Walks in and around Dingwall
(The numbering below represents location on map)
*********************************************************************
Canal and Firth (1)
Starting at the river bridge in Tulloch Street, follow the waymarkers along the canal bank for Ferry Picnic Site and Pitglassie. Beyond the railway crossing, tree-lined paths run along both sides of the Canal to the Ferry Picnic Site.
This can be a good place for spotting wintering wild fowl such as greylag geese, widgeon and goldeneye. The path allows you to turn away from the estuary and head towards Pitglassie Farm. See map below - the route is marked in green.
Tulloch Castle (2)
This route climbs via Craig Wood to visit Tulloch Castle, overlooking the Town, and returns via Tulloch Wood. It is about 3 1/2 miles long and takes about 2 hours
Running up the Dingwall side of a deep gully, you eventually get great views over the Town and the Cromarty Firth towards the Black Isle. At the top of Craig Wood, the route crosses the road to Evanton (beware of traffic!) and then heads left for Tulloch Farm and the Castle, which is now a popular hotel and conference centre.
The path continues beyond the castle on an old tree-lined drive. Follow the waymarkers for the Town centre which take you back down through Tulloch Wood to Bridgend Avenue and Tulloch Avenue. See map below - the route is marked in red.
To Knockfarrel and Fodderty (3)
This is a pleasant walk up through farmland to the crofting settlement on the south side of Knockfarrel, the site of an Iron Age fort, returning via Fodderty and Brae Farm. It is about 5 1/2 miles in length and takes about 2 1/2 hours.
Follow the A834 west along the High Street until it bears sharp right. Here take the left junction, Knockbain Road, up the hill and follow the waymarkers for Knockfarrel and Strathpeffer. The road goes past Knockbain Farm and out on to open countryside. Further on there are excellent views over Dingwall to the Cromarty Firth. The path eventually joins the small road running through the crofting settlement of Knockfarrel overlooking Loch Ussie - a haven for wildlife.
The hill of Knockfarrel was the site of a 3,000-year-old Iron Age fort and you can still see the vitrified wall where stones were melted together by fire to create strong ramparts. From the summit there are wonderful panoramic views in all directions. From Knockfarrel the return route back to Dingwall takes you via Fodderty, Brae Farm and Lower Dochcarty. See map below the route is marked in blue.
Walks in the Area
For additional information on walks in the area, click on this link: http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness/dingwall.shtml
