Walks preview

Our traditional muster/rendezvous point in front of the old RNI building has been barricaded off as work begins on the building.  Until further notice, our rendezvous point will be at the bottom end (closest to the river) of the RNI community hospital car park – that’s the car park on the left as you come in the main entrance from Ness Walk. If you’re leaving your car there, please park in or move to one of the bottom half-dozen spaces, so that hospital visitors will not be inconvenienced.

Welcome to the winter walking program. As things return to normal, Covid is sadly still with us. Please read the following notes carefully.

Sunday 25^th October
The Aird and Mam a’ Chatha cancelled
_{Grade B Time 0930 Grid ref NH604441 OS sheet 26
Rendezvous point oRNI community hospital car park, off Ness Walk
Time 09:00
The walk is graded B because of the middle part is tough going. Meet at he old water tank at Kirkton Muir above Bunchrew. Start the walk by heading SW to Altnacardich. Then head south into the Aird. Going gets a bit rough (heather stepping) in the middle, hence the B grading. Once we climb Mam a’ Chatha the view makes up for all the effort. Looking over Beauly, the Firth and distant hills. Walking is on tracks, minor road and dodging fallen trees. Return by different loop.
Distance – 6 miles/ 10km Ascent – 540ft/ 170 m}

Saturday 31^st October
Loch Migdale. (New route)  
Grade  C  Time  10.30  Grid ref   NH669907  OS sheet  21
Rendezvous point  RNI community hospital car park, off Ness Walk at  9.00  
Park at Torray near Spinningdale. Starting on easy woodland track then reaching a higher gradient section to good view over Kyle of Sutherland and toward Dornoch bridge, (coffee). Continuing up forestry road to another excellent viewpoint then down on moorland track and forest to have lunch on Migdale Loch edge. Then continuing back to cars.  
Distance – 6miles/ 9.66km  Ascent – 490 feet/ 150 meters  

Sunday 8^th November
Grantown-on-Spey to Easter Rynechkra
Grade C+; Time 10:00; Grid ref NJ 036 281; OS sheet 36
Rendezvous point RNI Community Hospital Car Park at 09:00
A delightful walk to the north-west of Grantown-on Spey offering superb views of the Cairngorms and nearby hills. Meet at the carpark at rear of Courthouse building on Burnfield Avenue. Approx. 4km on tarmac with the remainder on good tracks. Start the walk from the Square in the town centre and continue past the caravan park. At Dulicht Bridge there is a fairly steep section for approx. 250m. Continue up alongside Gorton Hill to Easter Rynechkra. Return the same route as far as Wester Gorton before taking a track through the lovely Glen Beg with its fine birchwoods.
Distance – 8 miles/ 14km; Ascent – 525 feet/ 160m

Saturday 14^th November
Drumnadrochit to Balnain
Grade B; Time 9.4; Grid ref NH508299; OS sheet 26
Rendezvous point; RNI community hospital car park at 9am
Park in the car park by the Tourist Information in Drumnadrochit. We follow the main road for 300m before joining a path which climbs gently uphill through Craigmonie Wood. The path continues along the side of Glen Urquhart, climbing steeply, with glimpses of Loch Ness through the birch trees. We then pick up a good forestry track which undulates through the forest before descending gradually to the River Enrick and the picnic area at Balnain. Return by same route but we take a higher path through Craigmonie Wood to take advantage of the view over Loch Ness.
Distance -9 miles/ 14.5 km; Ascent – 1312 feet / 400 m

Sunday 22^nd November
Abernethy Forest and Rynettin walk, Nethy Bridge
Grade B-; Time 09:30; Grid ref NJ011198; OS sheet 36
Rendezvous point RNI Community Hospital Car Park at 08:30
A figure of 8 walk through part of Abernethy Forest, (largest area of natural pine in the UK). A bit of a climb up to Rynettin for views to the Cairngorms, the descent to the track from the Ryvoan Pass and an alternative route back through the pines. its listed on walk highlands as a 3-4 hour walk so should be plenty of daylight for it in November. Good paths throughout, the area is an RSPB reserve, a possibility of capercaillies in the area, but I don’t know what time of year they’re about!
Distance – 8.75miles/ 14km; Ascent -660 feet 200m

Saturday 28^th November
Contin to Dingwall
Grade C; Time 09:30; Grid ref – start NH549586, end NH454566;
OS sheet 26
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
Take the 28 bus from Dingwall to Contin (10:00 at Hill Street). Walk into Contin Woods to Loch na Crann for Coffee. Then walk over to Loch Kinellan & onto Blackmuir Woods. Continue up the Cat’s Back to the monument & Knockfarrel car park. From here walk down the road past the old post office & down to Knockbain Farm. Continue downhill to Dingwall.
Distance – 8.6 miles/ 14 km; Ascent – 875 feet/ 267m

Sunday 6^th December
River Findhorn circuit
Grade C; Time 10.00; Grid ref NH811291; OS sheet 35/27
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car parkat 09:30
From village of Tomatin, turn 1st left down road to Balvraid and park in large layby on left. We then car share to the start. We mostly follow a bend of the river, and also some farmland, with lovely views possible. Mix of good track and grassy fields.
Distance – 5.5 miles/ 9 km; Ascent – 250 feet/ 75 meters

Saturday 12^th December
Clachnaharry, Craig Phadraig and the Canal
Grade C: time 09:15; Grid ref NH655471; OS sheet 26
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car park, 09:00
Meeting at South Kessock end by ferry. We walk along to Clachnaharry, then up the hill to Craig Phadraig  across then up to where opens up views of old hospital returning below the new houses to the canal via Jammy Piece for coffee.
Distance ?8 miles, ascent 700 ft/ 215m

Sunday 20^th December
Torr Dhuin
Grade C: Time 10.00; Grid ref NH367090; OS sheet 34
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car park, 09:00
Directions: Follow A82 towards Fort Augustus. One mile before reaching FA take a right and follow signs for Jenkins Park. About a mile up the road take a left towards River Oich Car Park.
Walk description: This is a circular walk of about five miles, some of which is on a wide gravel path allowing plenty of space to allow walking three or four abreast for those who like to walk and talk. Half way round there will be an option to climb a zig zag path to Torr Dhuin – a cliff top citadel from which you can get a spectacular view over the river and hills beyond.
Distance – 5 miles/ 8km; Ascent – 243 feet/ 74 m

Saturday – Boxing Day
No walks offered yet

Sunday January 3^rd
Findhorn river from Logie Steading
Grade C; Tme 09:45; Grid reference NJ 006 505; OS sheet 27
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
Findhorn River from Logie Steading to Daltullich Bridge, return. The walk follows scenic riverside paths which can be slippery and muddy. Care must be taken as there are steep slopes down to the river.
Distance 6.5 miles/ 10.5 km; Ascent 430 feet/ 105 m

Saturday January 9^th
Dulnain Bridge and Curr Woods
Grade C; Time 10am; Grid ref NH998249; OS sheet?36
Rendezvous point: RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
Park in the car park behind the Community Hall in Dulnain Bridge. It is a circular route and follows woodland paths, tracks and minor roads. Some varied landscape and lovely views over Strathspey and the Cairngorms.
Distance -5.25 miles/ 8.5km; Ascent –  282 feet/ 86 m

Sunday January 17^th
Dores to Holm, Inverness
Grade C; Time 9.30am; Grid ref NH600350; OS sheet 26
Rendezvous point; Holm Tesco car park at 09:00
There will be a car shuttle for this walk between Tesco and Dores. Walkers will be driven to Dores, leaving a few cars to bring the drivers’ cars back after the walk. On entering Dores village, park at the small car park on the left in front of the church. It is set back a little from the road.
After arriving in the village, we take the path along the beach to Tor Point. From here we follow the track by Loch Ness towards Aldourie Castle, but skirting the castle itself, and eventually reaching Loch Dochfour. We continue north and on a smaller path follow the river to Ness Castle lodges. A slight climb up to the Dores road, which we cross into the woods. We skirt the new Ness Castle estate and finally drop down to Holm roundabout.
Distance – 7.5 miles/ 12 Km; Ascent – 500 feet/ 150 m

Saturday January 23^rd
Duncan’s walk Tore area
Grade C; Time; 0930; Grid ref NH579526; OS sheet 26
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
Walk description Still to be finalised
Distance – 8 miles/ 13Km; Ascent – 90 feet/300 m

Sunday January 31^st
Loch Kinellan and An Dubh Lochan
Grade C+; Time 10:00; Grid ref NH473576; OS sheet 26
Rendezvous point; RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
Directions: Meet in the car park at Loch Kinellan.  Coming from the Contin direction on the A834, come past the 20mph signs for Strathpeffer, ignore a turn left into a house and then take the next left (just before the big white building on the right) along the small road signposted “Kinellan”.  The small road bends to the right, goes around a couple of houses and then comes to a Y junction. Take the left branch (a small sign says “car park”). BEWARE POTHOLES. The car park is in a hundred meters or so, to the right.  Recommend car sharing if convenient as dog walkers also use this car park.
Walk description: Undulating circular forest walk on mostly good forest paths and tracks with a few steeper sections and some rough sections a bit overgrown with gorse, from Loch Kinellan near Strathpeffer. Via Blàr a’ Bhodaich, An Dubh-lochan, View Rock and Loch na Crann.  Good views of Loch.
Distance – 6.9 miles/ 11 km; Ascent – 904 feet/ 275 m

Saturday February 6^th
3 rivers
Grade C+; Time 1000; Grid ref NJ005504; OS sheet 27
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
A circular route from Logie Steading through woodland & riverside tracks.
Some steep gorges which we’ll cross via some picturesque wobbly bridges, lovely mixed wood lands, and a fair bit of tarmac country road work to complete the circuit.
Refreshments at Logie Steading on our return available.
Distance – 10 miles/ 16 km, Ascent 600 feet/ 200 m

Sunday February 14^th
Forres – woods and waters
Grade C; Time 09:40; Grid ref NJ042592; OS sheet 27
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
From the parking spot at Grant Park playpark (toilets and refreshments available) to the bottom of Nelson’s tower for a view over the Findhorn basin, then through Helge’s Hollow to Sanquhar Loch for a tea break and to enjoy the tranquil surroundings and bird life. The walk continues through woodland, skirting lochans and following watercourses wherever possible, eventually returning to the recreation ground and passing through the sunken garden to the start point. Good paths throughout.
Distance 5.5  miles/ 8.5 km, Ascent 584 feet/ 180 m

Saturday February 20^th
KarenL – near Ord Hill – tbc

Sunday February 28^th
Strath Rannoch
Grade C; Time 10.00; Grid ref NH397696; OS sheet 20
Rendezvous point; RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
Take Ullapool road(A835) and park just over wee bridge, just past Inchbae Lodge Hotel. Limited parking so please share as much as possible. A straightforward walk on good track. Tree felling is in progress so views are opening up nicely. Return same way.
Distance – 7 miles/ 11km max; Ascent – 400 feet/ 120 meters

Saturday March 6^th
AGM walk – Fairburn and the Falls of Orrin
Grade C; Time 09:30; Grid ref NH453528; OS sheet 26
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
Starting from the Fairburn activity centre, we walk downstream on good track to cross the road bridge at Aultgowrie, then back via the opposite bank on estate road and path. Lovely woodland, impressive falls.
Distance – 5.6 miles/ 9km, Ascent 500 feet/ 150 m

Sunday March 14^th
Walk 1
Biod An Fhithich South Shiel Ridge
Grade A: Time 10am: Grid ref NG965146: OS sheet 33
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car park at 8.30
Starting from layby A87 1km east of Achnagart quarry clear well built path to start to the col then up pathless steepish slope to summit 644m. Good views of the Saddle and Forcan ridge and towards Loch Duich.  Either back same way or possibly along the pathless ridge to south Glen Shiel camping site for a longer walk, weather and time permitting, which would involve a car shuttle
Distance – 4 miles/ 6.5 km
Ascent – 1950 feet/ 650 meters

Walk 2
Findhorn towards Burghead
Grade C; Time 10:15; Grid ref NJ044648; OS sheet 28
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
Park at East Beach (no height barriers or charge), signed to right just into Findhorn village. Mixing walking on firm sand on the beach and the Moray Coast Trail in the pine woods and behind the dunes, depending on tide and wind, eastwards from Findhorn towards Burghead. Turning point will probably be ‘Millie Bothy’, a ruin.
Distance -9 miles/ 14.4km; Ascent -300 feet/ 100 m

Saturday March 20^th
Balival
Grade B; Time 10.00; Grid ref NH793024; OS sheet 35
Rendezvous point RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
Directions: Approximately 42 miles from Inverness and 10 miles south of Aviemore park at layby 117 on the left of A9. Please car share where possible.
Route: After crossing the A9 the route commences initially by a stream and ruin of a mill followed by a slight ascent through woodland where we will have a coffee stop. We then head into open moorland with several ascents eventually crossing a wooden bridge over Raitts Burn to a bothy which can be locked but seating available, for lunch. The route throughout is all on good track. Lots of wildlife and an opportunity for eagle and deer spotting. Great views of the Cairngorms and surrounding hills. Return by outward route. For those who wish post walk coffee, cake and craic, The Sugar Bowl, Kingussie, or Aviemore, The Barn Rothiemurchus, Costa or Tiso – have all been tried and tested!
Distance – 8 miles 12 km; Ascent – 1500 feet 460meters

Sunday March 28^th
Corryhabbie Hill Glen Rinnes
Grade B: Time: 10am: Grid ref NJ 268 324: OS sheet: 37
Rendezvous point: RNI community hospital car park at 08:30
A straighforward moorland circuit with good views of Glenlivet and Ben Rinnes starting from  Ellivreid farm junction, climbing up gently on grassy slope to a 3km ridge on a good track and back down to cross burn to starting point.
Distance – 8 miles/ 12.5km
Ascent – 1800 feet/ 525 meters

Saturday April 3^rd
Creagan Gorm
Grade A; Time 10:00; Grid ref NH976098; OS sheet; 36
Rendezvous point; RNI community hospital car park at 09:00
Meet for walk start at Glenmore Forest Cafe, Glenmore Forest Visitor Centre, PH22 1QU. NB: Parking at Visitor Centre is £4 or park at roadside for free. This walk takes us on a decent path up towards Meall a Buchaille. About ¾ of the way up we branch off onto the path for Creagan Gorm, which is an ascent onto open hill and the ascent to Creagan Gorm is quitesteep, 108m/354ft (the descent is quite steep too). We reach the peak and head onto the path to Craiggowrie. There are a few ups and downs along the way. The descent then takes us down to the Badaguish area and along a forest track back to the start.
Distance – 7 miles/ 11.2Km; Ascent -1609 feet/ 480m

Sunday 11^th April GG Weekend away

Saturday April 17^th
Walk 1
Ben Rinnes via the tors
Grade A; Time 10:00; Grid ref NJ259396; OS sheet 28
Rendezvous point RNI Community Hospital Car Park at 08:30
Park in the car park of Ben Rinnes Distillery. A good track to begin with then a left turn to the first of the Tors along a narrow path that can be boggy in places. Then a return to good track to the summit Tor and descent to the third. The descent from the 3rd Tor back to the car park is a poorly marked path, there may be some bog hopping and heather bashing involved. Ben Rinnes is a Corbett, the Tors are interesting granite formations, the summit is often windy but if it’s clear there are great views. I will meet at the Distillery as I live in Forres.
Distance – 7.5 miles/ 11.5 km; Ascent – 2070 feet/ 631 m

Walk 2
Averon River – upstream then out to the Yankee Pier, Alness
Grade C; Time 9.45am; Grid ref NH 655 696; OS sheet 21
Rendezvous point RNI Community Hospital Car Park at 9am.
Starting in the Averon Centre carpark, you head out of Alness, through the golf course and then into mature woodland along the banks of the River Averon. We cross the river, continue a little further and then head back down the other side, continuing down to the Cromarty Firth shoreline and along to the end of the Yankee Pier. A lovely mixed walk with woodland, river and firth views. A combination of circular and linear detours, along mostly well established paths and mostly low level terrain.
After the walk, there is an option to decamp to Dalmore Farm Café for tea & cakes!
Distance -7 miles/ 11 km; Ascent -334 feet/ 102 m

Sunday April 25^th
The Buck.
Grade B+; Time 10.00; Grid ref NJ425250; OS sheet 37
Rendezvous point; RNI community hospital car park at 08:00
From Huntly, take A97 to Rhynie, right on to A941 towards Cabrach, and at county boundary sign turn left at chevrons and follow B9002 for just under 1ml. Park at end of track. Very limited parking so please car share as much as poss. Mostly good track (some peat hags), over 3 tops, Clayhooter Hill, Scad Hill and Kebbuck Knowe, on to The Buck. Great views of all surrounding hills. Well worth the effort! Please book through Marjorie Allan.
Distance –  9miles/ 14.5km; Ascent – 1200 feet/ 260 m