Craigmonie

Spectacular views over Urquhart Bay from the crag named after a Viking Prince

Stop off at Craigmonie community woodland for a walk through attractive woods to a dramatic lookout over Urquhart Bay. The woods here have ancient origins but are also home to some unusual trees -the two towering redwoods at the start of the trails were planted by former estate owners 200 years ago. Keep an eye and an ear open for wildlife – red squirrels and badgers make their homes here, as well as a host of woodland birds, including blackcaps and woodpeckers. 

We manage this well-loved community wood with invaluable help from our partners, Craigmonie Woodland Association. The Association has helped develop a great network of trails that link Craigmonie with Balmacaan Wood next door, which is owned by Woodland Trust Scotland. Take a look at our guide map to explore Craigmonie and other forests in this stunning area.

Walking trails

Craigmonie route card (PDF)

Walking

Craigmonie Trail

Climb up to this historic hill for a great view over Urquhart Bay and Loch Ness.

A mix of firm gravel and earth paths, with some rough, narrow and muddy sections. Includes some exposed tree roots. Long steep slopes for up to 600m.

1 ¼ miles / 2.0 km

Allow
1 hour

More information

This picturesque circular trail begins dramatically between two giant redwood trees, then climbs steadily to the top of Craigmonie crag, which has a rather sinister history. It is named after a Viking prince who, according to legend, was mortally wounded here 1,000 years ago. More recently, a gibbet stood on this prominent point as a warning to local wrongdoers.

The trail passes through Craigmonie and neighbouring Balmacaan, both woodlands with ancient origins that were planted with soaring specimen trees 200 years ago by the estate owner. The peaceful woods are an excellent place for birdwatching – look and listen for a host of woodland birds, including black caps, redstarts and woodpeckers.

There is no car parking at the start of the woodland trails here. Instead, park in the centre of Drumnadrochit and follow waymarkers from the village to ‘Craigmonie Woodland Trails’. It’s just a short walk (¼ mile / 500 metres) up to the start.

Walking

Milton Trail

Wander along the paths and try the wildlife quiz. Take a seat at the Milton viewpoint and discover the story of the village below. Climb up through the atmospheric pines to this historic lookout over Loch Ness. The crag was named after a Viking prince who was mortally wounded in a siege here.

A mix of firm gravel and earth paths with some rough surfaces and exposed tree roots. Long steep slopes for up to 400m.

1 ½ miles / 2.6 km

Allow
1 hour

More information

Milton takes its name from the 19th century woollen mills here, which produced the distinctive Glen Urquhart black-and-white checked tweed. In spring there’s a riot of wild flowers here, particularly around the birch trees.

There is no car parking at the start of the woodland trails here. Instead, park in the centre of Drumnadrochit and follow waymarkers from the village to ‘Craigmonie Woodland Trails’. It’s just a short walk (¼ mile / 500 metres) up to the start.

Activities

Watch wildlife

The bluebells and dog’s mercury that bloom here in spring tell us that these woods are ancient, and there’s plenty of wildlife too. Spot roe deer and red squirrels amongst the trees, and great spotted woodpeckers and crossbills in the canopy of branches. You may find clues that secretive badgers and pine martens also live here.

More trails from Craigmonie

You can explore more of the woods here along a network of trails that link Craigmonie with Balmacaan Wood beside it. The wood is owned by Woodland Trust Scotland.

The Great Glen Way

Drumnadrochit, just next door to the forest, is in the heart of the Great Glen. A great way to explore the glen is on the long distance trail, which stretches 79 miles (127 km) between Fort William and Inverness. It’s a rewarding walk or cycle, mainly following towpaths and woodland tracks. You can also travel the glen by boat, canoe or kayak.

Facilities and access

Walking

Viewpoint

You’ll find parking, toilets and places to eat, drink and shop in the village of Drumnadrochit. 

Parking for Craigmonie

There is no car parking at the start of the woodland trails here. We recommend that you park in the centre of Drumnadrochit – from here it’s just a short walk of ¼ mile (500 metres) up to the start of the trails. Look out for waymarkers to ‘Craigmonie Woodland Trails’.

Getting here

Car parking 

There is no car park at this location.

Craigmonie lies just to the west of the village of Drumnadrochit, off the A82 on the western shore of Loch Ness.

There is no car parking at the start of the woodland trails here. We recommend that you park at the Visitor Information Centre car park in the centre of Drumnadrochit – from here it’s just a short walk of ¼ mile (500 metres) up to the start of the trails. Look out for waymarkers to ‘Craigmonie Woodland Trails’.

Do consider public and active transport if available and possible.

Using SatNav?

IV63 6TX is the nearest postcode for the Visitor Information Centre car park.

Public transport

The bus service between Inverness and Fort Augustus stops at Drumnadrochit. You’ll find details at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions