Contin
COVID-19 update
All FLS visitor centres are currently closed. Walking and mountain bike trails remain open, as do most toilets and car parks, but do check below for local updates for closures.
We want to ensure your visit is an enjoyable and safe one.
Make sure you follow the Scottish Government’s FACTS advice – helping to protect yourself, your family and your local community, and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code helping to keep Scotland beautiful.
Home to squirrels, pine martens and a beautiful mixture of trees
Contin has something for everyone who comes here. From a lovely flat, short trail and picnic benches under tall pines, to tough uphill climbs and long views over Strathconon. You can ride a forest road to Rogie Falls, or go foraging in quiet groves of native birch and oak. The forest stretches on for miles and is home to roe and red deer, red squirrels, butterflies and birds.Our map guide will help you discover Contin and the surrounding woodlands.
Guide map to forests of Ross and Cromarty (PDF 5.8MB)
Walking trails
Black Water Trail
Soak up the sounds of the forest and the Black Water river on this gentle stroll through the pines.
Mostly flat, wide and smooth gravel surface. Includes a few short gentle slopes.
Allow ¼ hour
This short trail is ideal if you have limited time. Small children love spotting red squirrels and gathering pine cones, dogs like the dark mysterious conifer groves and exotic smells. It's definitely one for the whole family to enjoy.
View Rock Trail
Climb through classic pine and heather woodland to reach a rocky viewpoint with lovely views over Strathconon.
Long steep slopes for up to half a mile. Firm gravel surface throughout. Short optional section to viewpoint is rough and rocky.
Allow 2 hours
You'll pass through different areas of forest including mature oak and birch groves, pine woods where red squirrels scamper and open heather where blaeberries hide in the undergrowth.
Activities
Go play!
Cycling or walking through the forest from Contin to Rogie Falls is very popular but you can also make up your own mountain bike route using the network of forest roads and informal paths. You'll come across slippery tree roots, lumpy rocks and some lovely twisting singletrack.
Go wild in winter
If you delight in attempting the impossible on a bike then the Strathpuffer 24 is right up your street. It's probably the only 24 hour mountain bike endurance event where you'll need studs for your tyres and a spare headtorch. Why? Because it takes place in January, when there are fewer than 8 hours of daylight and the trails can be thick with snow.
Facilities & access
There is a small shop less than a mile (1.6 km) away in Contin and you'll find other toilets, shops and places to eat in nearby Strathpeffer, where there's also an excellent bike shop.
Getting here
From Inverness, follow the A9 north to the Tore roundabout. Take the second exit onto the A835 (for Ullapool and Dingwall) and stay on this road for 11 ¾ miles (18 km). On the far side of Contin you'll see the forest signs on your right. Turn here and follow the road through buildings to the car park at grid reference NH 451 570.
Using SatNav?
Nearest postcode: IV14 9EF
Public transport
There's a regular bus service between Inverness and Contin village, about ¼ mile (1.2 km) from the forest. You'll find timetables at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
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