Glendhu Forest

Downs, Moorland in Sutherland

Scotland

Glendhu Forest

Quartzite landscape, Beinn a' Bhutha The white rock is Cambrian quartzite, which here outcrops in a band E of Beinn a' Bhutha's summit. The rounded hill beyond is Ben Hee, composed of Moine series rocks. Unravelling the geology of this area has taken a long time; a simplified geological map is available with the guide 'Exploring the landscape of Assynt' published by the British Geological Survey and available at the Inchnadamph Field Centre.
Quartzite landscape, Beinn a' Bhutha Credit: Jim Barton

Glendhu Forest is a picturesque woodland located in Sutherland, a county in the northern Highlands of Scotland. Nestled amidst the scenic landscape, this forest is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

Covering an area of approximately 10,000 hectares, Glendhu Forest offers a variety of terrain, including downs, moorland, and woodland. The forest is predominantly composed of native Scots pine trees, interspersed with birch, rowan, and juniper. These trees provide a habitat for a range of wildlife, including red deer, roe deer, and various bird species such as the golden eagle and the black grouse.

The forest offers several walking trails of varying difficulty levels, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. One of the notable trails is the Glendhu Forest Trail, which provides stunning views of the surrounding hills and lochs. The forest also boasts a network of mountain bike trails, attracting cycling enthusiasts from all over.

Glendhu Forest is not only a recreational area but also plays a significant role in the local economy. The forest is managed sustainably, with timber production being one of its main activities. Additionally, the forest is a valuable carbon sink, contributing to the fight against climate change.

In conclusion, Glendhu Forest in Sutherland offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and recreational activities. Whether you are interested in hiking, cycling, or simply immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature, this forest provides an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.

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Glendhu Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.2605/-4.8905673 or Grid Reference NC3033. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Quartzite landscape, Beinn a' Bhutha The white rock is Cambrian quartzite, which here outcrops in a band E of Beinn a' Bhutha's summit. The rounded hill beyond is Ben Hee, composed of Moine series rocks. Unravelling the geology of this area has taken a long time; a simplified geological map is available with the guide 'Exploring the landscape of Assynt' published by the British Geological Survey and available at the Inchnadamph Field Centre.
Quartzite landscape, Beinn a' Bhutha
The white rock is Cambrian quartzite, which here outcrops in a band E of Beinn a' Bhutha's summit. The rounded hill beyond is Ben Hee, composed of Moine series rocks. Unravelling the geology of this area has taken a long time; a simplified geological map is available with the guide 'Exploring the landscape of Assynt' published by the British Geological Survey and available at the Inchnadamph Field Centre.
Lochans near Meall Dearg A group of lochans named as Lochain a' Mhill Dheirg in the Lewisian gneiss landscape surrounding upper Gleann Dubh.
Lochans near Meall Dearg
A group of lochans named as Lochain a' Mhill Dheirg in the Lewisian gneiss landscape surrounding upper Gleann Dubh.
Hoofprints but no bootprints Deer have been using the stalkers' or fishermen's path up from Gleann Dubh, but no sign of boots here - not a very frequented area.
Hoofprints but no bootprints
Deer have been using the stalkers' or fishermen's path up from Gleann Dubh, but no sign of boots here - not a very frequented area.
Rough country, Gleann Dubh The head of Gleann Dubh; the rough landscape showing as much rock as vegetation is characteristic of Lewisian gneiss, Britain's oldest rock. The path in view is the stalkers' track towards Beinn Leoid.
Rough country, Gleann Dubh
The head of Gleann Dubh; the rough landscape showing as much rock as vegetation is characteristic of Lewisian gneiss, Britain's oldest rock. The path in view is the stalkers' track towards Beinn Leoid.
The head of Gleann Dubh Eas Creag an Luchda on the left tumbles over a shelf of Lewisian gneiss. The bridge carries the stalkers' path towards Beinn Leoid.
The head of Gleann Dubh
Eas Creag an Luchda on the left tumbles over a shelf of Lewisian gneiss. The bridge carries the stalkers' path towards Beinn Leoid.
Paths in Gleann Dubh The path down from Lochain a' Mhill Dheirg meets the stalkers' path from Beinn Leoid, and continues through the narrow gap down to the main glen and Loch Glendhu.
Paths in Gleann Dubh
The path down from Lochain a' Mhill Dheirg meets the stalkers' path from Beinn Leoid, and continues through the narrow gap down to the main glen and Loch Glendhu.
Eas Creag an Luchda The Abhainn a' Ghlinne Dhuibh falls over a shelf of Lewisian gneiss making a very attractive scene particularly on a hot afternoon in this remote glen.
Eas Creag an Luchda
The Abhainn a' Ghlinne Dhuibh falls over a shelf of Lewisian gneiss making a very attractive scene particularly on a hot afternoon in this remote glen.
Abhainn a' Ghlinne Dhuibh The burn tumbles over Lewisian gneiss just above the footbridge, and was welcome to this thirsty photographer on a hot sunny afternoon.
Abhainn a' Ghlinne Dhuibh
The burn tumbles over Lewisian gneiss just above the footbridge, and was welcome to this thirsty photographer on a hot sunny afternoon.
Footbridge over Abhainn a' Ghlinne Dhuibh The bridge carries the stalkers' path to the N slopes of Beinn Leoid.
Footbridge over Abhainn a' Ghlinne Dhuibh
The bridge carries the stalkers' path to the N slopes of Beinn Leoid.
Gleann Dubh The upper part of the glen looking anything but dubh (black) on this bright sunny afternoon. Note the waterfall of Eas Creag an Luchda - <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2972934">NC3133 : Eas Creag an Luchda</a> - L of centre.
Gleann Dubh
The upper part of the glen looking anything but dubh (black) on this bright sunny afternoon. Note the waterfall of Eas Creag an Luchda - NC3133 : Eas Creag an Luchda - L of centre.
Track in Gleann Dubh The track and the burn share the narrow gap at the lowest point of the ring of crags before a steep descent to the floor of the glen.
Track in Gleann Dubh
The track and the burn share the narrow gap at the lowest point of the ring of crags before a steep descent to the floor of the glen.
Steep descent  to Gleann Dubh A steep section of the track descending from the hanging valley to the floor of the glen. The rock is Lewisian gneiss.
Steep descent to Gleann Dubh
A steep section of the track descending from the hanging valley to the floor of the glen. The rock is Lewisian gneiss.
Gleann Dubh and the loch The view of the glen opens up on the descent to sea level, with Loch Glendhu in the distance and the line of quartzite cliffs of Creag Ruadh slanting above.
Gleann Dubh and the loch
The view of the glen opens up on the descent to sea level, with Loch Glendhu in the distance and the line of quartzite cliffs of Creag Ruadh slanting above.
Boulder by the track, Gleann Dubh A boulder of about 10 cubic metres at least in size nonchalantly perched by the track.
Boulder by the track, Gleann Dubh
A boulder of about 10 cubic metres at least in size nonchalantly perched by the track.
Eas Creag an Luchda The burn flowing from Loch Srath nan Aisinnin tumbles over this shelf of rock at the head of Gleann Dubh.
Eas Creag an Luchda
The burn flowing from Loch Srath nan Aisinnin tumbles over this shelf of rock at the head of Gleann Dubh.
Looking across Allt Strath nan Caran towards Meall a' Bhuirich
Looking across Allt Strath nan Caran towards Meall a' Bhuirich
Stalkers Path The path goes from Glendhu to the plateau above Creag nan Aisinnin. A fainter spur leads E from here under the crags.
Stalkers Path
The path goes from Glendhu to the plateau above Creag nan Aisinnin. A fainter spur leads E from here under the crags.
Pools above Ruigh' a' Chnoic Bhig We saw golden plovers here.
Pools above Ruigh' a' Chnoic Bhig
We saw golden plovers here.
Show me another place!

Glendhu Forest is located at Grid Ref: NC3033 (Lat: 58.2605, Lng: -4.8905673)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

Also known as: Gleann Dubh Forest

What 3 Words

///townhouse.occupations.firelight. Near Inchnadamph, Highland

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