Rumster Forest Walks, Woodland Walks in Caithness

Outdoor woodland walks in the Scottish Highlands, in the far north of Scotland

Loch Watten, trout fishing loch in Scotland
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Rumster Forest is a mixed woodland that welcomes visitors and provides a large area to walk, cycle or trek. The forest walks are relatively close to Lybster, or can be accessed from the A9 road by turning off at Achavanich, onto the Lybster road and passing the Achavanich standing stones and Loch Stemster. The forest is owned by the Forestry Commission. The forest walks are open all year round for walking and trekking and is ideal for dog walking, cycling with off road bikes, pony trekking and for walking adventures with all the family through the well-defined paths. The forest is 1,392 ha (3,441 acres) in area and home to deer, buzzards, hawks along with other wildlife. On our last visit I noticed a fair number of butterflies and other insects, as well as wild flowers.

Throughout the forest walks you will come across evidence of previous farming use, with old crofts and a couple of ancient broch sites. There are no on-site facilities so take a picnic, or at the very least water with you as in summer the woodland walk can get very warm and you may have a fair distance to get back to the car park area at Sheppardstown (not a town so do not get dissapointed that there are no shops).

Binoculars will be useful to observe any wildlife you come across on your trek. While the paths are usually in good condition for walking it is advisable to wear sturdy footwear for the outdoors and ideally proper hill walking boots or trainers.

Pictures of Rumster Forest in Caithness

Forest walk at Rumster looking towards Lybster and the Moray Firth

Information Board about Rumster Forest

Information Board about Rumster Forest

Dog walks at Rumster Forest

Dog walks at Rumster Forest

Forestry Commission parking signpost

Forestry Commission parking signpost

Collies on the forestry track at Rumster

Collies at Rumster

Forestry track at Rumster

Forestry track at Rumster

Woodland walks at Rumster Forest

Woodland walks at Rumster Forest

Dogs enjoy the forest walk at Rumster

Dogs enjoy the forest walk at Rumster. In summer remember to take water for yourself and your dogs as it can get very warm within the woodland.

Rumster Forest Location Map

Rumster Forest Location Map - Outdoor walks in Scotland

Rumster Forest map - interactive OS Map map (bing.com)