Monday, 20 December 2021
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Reelig Glen
Reelig Glen
Where we are
Latest forest information
Forests all across Scotland have been seriously affected by recent storms. We are doing everything we can to make our forests safe for visitors, communities, forest businesses and our staff. However, many of our forests remain closed while others have significant diversions and access restrictions for the foreseeable future. Please keep safe and follow all closure notices and safety signage.
Take care on or around open water. Find out more on our Water Safety page.
About
A rushing burn, and an ancient woodland of tall trees
Reelig Glen is a narrow, steep-sided gorge, cut by the rushing waters of the Moniack. The woodland is a mixture of old conifer and broadleaved trees, but its real glory is a stand of Douglas Fir trees that are well over 100 years old. They soar above you to a height of about 170 feet (50 metres).
One old giant measured over 200 feet (64 metres) in the year 2000 – the tallest tree in Britain at the time. After a local competition, it was named Dùghall Mòr – Big Douglas!
This old policy woodland had belonged to the Fraser family for some 500 years until it was sold to the Forestry Commission in 1949. The way Reelig Glen looks today owes much to James Baillie Fraser (1783-1856) who planted many of the trees.
Walking trails
Walking
Tall Trees Trail
Explore a magical mossy glen towered over by some remarkable firs, cedars and spruces. Pass Dùghall Mòr, at 62m once Britain’s tallest tree.
Firm, mostly wide gravel surface with uneven and muddy sections. Includes some steep slopes and steps. One narrow bridge and a short section along the road.
1 miles / 1.7 km
Allow ¾ hour
More information
A charming route through cathedral-like Douglas Firs with the sound of the Moniack burn tumbling below. Look out for the 19th century stone bridge and grotto at the top of the trail. They're based on features the owner admired during his travels on the continent.
Walking
Upper Reelig Trail
Take a walk through the magnificent beech, pine and fir woodland above the glen.
Long steep slopes and some uneven rocky steps. Mostly wide, uneven earthy surface. Some exposed tree roots and muddy sections.
1 ¼ miles / 1.9 km
Allow 1 hour
Facilities and access
Life's essentials
There are toilets and places to eat in Beauly.
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 Inverness, take the A862 west towards Beauly. After about 6½ miles (10.5 km), turn left onto a minor road signposted to Moniack and Clunes. Take a left fork after a long straight stretch of road and continue for another ½ mile (800 metres) mile to reach the small car park.
Using SatNav?
IV5 7PR is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
Buses to Moniack pass within ½ mile (800 metres) of Reelig Glen. Check Traveline Scotland for details.
Nearby forests
Walk through history and visit the home of a Pictish king
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Reelig Glen': 3.31 miles
Drink in the view, listen to the birdsong, explore the past
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Reelig Glen': 5.18 miles
A small woodland full of birdsong, close by Muir of Ord
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Reelig Glen': 5.46 miles
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0300 067 6100 (option 1)
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