Aberarder Forest

Downs, Moorland in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Aberarder Forest

Summit cairn of Carn Liath
Summit cairn of Carn Liath Credit: Steven Brown

Aberarder Forest is a picturesque woodland located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 4,000 hectares, it is situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The forest boasts a diverse landscape, characterized by rolling downs and sprawling moorland, providing a stunning natural backdrop.

The forest is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can expect to encounter a range of species including red deer, golden eagles, and pine martens, among others. The forest's diverse ecosystem also supports a variety of plant life, including heather, Scots pine, and birch trees.

Aberarder Forest offers a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Numerous hiking trails wind their way through the woodland, providing an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. The forest is also a popular destination for mountain biking, with a network of trails suitable for all skill levels.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the forest offers several picnic spots and peaceful areas to relax and take in the surroundings. The stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Cairngorms National Park, add to the charm of Aberarder Forest.

Overall, Aberarder Forest is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and range of recreational activities make it a must-visit location in Inverness-shire.

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Aberarder Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.965041/-4.5011822 or Grid Reference NN4888. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Summit cairn of Carn Liath
Summit cairn of Carn Liath
Carn Liath summit cairn looms out of the mist It was a test of navigational skills to locate this on the featureless plateau in the low cloud.
Carn Liath summit cairn looms out of the mist
It was a test of navigational skills to locate this on the featureless plateau in the low cloud.
Allt Coire nan Gall
Allt Coire nan Gall
Deer fence and moorland beside the Allt Coire nan Gall Loch Laggan in the background
Deer fence and moorland beside the Allt Coire nan Gall
Loch Laggan in the background
Welcome to Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve
Welcome to Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve
Down path on longer loop path in Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve
Down path on longer loop path in Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve
Car park at Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve The nature reserve car park at Aberarder - surely one of the UK's most scenic.
Car park at Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve
The nature reserve car park at Aberarder - surely one of the UK's most scenic.
Dial na Mine View from the car park at Dial na Mine.
Dial na Mine
View from the car park at Dial na Mine.
Coire Ardair View On the southern slopes of the munro Carn Liath looking straight across to the dramatic Coire Ardair of Creag Meagaidh. A muggy and still summers day - so hot red deer were lying in patches of snow on the opposite hillside.
Coire Ardair View
On the southern slopes of the munro Carn Liath looking straight across to the dramatic Coire Ardair of Creag Meagaidh. A muggy and still summers day - so hot red deer were lying in patches of snow on the opposite hillside.
Aberarder Farm Now headquarters of the Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve.
Aberarder Farm
Now headquarters of the Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve.
Start of the Craig Meagaidh path, Aberarder
Start of the Craig Meagaidh path, Aberarder
On the Craig Meagaidh path The path has been substantially improved since I was last here eleven years ago, and may be following a different line.
On the Craig Meagaidh path
The path has been substantially improved since I was last here eleven years ago, and may be following a different line.
Slopes rising towards Na Cnapanan With natural regeneration of woodland evident.
Slopes rising towards Na Cnapanan
With natural regeneration of woodland evident.
The Craig Meagaidh path During a brief bright spell in the weather. Not far away light rain sweeps across the slopes of Sròn a' Ghoire, and will soon arrive here.
The Craig Meagaidh path
During a brief bright spell in the weather. Not far away light rain sweeps across the slopes of Sròn a' Ghoire, and will soon arrive here.
Bends on the A86 south of Aberarder Binnein Shuas is the hill in the distance.
Bends on the A86 south of Aberarder
Binnein Shuas is the hill in the distance.
Moorland above Coille Coire Chrannaig Loch Laggan below.
Moorland above Coille Coire Chrannaig
Loch Laggan below.
Road to Aberardair Not long before this was taken, this was a farm.  Its fate was to disappear under conifers but the land was bought as a National Nature Reserve.  Now it is being covered by different sorts of trees.

We were travelling to Lagan for the Mountain Bothies Association AGM - not having a car, going over Carn Liath was a good route.
Road to Aberardair
Not long before this was taken, this was a farm. Its fate was to disappear under conifers but the land was bought as a National Nature Reserve. Now it is being covered by different sorts of trees. We were travelling to Lagan for the Mountain Bothies Association AGM - not having a car, going over Carn Liath was a good route.
Loch through trees Loch Laggan.
Loch through trees
Loch Laggan.
Show me another place!

Aberarder Forest is located at Grid Ref: NN4888 (Lat: 56.965041, Lng: -4.5011822)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///occupiers.builders.sticky. Near Newtonmore, Highland

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Aberarder Forest

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