Spinningdale: Forests, Trails and Dornoch Firth

Spinningdale combines distinctive woodland landscapes with trails, viewpoints and traces of a long history. Around the village, Ledmore & Migdale lies on the shores of the Dornoch Firth. This makes it possible to plan a trip that combines nature experiences, outdoor activities and culture. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or other accommodation can consider Spinningdale as a base for a variety of day-trip ideas.

Ancient woods and a diverse landscape

Ledmore Oakwood is the largest remaining part of an ancient oak woodland in Sutherland and also the northernmost extensive oak woodland in eastern Great Britain. Migdale Pinewood contains features characteristic of a naturally occurring Caledonian pinewood. Another special feature is Spinningdale Bog: this valley bog is one of only a few of its kind in East Sutherland and contains woodland consisting of alder, birch and willow.

There is also a specific natural feature to discover by the water. Families of otters are regularly spotted along the Spinningdale Burn. For a stay, this means you can include woodland, stream banks and bogland as different landscape experiences in your plans, so that not every outing has the same character.

Trails with views and different points of interest

The Spinningdale Walk passes through one of the northernmost oak woodlands in the United Kingdom. Along the way, views open up towards the old Spinningdale Mill and onwards to the Dornoch Firth. The trail also provides access from Spinningdale village through the woodland along the burn. An additional 0.4-kilometre connection forms part of a network of established core paths around the village.

For a different trail idea, the circular route along the Spinningdale Burn passes through mixed ancient woodland to the shore and then returns through Fairy Glen. The summit of A’ Chraisg is a viewpoint with the Dornoch Firth below and wide panoramic views all around. The route also offers an optional detour to a viewpoint above Creag na Sroine near Spinningdale. This ends at a bench with views from above. Depending on your plans for the day, you can therefore choose between a woodland and riverside trail, a circular route or an additional viewpoint.

Fairy Glen and Spinningdale’s cultural history

Fairy Glen adds several historical points of interest to the landscape. The Chambered Cairn, Fairy Glen, Allt nan Eun is a Neolithic monument in the woodland on a distinctive narrow ridge. The cairn at Bailenacile survives as a large circular stone mound. In addition, the woodland path associated with Carnegie’s Cabin in the Wood in Fairy Glen near Spinningdale was opened in 1907.

The surviving Spinningdale Cotton Mill also creates a distinctive architectural feature. The building has four storeys, five bays and a projecting section at its southern end. Anyone interested in industrial history and the landscape alike can combine this historical perspective with the trails through the woodland and Fairy Glen. With children or in a group, you can choose between nature observation, viewpoints and culture according to different interests.

Getting there and choosing a base

The Torroy car park is available on Fairy Glen Road. There is no regular public transport to the woodland. However, trains on the Inverness–Wick route stop at Ardgay, 9.7 kilometres to the east. For your journey, you can therefore weigh up the car park and the rail connection to Ardgay before choosing your holiday accommodation as a base for woodland trails and viewpoints.

If you would like to broaden your search to include other destinations, here are some additional places to consider when planning your trip: Muir Of Ord, Fearn, Nairn, Dundreggan, Torlundy, Portnalong, Croick and Grantown On Spey.

To the main travel overview: Highland.