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Tain Hill

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About

Climb to Pulpit Rock for panoramic views across to Tarbet Nes

Tain Hill may sound daunting but most of the climbing has already been done by the time you arrive at the car park. What's left is a pleasant, steady ascent through sheltered pinewoods to a fabulous view over the Dornoch Firth. Willowy ferns, soft mosses and crisp heathers line the forest floor and small birds - crossbills and a variety of tits - call out through the trees.

Tain Hill route card (PDF)

Walking trails

Walking

Pulpit Rock Trail

A short climb through the twisted pines to Tain Hill, where Pulpit Rock provides a fine vantage point across Tarbet Ness and the Cromarty Firth. 

Uneven gravel surface throughout. Some fairly steep slopes.

Moderate trail grade icon
1 miles / 1.8 km

Allow
¾ hour

Facilities and access

Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Picnic area
Picnic area

The nearest public toilets are in Tain village.

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

Tain Hill is two miles west of Tain in Easter Ross, just off the A9. From the Tain bypass you'll see brown signs to 'Tain Hill forest walk'. Turn off the A9 here and follow Quarry Road inland for 1 ΒΌ miles (2 km). The car park is at the end of the tarred road at grid reference NH 753 813.

Using SatNav?

IV19 1PX is the nearest postcode, halfway along Quarry Road.

Public transport

Tain is served by several trains and buses from Inverness and Thurso, and is about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the forest. See Traveline Scotland for details.

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6100 (option 2)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Man, woman and teenage girl stand on wooden bridge over stream, on woodland trail Aldie Burn forest, near Tain

Gentle strolls among the pines around Aldie Burn

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
All ability trails
All ability trails
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Horse riding
Horse riding
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Tain Hill': 1.24 miles
Sunlight through trees

Follow thousands of years of history along this ancient drove road

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Ancient monument
Ancient monument
Distance from 'Tain Hill': 3.98 miles
Yellowing oak leaf

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

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Play area
Play area
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Tain Hill': 4.50 miles