COVID-19 and Forestry and Land Scotland
FLS has reduced its operations to felling that is contributing to essential business requirements to help keep Scotland ticking over. Our staff are working from home where possible; staff who are working continue to practise social distancing rigorously following Government and NHS guidance to keep safe.
Fresh air and being outdoors benefits physical and mental health and well-being, and for local visitors the majority of walking trails on Scotland’s national forests and land remain open. Be aware that staff cannot maintain our standard checks and maintenance. All our mountain biking trails and all car parks are closed.
All visitors are reminded to maintain social distance at all times.
Ord Hill
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.
Our guide to the forests of Inverness
Our guide to the forests of the Far North
Walking trails
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.
Allow 1½ hours
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!
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.
Allow 1 hour
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 & access
Life's essentials
There are toilets and places to eat in Inverness.
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.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?