Munlochy Clootie Well

Visit the well and make a wish in this gentle woodland

Clootie wells are found in Celtic places and are linked to ancient healing traditions. A 'cloot' is a rag dipped in the well and tied to a tree. It's thought that a sickness or ailment will fade as the rag disintegrates. Whether you believe in the curative effects of the well or not, this is a powerful place and well worth a visit.

If you want to bring a cloot by all means do. Please, make sure it is small, appropriate and biodegradable. Pure wool or pure cotton are best for the environment.

You’ll find another clootie well in Culloden Forest, near Inverness.

Walking trails

Munlochy Clootie Well route card (PDF)

Walking

Well Trail

A short walk to the colourful clootie well, a tradition dating back to the earliest Celtic times.

Firm gravel surface, with narrow and uneven earth section. Short moderate ramps and some rocky steps. One patch may be muddy.

¼ miles / 0.25 km

Allow ¼ hour

Walking

Woodland Trail

Explore this peaceful Black Isle Wood on a short loop around the Big Burn beneath towering Douglas firs and Western hemlocks. 

Uneven gravel and earth paths with exposed tree roots and muddy sections. Some steep slopes. Includes a narrow bridge and some steps.

¾ miles / 1.2 km

Allow ½ hour

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

The nearest toilets and places to eat are in Fortrose, Tore or Munlochy.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park.

More about parking

Getting here

From Tore roundabout take the A832 towards Munlochy. The Clootie Well car park is on your right, about 2¼ miles (3.6 km) along this road, before you reach Munlochy. You'll see the brightly-coloured rags near the car park entrance.

To reach the Littleburn car park turn right about 2 miles (3.2 km) along this road and follow the single track road for just over ¼ mile (400 metres). The car park is on your left.

Using SatNav?

IV8 8PB is the nearest postcode, just beside the Littleburn car park.

Public transport

There are bus services between Inverness bus station and of Munlochy. The Clootie Well is ¾ mile (1.2 km) from the bus stop in Munlochy. You'll find timetables at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions