Culbokie

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Get close to nature at Culbokie

Nature is all around you in these peaceful woods on the edge of the Black Isle. The forest here is open and light, with a great variety of spring flowers and autumn fungi as well as a good population of red squirrels and small birds. A tranquil loch attracts ducks and herons and Carn Mor, Culbokie's ancient dun or fort is nearby. Visit the local Culbokie Community Trust for lots more information about local events, history and activities.

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Life's essentials

The nearest place for a cup of tea and public toilets is in Tore.

Walking trails

Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

Explore on foot

There are no waymarked trails but many paths and tracks to explore and two landmarks to enjoy. You can walk or cycle on easy, flat forest roads from the main car park to Culbokie Loch, a quiet stretch of water in the heart of the forest. From a separate car park you can visit the ancient fort of Culbokie Dun along a short, easy, but sometimes muddy earth path. Also known as Carn Mor, this large circular fort sits on top of a low knoll, surrounded by birch and pine woods. There's a short steep climb onto the dun itself, where a yew tree grows, an ancient symbol of eternal life.

Contact: Inverness, Ross and Skye Forest District

Address: Tower Road, Smithton, Inverness

Postcode: IV2 7NL

Telephone: 0300 067 6100

Email: invernessrossskye@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

How to get here

From Inverness take the A9 north over the Kessock Bridge. Turn right onto the B9169 (signposted Cromarty and Findon) 3 miles (4.8 km) after the Tore roundabout. Stay on this road through Culbokie village. The Highland Council car park is on your right ½ mile (800 metres) after the school, at grid reference NH 610 597.

For Culbokie Dun (Carn Mor) travel north along the B9169 for 1½ miles (2.4 km) and turn right onto a single track road before Culbokie village shop. Culbokie Dun car park is ½ mile (800 metres) on your right, at grid reference NH 604 584.

Using SatNav?

IV7 8JH is the postcode for the main car park. For Culbokie Dun car park, IV7 8LA is the nearest postcode, just a little way down the road.

Public transport

Buses run between Cromarty and Dingwall, stopping in Culbokie village. You'll find timetables and details at Travel Scotland.

Nearby places

Just across the Cromarty Bridge is a good area for watching seals; stop at the layby to the north of the roundabout. There are nearby forest trails at Monadh Mor and the Clootie Well, near Munlochy.