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Strathrory - Scotsburn Drove Road

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Latest forest information

Open water

  • This destination contains areas of open water which can be hazardous if you are not suitably prepared. Follow our water safety advice and take care.

About

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

Ancient monument
Ancient monument
Parking
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Walking
Walking

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).

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 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

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6100 (option 2)
More contact information

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Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
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Parking
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area
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Walking
Distance from 'Aldie Burn': 5.52 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Climb to Pulpit Rock for panoramic views across to Tarbet Nes

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Viewpoint
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Tain Hill': 5.73 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Towering pines and a bed of heather ten minutes from the beach

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area
Play area
Play area
Distance from 'Camore': 8.94 miles