Into The Woods
The whole family can enjoy the wonders of nature and the beautiful Highland landscape with a visit to Abriachan Forest
JUST outside Inverness, high above the shores of Loch Ness, is the 130-strong community of Abriachan. Once made up of crofts and farmland, most residents now work in Inverness and beyond, but that traditional spirit of community has never left Abriachan.
After purchasing five square kilometres (two square miles) of woodland, the Abriachan Forest Trust was formed as a social enterprise to regenerate the area. With environmentally sustainable developments, the trust created a network of attractions to welcome the public to the forest while also bringing employment to the area.
Today, Abriachan Forest offers visitors to Invernessshire the perfect opportunity to spend a day among the beautiful Highland landscape. For families with an active streak, or those looking to get a little closer to nature, there is so much to see and do in this woodland wonderland.
Suzann Barr is the learning coordinator at Abriachan and over the years she has seen the community develop into a thriving hub of residents and visitors.
“The award-winning community woodland in Abriachan offers something for everyone. The 14-km (8.6-mile) Kelpie’s Trails are suited to mountain biking enthusiasts, while those who prefer a gentle walk can follow the footpath network.
“Among the trees lining the footpaths, there are lots of secrets and surprises to discover, making it the perfect family adventure. From the top of the hill there are
fantastic views. You can see along the Great Glen to the Moray Firth in the east, across Loch Ness to the Monadhliath, and in the opposite direction you can spot the Affric hills, the Fannichs and Ben Wyvis.”
Along with the appeal of beautiful scenery, the surprises dotted along the walking trails will delight younger visitors. Treehouses, birdwatches and mud kitchens can be found along the paths, providing a brilliant opportunity for kids to get hands-on with nature, get a bit muddy, and have fun in the process.
Or for those seeking a bit of adrenaline, the mountain bike trails are also a great way to get the family active.
Abriachan Forest is very focussed on education and engaging visitors with the natural world. Their forest school has proven to be immensely popular; running as a full-time nursery, their amenities, staff and resources are put to good use outside school hours to offer holiday activities, workshops and classes for adults and children.
It is definitely worth having a look at their website before visiting to see if there is something you could get involved with.
“The successful Forest School delivers play-based learning in the nursery but we also run events such as the Stars and Stories astronomy sessions as part of our health and wellbeing programmes for adults.” Abriachan Forest provides the perfect escape from city life. If you are visiting Inverness then it is worth venturing south to spend a day in the forest, exploring the trails, getting muddy and enjoying nature. Nestled in its tranquil spot overlooking Loch Ness, you will feel a million miles away from anywhere as you take in the beauty of the Highlands.