Monday, 07 Oct 2024
Wild apple trees haven't been a species often found in our management plans in the past, but all of …
8 October 2024: we are working at Lael forest adjacent to the visitor facilities. For visitor safety we plan to close the North car park and Gorge Trail during November. The South car park and forest garden will remain open.
Journey around a world of trees at Lael Forest Garden. You’ll find species from across the globe including New Zealand, Australia, North and South America, the Far East, Europe and Scandinavia. Native British species thrive here too. Lael Forest Garden is part of the National Tree Collection of Scotland. This project helps to protect and promote this special part of our natural and cultural heritage.
Lael Forest Garden route card (PDF)
Follow the red waymarkers to explore the forest surrounding the garden and the spectacular Allt na h-Ighine gorge. Return through the forest garden.
Long steep slopes for 400m with several sets of steps. Mostly firm gravel surface. Uneven earthy section with some exposed tree roots.
Allow ¾ hour
This trail starts and finishes in different car parks, giving you a great excuse to meander back to your starting point through the beautiful Lael Forest Garden. You can start this trail from either car park, but if you only want to see the waterfall you will need to start from the north car park.
You'll find toilets, shops and a range of places to eat in Ullapool, about 10 miles (16 km) away.
There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.
Lael Forest Garden is on the A835 between Ullapool and Braemore Junction. The north car park is 10 miles (16km) south of Ullapool opposite the woodturning centre, at grid reference NH 196 810.
There's a second car park ¼ mile (400 metres) further south at grid reference NH 196 806.
Nearest postcode: IV23 2RS
Buses between Inverness and Ullapool pass the forest. See Traveline Scotland for details.
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