There are so many places to walk and hike in the north of Scotland
Forest walks:
From heart pumping hikes to easy access routes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. As well as a great selection of woodland trails, you can go wild on the natural play features at Camore. Our forests aren't only about trees, so get near to nature with some of Scotland's finest wildlife, or step back in time and discover Brochs, battle sites, burial cairns and more.
Borgie Forest takes its name from an outstanding northern salmon river which flows from Ben Loyal to Torrisdale Bay.
Rosal township in nearby Strathnaver was once a thriving community. A short evocative trail tells the story of traditional life before the sheep came to Strathnaver
Sibster Forest is a great place to spot small birds, Raptors and rare insects - like the great yellow bumblebee which feeds on Sibster's pretty wildflowers. Stop here for peaceful trails and long open views.
Rumster Forest . Gaze out over the sea to the Cairngorm mountains from the base of a 1960s telecoms mast and follow a forest trail past the evocative remains of traditional Caithness longhouses.
Ferrycroft in Lairg takes you through the walls, fields and hut circles of farmers who lived here 5000 years ago. You can find out all about them at the excellent Visitor Centre, from where two delightful forest trails wander through pinewoods beside Little Loch Shin.
Falls of Shin salmon viewing platform and three gorgeous forest trails beside the river and in the woods. Visit any time of year to burn off energy in the forest play areas and to enjoy the waterfalls, but make sure you stop in autumn for the unforgettable sight of salmon leaping up the falls.
Suspended boardwalks follow the Allt Mor burn through a magical steep-sided gorge, criss-crossed with bridges and overhung with towering conifers. This is the much-loved Raven's Rock, a fairytale forest full of surprises. It's a gorgeous hidden gem not far from Rosehall and well worth a small detour.
Skelbo and Camore woods near Dornoch, and Tain Hill and Aldie Burn near Tain. These smaller forests are great for family walks, with a natural play area at Camore and children's dipping ponds in Skelbo and Aldie Burn
Coastal Walks
The John O'Groats Trail comes along the east coast of Caithness and Sutherland, taking in some of the rich wildlife, sea birds and heritage.
Photos on this page by Wendy Sutherland.
