Achvarasdal Woodland Walk

Park in the layby near the entrance and follow the waymarked 2.5km path around this natural woodland and wildlife haven with 31 species of trees. In the centre of the loop, you will find Achvarasdal House and the Iron Age Achvarasdal Broch nearby.

Additional Information

Achadh Bharrasdail is a combination of Scottish Gaelic and Old Norse for ‘field down the valley’. This beautiful woodland has been left to regenerate naturally for around 50 years; it is now home to 31 species of trees, 19 of which are native to Scotland. The dead and fallen trees have deliberately been left undisturbed to provide a haven for fungi, mosses, lichens, and insects.

After parking at the layby next to the A836, walk along the tarmacked road past the Gardener’s Cottage for a few metres, where you can choose either the east or the west path. The west path skirts the outside of the woodland and ends near the access path to the Iron Age Achvarasdal Broch and Achvarasdal House. The east path explores the wetland area, passing the former cottage and stables.

The ground can sometimes become boggy underfoot, especially around the east loop. Although efforts have been made to eradicate it from the site, giant hogweed can still be found in some areas and should be avoided.