Aberchalder Forest

Downs, Moorland in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Aberchalder Forest

Glenbuck An estate building maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association as an open bothy. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies/central-highlands/glenbuck/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies/central-highlands/glenbuck/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Glenbuck Credit: Colin Kinnear

Aberchalder Forest is an expanse of natural beauty located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Stretching across the downs and moorland, it covers a vast area that is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. The forest is nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, offering a tranquil and remote setting for visitors to explore.

The terrain of Aberchalder Forest varies, with rolling downs and expansive moorland creating a unique landscape. The downs are characterized by gently sloping hills and wide open spaces, while the moorland consists of heather-covered expanses dotted with small lochs and streams. These contrasting habitats provide a haven for a wide range of plant and animal species.

The forest is home to a rich and varied selection of wildlife. Red deer can often be spotted roaming through the open downs, while the moorland provides a habitat for grouse, curlew, and other bird species. Visitors may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive pine marten or red squirrel, both of which are native to the area.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Aberchalder Forest offers an abundance of opportunities. The downs are perfect for hiking and walking, with numerous trails and paths crisscrossing the landscape. The moorland is also popular for birdwatching and photography, with its stunning vistas and tranquil atmosphere.

Overall, Aberchalder Forest is a captivating destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its unique blend of downs and moorland, combined with its diverse wildlife, make it a truly special place to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands.

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Aberchalder Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.061264/-4.7348911 or Grid Reference NH3400. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Glenbuck An estate building maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association as an open bothy. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies/central-highlands/glenbuck/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies/central-highlands/glenbuck/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Glenbuck
An estate building maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association as an open bothy. LinkExternal link
Glenbuck Track Approaching Calder Burn Ford Glenbuck can be seen at other side of burn.
Glenbuck Track Approaching Calder Burn Ford
Glenbuck can be seen at other side of burn.
Looking North from Leitir Fhearna Grouse Moor 410m The views were extensive but due to low summer sun I could not get many photos with good camera and had to use pocket camera.
Looking North from Leitir Fhearna Grouse Moor 410m
The views were extensive but due to low summer sun I could not get many photos with good camera and had to use pocket camera.
Sparse woodland near Glenbuck Woodland went up eastern slope of Leitir Fhearna. I followed argo paths on to moor above woodland.
Sparse woodland near Glenbuck
Woodland went up eastern slope of Leitir Fhearna. I followed argo paths on to moor above woodland.
Moorland on Leitir Fhearna The Argo tracks were everywhere on Leitir Fhearna which made walking easy.
Moorland on Leitir Fhearna
The Argo tracks were everywhere on Leitir Fhearna which made walking easy.
Glenbuck from Leitir Fhearna When following argo tracks I came to several small tops on Leitir Fhearna. These were heather covered but had steep rocky east sides. Photo taken from one of these
Glenbuck from Leitir Fhearna
When following argo tracks I came to several small tops on Leitir Fhearna. These were heather covered but had steep rocky east sides. Photo taken from one of these
Looking NW from Leitir Fhearna Grouse Moor 410m
Looking NW from Leitir Fhearna Grouse Moor 410m
View NW from Eilrig summit plateau
View NW from Eilrig summit plateau
Unfordable ford on Allt Innis Shim The first of 3 fords I needed to cross to get to where I was going. gave up.
Unfordable ford on Allt Innis Shim
The first of 3 fords I needed to cross to get to where I was going. gave up.
Above Allt Innis Shim  looking SW
Above Allt Innis Shim looking SW
Path crossing moor east of Glenbuck on Meallan Odhar
Path crossing moor east of Glenbuck on Meallan Odhar
Allt na Larach watercourse going down to Glenbuck
Allt na Larach watercourse going down to Glenbuck
Looking East from Meallan Odhar
Looking East from Meallan Odhar
Approaching Meallan Odhar - Glas Charn Bealach
Approaching Meallan Odhar - Glas Charn Bealach
Fordable ford on Allt Innis Shim It took 3 attempts on 3 separate occasions to get across this ford only to find locked gate and high stile, which I couldn't climb over, to go on.
Fordable ford on Allt Innis Shim
It took 3 attempts on 3 separate occasions to get across this ford only to find locked gate and high stile, which I couldn't climb over, to go on.
Ford across Coachan a' Mheallain Odhar beside Glenbuck
Ford across Coachan a' Mheallain Odhar beside Glenbuck
Track beside Sean Chaochan
Track beside Sean Chaochan
Red Deer on Meallan Odhar
Red Deer on Meallan Odhar
Show me another place!

Aberchalder Forest is located at Grid Ref: NH3400 (Lat: 57.061264, Lng: -4.7348911)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///books.debut.planet. Near Gairlochy, Highland

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Aberchalder Forest

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