Kinlochewe: Paths between forest and quartzite plateau

For a trip to Kinlochewe, the paths in the reserve are a key focus. The options range from a flat forest path and a longer route through more open terrain to a steep, rocky mountain trail. A walk in the forest also offers the chance to watch birds. The Slioch-Kinlochewe area adds a geological perspective on the landscape.

Forest paths and views

The Pinecone Trail and the Buzzard Trail start in the forest by the visitor centre. The Pinecone Trail has level, flat surfaces and gentle gradients. The longer Buzzard Trail passes through more open terrain and offers views of the Beinn Eighe ridge and the surrounding landscape. The two routes can be distinguished by their length and terrain: the Pinecone Trail is characterised by its flat surfaces and gentle gradients, while the Buzzard Trail is longer, crosses more open terrain and offers views.

The Mountain Trail: terrain and conditions

The Mountain Trail has a different terrain profile. It passes through a variety of habitats, from ancient pine forests to a bare quartzite plateau. Distinctive cairns mark the path; it is also very steep and rocky. The upper sections of the path are exposed to the weather, and conditions can vary. When planning, it is therefore important to bear in mind both the steep, rocky route and the greater exposure to the weather at higher elevations. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Birdwatching and geology

A walk in the reserve’s forest offers the chance to spot woodland birds such as crossbills, meadow pipits and siskins. These species add a specific connection to nature if you would also like to pay attention to the birdlife during your walk.

The Slioch-Kinlochewe geological area offers a very well-exposed profile. In the foreland, it includes the Lewisian Gneiss Complex and rocks of the Torridon Group; the sequence continues through the Moine Thrust Belt to the Moine rocks in the east. For those interested in geology, the focus is therefore not on a single rock type, but on the geographical succession of the named units. The profile offers a different way of experiencing the landscape from the path descriptions, which focus on surfaces, terrain and views.

Historic route

The Loch Maree Post Road is also one of the area’s points of interest: it was used as a drove road for cattle. This former function adds a historical perspective on the use of a route to the nature and terrain themes.

Getting to the reserve

From the village of Kinlochewe, reach the reserve by driving 3 kilometres northwest on the A832 Inverness–Gairloch road. The nearest bus stop to the reserve is in Kinlochewe; there is a limited bus service from Inverness. If you plan to travel by bus, check the timetable in advance. This lets you plan your journey and visit to the reserve separately: the road connection from the village is described for travel by car, while those travelling by bus should take the limited service from Inverness into account.

Discover more destinations: Lybster, Arisaig, Wick, Ardersier, Cannich, Knockbain, Foyers, Camusbane

For the regional travel overview: Highland.