Ancient Woodland Walks
Our 12 acres of private Caledonian forest are yours to explore. Centuries-old pines, moss-covered boulders, and the kind of quiet that reminds you how noisy modern life is.
Ancarraig sits within 12 acres of ancient Caledonian pine forest—one of the last remaining fragments of the forest that once covered the Highlands. These trees have stood for centuries, their gnarled roots gripping moss-covered boulders, their canopy sheltering red squirrels, pine martens, and countless bird species.
Crosscrossing our woodland are informal trails, some connecting to the Great Glen Way, others looping back to the lodges. You can walk for 15 minutes or 2 hours, depending on your mood. There's no set route—just explore, breathe deeply, and let the forest work its magic.
This is old-growth forest: massive pines with thick, furrowed bark; twisted trunks bearing centuries of Highland weather; springy moss underfoot; fungi sprouting from deadwood. Walking here feels like stepping back thousands of years, to when the Highlands were almost entirely forested.
What to Expect
Informal forest paths winding between centuries-old Scots pines. The ground is covered in soft moss, pine needles, and springy heather. Tree roots cross the paths—watch your footing. It's quiet here. Really quiet. The forest canopy muffles sound, creating a peaceful, almost cathedral-like atmosphere. You'll likely spot wildlife: red squirrels are almost guaranteed if you're quiet, deer tracks are common, and if you're very lucky, you might see a pine marten at dawn or dusk. The paths aren't marked with signs—this is wild woodland—but you can't get lost; if you walk in any direction for 10-15 minutes, you'll reach a forest edge or lodge. That's part of the magic: you're exploring, not following a prescribed route.
Photo Gallery
Insider Tips
Insider Tip
Early morning (7-9am) is magical: mist between the trees, red squirrels most active, dew on spiderwebs catching the light.
Insider Tip
Wear proper walking boots—roots, moss, and uneven ground make smooth-soled shoes risky, especially when wet.
Insider Tip
Bring your phone/camera but put it away for part of the walk. Sit quietly on a moss-covered rock for 10 minutes and just listen and watch.
Insider Tip
Fallen logs make perfect seats. Find one, sit, and wait. Wildlife will appear if you're patient and quiet.
Insider Tip
The forest changes with seasons: spring wildflowers, summer canopy shade, autumn fungi, winter frost on moss. Each visit is different.
Insider Tip
Connect to the Great Glen Way from our woodland trails—follow the wooden waymarker posts east or west.
Best Times to Visit
- Early morning (7-9am): Best for wildlife and atmospheric mist
- Evening (before sunset): Beautiful light filtering through trees
- After rain: Forest smells incredible, colors more vivid
- Autumn: Spectacular colors, fungi season
- Winter: Frost creates magical scenes
- Spring: Wildflowers, baby animals, new growth
Photo Opportunities
- Ancient gnarled pine trunks
- Sunbeams through forest canopy
- Moss-covered boulders and fallen logs
- Red squirrels (bring telephoto lens)
- Fungi and mushrooms (autumn)
- Frost-covered moss (winter mornings)
Wildlife to Watch For
- Red squirrels (very common, especially morning/evening)
- Red deer (dawn/dusk, look for tracks anytime)
- Pine martens (rare, nocturnal, cat-sized with bushy tail)
- Roe deer
- Buzzards and red kites overhead
- Various woodland birds: chaffinches, coal tits, treecreepers
- Red foxes (occasionally)
Seasonal Guide
Spring (Apr-May)
Forest floor carpeted with wildflowers: bluebells, wood anemones, primroses. Fresh green growth on trees. Bird activity intense—dawn chorus is incredible. Baby animals learning to forage.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Full canopy provides cool shade on hot days. Forest floor relatively bare but green and lush. Best time for spotting pine martens at dusk. Midges present but less bothersome under tree cover.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
Spectacular season. Golden bracken, amber ferns, russet fallen needles. Fungi erupts from deadwood and forest floor—incredible variety. Red squirrels most active, gathering winter stores. Crisp, clear air.
Winter (Nov-Mar)
Bare branches reveal forest structure. Frost decorates every surface on cold mornings. Snow transforms forest into wonderland (when it falls). Very quiet—you'll often have entire woodland to yourself. Red squirrels visit bird feeders more regularly.
Practical Information
Quick Facts
What to Bring
- Walking boots or sturdy shoes
- Waterproof jacket (even if sunny when you start)
- Phone/camera for photos
- Binoculars for wildlife
- Layers (forest is cooler than open areas)
- Sense of adventure and curiosity
Stay at Ancarraig
Experience the Highlands from your perfect base. Our lodges are ideally positioned for exploring.
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