Tain Hill

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.

1 miles / 1.8 km

Allow
¾ hour

Facilities and access

Walking

Parking

Viewpoint

Picnic area

The nearest public toilets are in Tain village.

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 ¼ 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