Trail

Climb up to a remarkable stone labyrinth and find some far-ranging views across the mountains of the north.

Firm gravel surface throughout, with uneven and loose parts. Long moderate slopes for 700m and some slightly steeper sections.

2 ¼ miles / 3.6 km

Allow
1½ hours

More information

The Touchstone Maze is a fascinating representation of the variety of rock found across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. This route to it is a popular running route, and you can make it more demanding by adding the Cat's Back and the Iron Age fort at Knockfarrel.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

Ancient monument

You'll find public toilets, shops and eating places in the centre of Strathpeffer, less than a mile (1.6 km) from the forest. You can also hire bikes there.

Getting here

From Inverness follow the A9 north to the Tore roundabout. Take the second exit onto the A835 (for Ullapool and Dingwall). Stay on this road for 10 miles (16 km) turning right onto a minor road for Kinnahaird and then right onto the A834 for Strathpeffer. Just as you enter the village there's a large white building on the right and a tourist information sign on the left. Turn right after the building and follow signs to the car park.

Using SatNav?

IV14 9BT is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

There are buses from Inverness to Strathpeffer and the car park is less than a mile (1.6 km) from the village centre. You'll find timetables at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions