Monday, 11 October 2021
Monadh Mor
Monadh Mor
Where we are
COVID-19 update
- Read our COVID-19 Information in advance of your visit.
- Most of our forests and facilities are open, but use our website to check before you travel.
- Do not light campfires or use disposable barbecues.
- Park considerately, taking care not to park on verges or block gates or roads.
- Take care on or around open water. Find out more on our Water Safety page.
About
Bogs, swamps, dragonflies and bonsai pines
This is one of the best places in Scotland to see rare bog woodland. Over 100 hectares of naturally wet woodland has been restored in Monadh Mor and the birch and pine trees here co-exist in a finely balanced relationship with the ponds, swamps and mosses. In the wettest areas, tree growth is so slow that the tiny bonsai-like pines can be hundreds of years old.
Monadh Mor – The Big Moor – is a remnant of the extensive bog woodland which once covered the Black Isle ridge. It's the largest area of forest bog in Scotland, and classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It’s unusually rich in plant species and invertebrates, making it an excellent place to spot dragonflies and damselflies in summer.
Walking trails (1)
Walking
Monadh Mor Trail
A trail notice is in effect
- This path remains open for your enjoyment but is no longer waymarked.
Explore Scotland's largest woodland bog, home to a range of fascinating wildlife and some good views over the Beauly Firth.
Mostly wide, firm gravel surface, with some uneven sections. Short moderate slopes. Several wet and muddy areas. Includes a gap 1.2m wide.
4 ¼ miles / 6.9 km
Allow 2½ hours
More information
Monadh Mor undulates from drier forested ridges, covered with mature Scots pine and birch, to boggy wet hollows, where standing water forms into ponds and the trees are stunted and small. It's a rare and beautiful landscape worth returning to at different times of year.
Facilities and access
Life's essentials
The nearest place for toilets or a cup of tea is Tore with plenty of other choices a little further away in Dingwall.
Car parking information
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.
Getting here
From Tore roundabout take the A835 towards Dingwall for 1½ miles (2.4 km). The car park is on your right.
Using SatNav?
IV6 7SF is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
There is a bus stop on the A835 next to the forest car park with a regular bus service between Tore and Dingwall. You'll find timetables at Traveline Scotland.
Nearby forests
Visit the well and make a wish in this gentle woodland
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Monadh Mor': 2.41 miles
A small woodland full of birdsong, close by Muir of Ord
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Monadh Mor': 2.67 miles
Drink in the view, listen to the birdsong, explore the past
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Monadh Mor': 3.62 miles
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