Mandally Wood

Wood, Forest in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Mandally Wood

The Well of the Seven Heads Credit: Tim Glover

Mandally Wood is a picturesque forest located in Inverness-shire, Scotland. Situated approximately 15 miles west of Inverness, it covers an area of around 500 acres and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.

The wood is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, birch, and pine. These towering trees create a dense canopy, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife, such as red squirrels, roe deer, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

The wood boasts a network of well-maintained walking trails, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and peaceful hikes. Visitors can explore the tranquil woodland, breathing in the fresh, earthy scent and enjoying the soothing sounds of nature. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby River Beauly, adding to the charm of the experience.

Mandally Wood is also renowned for its ancient history. It is believed to have been an important site during the Bronze Age, with remains of settlements and burial grounds discovered in the area. Archaeologists have uncovered artifacts and evidence of human activity, providing valuable insights into the lives of ancient inhabitants.

Overall, Mandally Wood offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and historical significance. Whether one seeks relaxation, adventure, or a journey into the past, this enchanting forest provides a truly memorable experience for all who visit.

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Mandally Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.063568/-4.8057998 or Grid Reference NH2900. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Well of the Seven Heads

Tim Glover

Loch Oich

Jennifer Jones

Old railway line, by Loch Oich

This was the route of the Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway. The line closed in 1947, and since then it had been largely disused and overgrown. It has now been cleared and resurfaced - it opened earlier this year as part of National Cycle Network Route 78 and the Great Glen Way. It is a fairly smooth, compacted gravel path, so easy to cycle along. This part is in a bit of a cutting, with steep rocks to the right. Also some mixed woodland on either side.

Craig Wallace

Highland cattle beside Loch Oich

View southward on A82 just south of Invergarry.

Ben Brooksbank

Tobar nan Ceann

Well of The Seven Heads Monument (Tobar nan Ceann) Link

Chris McAuley

Resting Kayaks

Kayaks on the banks of Loch Oich.

Chris McAuley

South end of Loch Oich

Seen from the track to the Great Glen Water Park.

Jim Barton

Former railway route by Loch Oich

The Great Glen Way now follows much of the former railway as far as Aberchalder. Quite a bit of work has been done to stabilise the cutting sides in places.

Jim Barton

On the Great Glen Way by Loch Oich

Easy walking on the old railway route on the E side of the loch.

Jim Barton

Railway Trackbed above Loch Oich

Section of the course of the former railway between Fort Augustus and Spean Bridge. It has been recently upgraded and refurbished to accommodate the Great Glen Way National Trail.

Chris Heaton

Course of the Old Railway above Loch Oich (1)

Now adopted by the Great Glen Way National Trail - a new lease of life for the former railway that ran between Spean Bridge and Fort Augustus

Chris Heaton

Course of the Old Railway above Loch Oich (2)

Chris Heaton

Landslide protection from stone-filled gabions

Alongside the old Invergarry to Fort Augustus railway track, and the route of the Great Glen Way

Tim Heaton

'Health and Safety' gone mad?

I count eleven pairs of railings visible in this picture of part of the restored trackbed of the Invergarry to Fort Augustus railway. The railings align with concrete drainage culverts. But the likelihood of injury from falling off the track at these points is surely no greater than at any other (non-railinged) part of the track.

Tim Heaton

Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway

The trackbed along the shores of Loch Oich. Here gabions are being used to protect the trackbed from landslides on the steep slopes above. The trackbed has recently been cleared and used as the Great Glen Way.

Richard Webb

Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway

The railway, over engineered in an area of limited population was a financial disaster. More over engineering is apparent in the conversion to a path - every culvert has railings, yet you are just as likely to come to grief on any other part of the track. The rails to trails conversion is very welcome, taking out a long stretch of hostile A82.

Richard Webb

Loch Oich

View from the Great Glen Way on the trackbed of the Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway.

Richard Webb

Well of the Seven Heads

A Category B listed monument [Link

], dating from 1812, which commemorates the murder of two sons of the 12th MacDonald of Keppoch in 1663. The murderers (seven in total) were found and executed in 1665 and their heads washed in the spring here before being shown to the clan chief. The monument sits beside the A82 on the shore of Loch Oich.

Richard Sutcliffe

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Mandally Wood is located at Grid Ref: NH2900 (Lat: 57.063568, Lng: -4.8057998)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands