Sibster

Two gentle trails through young woodland and meadows

Sibster is a new broadleaf woodland on the site of an old Caithness farm – and one of the few forests you can actually get to by train.

You'll see traditional slab fences and drystone dykes, as well as brightly-coloured wildflowers amongst the young growing trees. There are gentle trails and wide open views across the vast Caithness landscape whatever time of year you visit. Come back again and again and follow the forest taking shape.

Walking trails

Walking

Rowan Trail

A short stroll around this newly-planted former farmland to a fine picnic site beside a small waterfall.

Firm gravel path throughout with loose surface stones. Moderate slopes and two short fairly steep ramps.   

¾ miles / 1.3 km

Allow ½ hour

More information

Rowans produce pretty white flowers in spring and rich red berries in autumn so they're great for insects and birds. We've planted thousands of them at Sibster, as well as oak, birch, ash, beech and alder. Follow a circular route through these slender young trees and see if you can spot which is which.

Walking

Bee Trail

Bumble along through the wildflower meadows by the Sibster Burn that are protected as a bumble bee conservation area.

Firm gravel surface throughout, with loose surface stones and a more uneven section. Moderate slopes and two fairly steep ramps.

2 miles / 3.2 km

Allow 1 hour

More information

Golden flag irises grow profusely beside the Sibster burn and you'll see Morven, the highest hill in Caithness, brooding on the horizon. The circular route takes you through a bumblebee conservation area where we're helping to protect habitat for the great yellow bumblebee. This gentle giant is very rare and only found here in the north.

Activities

Explore on horseback

Horse riders are welcome in the forest. You'll find horsebox parking along the Sibster farm track, about 100 yards (100 metres) from the car park entrance.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

Picnic area

The nearest toilets and places to eat are in Halkirk and Thurso, 2 miles (3.2 km) and 6 miles (9.6 km) away respectively.

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.

More about parking

Getting here

From Thurso, take the A9 south for 6 miles (9.6 km). You'll see Sibster car park on your right, before you reach Georgemas Junction railway station.

Coming from the south, stay on the A9 past Georgemas Junction railway station. The entrance to the car park is on your left about ¼ mile (400 metres) after the station.

The car park is at grid reference ND 155 596.

Using SatNav?

KW12 6XA is the nearest postcode, at Georgemas Junction station.

Public transport

Sibster car park is five minutes’ walk from Georgemas Junction railway station. There's a direct path from the station car park into the forest, avoiding the main road. All trains from Inverness to Wick and Thurso stop here. For times and fares see Scotrail.

Get directions