Strathrory - Scotsburn Drove Road

Follow thousands of years of history along this ancient drove road

This traditional cattle route follows the banks of the Balnagown river to the fertile meadows of Scotsburn.

You'll pass through wild heather moorland and peaceful oak and pine woods, with glimpses of roe deer, black grouse and a rich variety of birds and wildflowers in summer.

No time for droving? Bring your binoculars and look out for birds of prey in the area. Further up the hill, there are panoramic views to the Dornoch Firth too, and gigantic channels carved at the end of the last Ice Age.

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

Viewpoint

Ancient monument

You'll find toilets, shops and places to eat in Alness or Tain.

Practical info

This trail is not waymarked and can be wet in places. Please take a map with you if you walk this trail.

The trail goes from one car park to another so you'll need to organise transport from the far end of the trail or be prepared to walk or cycle back to the start. The distance by road between the two ends is about 10 miles (16 km).

Getting here

From Inverness, head north on the A9 for 16 ¾ miles (26.8 km). After Evanton, turn left for the B9176 to Lairg and Bonar Bridge (the Struie road) and follow this for 7 ¾ miles (12.4 km). Continue uphill after Strathrory Bridge and you'll see the car park on your right at grid reference NH 667 778.

The trail ends at Scotsburn near Invergordon. From Inverness follow the A9 north for 21 ¾ miles (33.6 km). At the Tomich / Invergordon junction, turn left and follow the singletrack road for 1 ½ miles (2.4 km), then turn right onto Scotsburn Road. After 3 ½ miles (5.6 km) you'll see a green Scottish Rights of Way sign on your left. There's a small area for parking at grid reference NH 733 763.

Using SatNav?

IV17 0XP is the nearest postcode, about 2 miles (3.2 km) before you reach the Strathrory car park from the south. IV18 0PE is the nearest postcode to Scotsburn, where the trail ends.

Get directions