Culbokie

Wildlife and archaeology on your doorstep

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. It also has 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.

Just across the Cromarty Bridge is a good area for watching seals. Stop at the layby to the north of the roundabout.

Activities

There are no waymarked trails but there are paths, tracks and landmarks to explore. Enjoy the trails cycle the easy, flat forest roads from the main car park to Culbokie Loch. This is 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. To get here take the 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.

Orienteering

Culbokie has a permanent orienteering course that offers a great introduction to this fun and adventurous sport. Visit the British Orienteering website to find out how to download course maps.

Facilities and access

Ancient monument

Walking

Orienteering or wayfaring

Parking

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

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park.

More about parking

Getting 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.

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.

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.

Get directions