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Ardlair Forest

Downs, Moorland in Ross-shire

Scotland

Ardlair Forest

Creag Tharbh Crags on the far side of Loch Maree from Slattadale with the low lying pine covered islands in the middle distance.
Creag Tharbh Credit: Richard Webb

Ardlair Forest is a picturesque expanse located in Ross-shire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 22 square kilometers, it is characterized by its diverse landscape of downs and moorland. The forest is situated near the town of Ullapool, nestled within the stunning Scottish Highlands.

The downs of Ardlair Forest are marked by rolling hills and gentle slopes, providing visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The lush greenery of the downs is adorned with vibrant wildflowers during the spring and summer months, creating a stunning tapestry of colors.

Moorland, on the other hand, dominates a significant portion of the forest. This unique landscape is characterized by heather-covered hills, peat bogs, and scattered patches of shrubbery. The moorland of Ardlair Forest is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including heather, moss, grouse, and deer.

The forest offers a range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. It boasts several well-maintained walking trails that cater to different levels of fitness and experience. These paths meander through the forest, providing opportunities for visitors to explore its natural beauty up close while enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

Ardlair Forest is also a popular spot for birdwatching, as it attracts various species of birds, including golden eagles, red grouse, and curlews. The forest's diverse habitat provides a haven for these winged creatures, making it a paradise for bird lovers.

Overall, Ardlair Forest in Ross-shire is a captivating destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the enchanting beauty of Scotland's natural landscapes. Its downs and moorland create a harmonious blend of scenery, offering visitors a memorable experience in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

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Ardlair Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.718259/-5.4996317 or Grid Reference NG9175. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Creag Tharbh Crags on the far side of Loch Maree from Slattadale with the low lying pine covered islands in the middle distance.
Creag Tharbh
Crags on the far side of Loch Maree from Slattadale with the low lying pine covered islands in the middle distance.
Moorland on Beinn Airigh Charr
Moorland on Beinn Airigh Charr
Path on Beinn Airigh Charr
Path on Beinn Airigh Charr
Path on Beinn Airigh Charr
Path on Beinn Airigh Charr
View across Loch Maree to Slioch Sun on a snowy Slioch caught my eye, half an hour later it was enveloped in cloud.
View across Loch Maree to Slioch
Sun on a snowy Slioch caught my eye, half an hour later it was enveloped in cloud.
Stony shore on Loch Maree The foothill of Beinn Airigh Charr (792 m) in the background. The name of the hill is pronounced locally as "Ben Erica".
Stony shore on Loch Maree
The foothill of Beinn Airigh Charr (792 m) in the background. The name of the hill is pronounced locally as "Ben Erica".
Birch woodland on the shore of Loch Maree The lower soloes of Meall Chnainhean (653 m) in the background
Birch woodland on the shore of Loch Maree
The lower soloes of Meall Chnainhean (653 m) in the background
Woodland above the shore of Loch Maree The magnificent peaks of Torridon on the skyline
Woodland above the shore of Loch Maree
The magnificent peaks of Torridon on the skyline
Open birch woodland at Letterewe On the far side of Loch Maree is the conifer plantation through which runs the road to Gairloch. The hill on the skyline is Meall Glac Airigh an t-Saoir but I don't know how to pronounce its name.
Open birch woodland at Letterewe
On the far side of Loch Maree is the conifer plantation through which runs the road to Gairloch. The hill on the skyline is Meall Glac Airigh an t-Saoir but I don't know how to pronounce its name.
Allt Aconair
Allt Aconair
Under Spidean Nan Clach
Under Spidean Nan Clach
Shattered trig pillars on Beinn Airigh Charr
Shattered trig pillars on Beinn Airigh Charr
On the path into Coire nan Dearcag A branch of the path that links the main Kernsary - Carnmore path with the track to Ardlair. This one rises soon after this point and climbs easily into Coire nan Dearcag, making for a good route onto the Corbett of Beinn Airigh Charr.
On the path into Coire nan Dearcag
A branch of the path that links the main Kernsary - Carnmore path with the track to Ardlair. This one rises soon after this point and climbs easily into Coire nan Dearcag, making for a good route onto the Corbett of Beinn Airigh Charr.
Heading for Coire nan Deacag The shapely hill on the skyline is Spidean nan Clach, at 705m it's an outlier of Beinn Airigh Charr.
Heading for Coire nan Deacag
The shapely hill on the skyline is Spidean nan Clach, at 705m it's an outlier of Beinn Airigh Charr.
Bridges on the stalker's path One old (washed away and derelict) and one slightly newer (still usable), these take the path across a tributary of the Allt Aconair burn.
Bridges on the stalker's path
One old (washed away and derelict) and one slightly newer (still usable), these take the path across a tributary of the Allt Aconair burn.
The Allt Aconair in Coire nan Dearcag The burn drains the corrie below the rather striking peak of Spidean nan Clach, an outlier of Beinn Airigh Charr.
The Allt Aconair in Coire nan Dearcag
The burn drains the corrie below the rather striking peak of Spidean nan Clach, an outlier of Beinn Airigh Charr.
Common Primrose in Coire nan Dearcag One of several plants of the species Primula vulgaris passed beside the stalker's path rising up through the corrie; this one's at about 1200' altitude, but there were a few more higher up.
Common Primrose in Coire nan Dearcag
One of several plants of the species Primula vulgaris passed beside the stalker's path rising up through the corrie; this one's at about 1200' altitude, but there were a few more higher up.
High in Coire nan Dearcag Stalker's path winding its way up the steepish rear wall of the corrie, with a view opening to Loch Maree below.
High in Coire nan Dearcag
Stalker's path winding its way up the steepish rear wall of the corrie, with a view opening to Loch Maree below.
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Ardlair Forest is located at Grid Ref: NG9175 (Lat: 57.718259, Lng: -5.4996317)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///heartburn.acrobats.surpasses. Near Gairloch, Highland

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Ardlair Forest

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