Thursday, 16 September 2021
Ospreys are one of Scotland’s greatest wildlife revival stories. Considered extinct as a breeding bird in the British Isles in 1916, there are now about 250 pairs across the countr...
Ord Hill
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.
Latest forest information
For your safety, we are making improvements to the car park surface from 23 March 2021 for approximately one week. This may involve some short term car park closures and we apologies for any inconvenience this might cause.
About
Drink in the view, listen to the birdsong, explore the past
Some folk reckon this is the best viewpoint in Inverness. Trails wander through open, mixed forest, with wonderful views over the Moray and Beauly Firths. The sunsets can be truly spectacular.
You can find the tumbled remains of an Iron Age hill fort here too. People living here would have been the nearest neighbours to the fort on Craig Phadrig, just across the Beauly Firth. The two settlements must have dominated the land and sea around them.
Walking trails (2)
Walking
Ord Hill Circular
A wonderful circuit of Ord Hill with spectacular views over Inverness and the Moray Firth.
Mostly wide, firm gravel surface. Long moderate slopes with some steeper sections. Section of uneven earth and gravel path with some steps and exposed tree roots up to viewpoint.
2 ¼ miles / 3.8 km
Allow 1½ hours
More information
Watch for red squirrels as you circle the hill, and pause to admire the views over the Black Isle countryside and the Moray Firth. If you’re really lucky you might spot a dolphin!
Walking
Fort Trail
Walk up through the rich, mossy forest to reach the jumbled rocks of the Iron Age fort on top of Ord Hill.
Uneven earth and gravel paths, with some narrow, rocky and muddy sections. Long fairly steep slopes and some steps.
1 ½ miles / 2.5 km
Allow 1 hour
More information
Climbing through the forest to the hill fort, there are lots of places to play hide and seek! The woodland is an attractive mix of different trees, with mosses and lichens decorating the branches and rocks.
Activities
Orienteering
Ord Hill has a permanent orienteering course that offers a great introduction to this fun and adventurous sport. Visit the British Orienteering website to find out how to download course maps.
Facilities and access
Life's essentials
There are toilets and places to eat in Inverness.
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
Coming from Inverness, cross the Kessock Bridge northbound on the A9 and take the second exit, signposted for Kilmuir and Drumsmittal. Follow signs for Kilmuir and Drumsmittal through the roundabout, under the A9 and onto a single track road. After ¼ mile (400 metres) turn right at the signpost for Kilmuir. The car park entrance is signposted to the right off this road.
There is another car park, run by Highland Council, off the southbound carriageway of the A9 just north of the Kessock Bridge. Access to the forest from here is on steep, rough paths.
Using SatNav?
IV1 3ZG is the postcode for Kilmuir. Coming from the A9 you will pass the forest entrance on the way.
Nearby forests
Walk through history and visit the home of a Pictish king
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Ord Hill': 2.57 miles
Visit the well and make a wish in this gentle woodland
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Ord Hill': 2.99 miles
Folklore and history hidden among the trees
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Ord Hill': 3.15 miles
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