Forsinard: Moorland and walking trails

Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve is a vast landscape of blanket bog, protected straths and mountains. Straths are valleys; together with the bogland and mountains, they give an impression of the reserve’s varied terrain. It is part of the Flow Country, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024—the first World Heritage Site in the world for peatlands. In the reserve, you can discover the landscape on trails, from the Flows Lookout and while birdwatching.

Trails and traces of the landscape’s history

Near Forsinard, the signposted Forsinain Trail runs through peat bogs and forest areas in the heart of the Flow Country. This trail offers the opportunity to see peatland restoration. The “Forsinard Flows and Tower” trail offers a different perspective on the landscape’s history: the channels and ridges along the route were formed over the years by peat extraction. This presents the observation of restoration and the terrain shaped by peat extraction as distinct themes.

Walks to pools in the bog and viewpoints

The Dubh-lochain Trail leads to the Flows Lookout and through peat bogs dotted with pools. The viewpoint offers a view of the system of pools and the surrounding landscape. The Dubh Lochans Trail is one mile long and takes approximately 45 minutes. This approximate duration provides a specific indication of how much time to allow for a walk. The boardwalk on the Dubh-lochain Trail offers relatively easy access to a wide range of people. Time required and accessibility address different questions when planning a walk.

Birdwatching and guided walks

Depending on the season, you may spot golden plovers, dunlins, greenshanks, hen harriers, skylarks and meadow pipits while walking the trails in the nature reserve. In summer, RSPB Scotland staff regularly lead guided walks in the Forsinard Flows area. If you would like to include one in your plans, check the latest dates before travelling.

Getting there and finding a holiday rental

RSPB Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve is accessible by train, car or bicycle. The nature reserve’s visitor centre and toilets are in the old station building in Forsinard, next to the level crossing. The paved Forsinard Car Park serves the visitor centre, the Flows Lookout and the Dubh Lochan Trail, and is shared with the railway station.

When looking for a holiday rental in Forsinard, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: would you like to explore the moorland on walking trails, enjoy the views and pools at the Flows Lookout, or plan a guided summer walk? Birdwatching and the different traces of the landscape’s history can also shape your choice of outings. Use these interests as a guide, and when considering specific listings, check whether their location suits the places you would like to visit.

Discover more destinations

Breakish, Mey, Drumnadrochit, Alness, Kinlochleven, Torridon, Foyers, Dalchreichart

For the main travel overview: Highland.