The best walks and hikes around Corriemoillie Forest

Yes, there are several circular routes. For a challenging day out, the Ben Wyvis & Tom a' Chòinich loop offers a demanding but rewarding circuit over the area's prominent Munro. If you're looking for something more moderate, the Loch Vaich – Strathvaich Bothy loop provides a scenic walk around the loch on good tracks.

The area around Garve has some excellent shorter walks suitable for families. A great option is the Little Garve Bridge – Silverbridge Stone Bridge loop, which is a gentle walk of about 3.3 km through pleasant woodland and along the river.

Dogs are generally welcome on the trails, but it's important to keep them under close control, especially near livestock or during bird nesting season (typically April-July). The open tracks and forest paths are great for walking with dogs, but be mindful of the challenging terrain on mountain routes.

The region is home to Ben Wyvis, a popular Munro. For a strenuous hike, consider the Little Wyvis loop from Garve. This long route involves significant ascent and is best suited for experienced hillwalkers with good navigation skills.

Parking is available at several key starting points. For hikes up Ben Wyvis, there is a dedicated car park. For walks starting from Garve, you can find parking in the village. It's always a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends, as spaces can fill up quickly.

Yes, the village of Garve has a train station with services connecting to Inverness and the west coast. This makes it a convenient base for accessing several trails without a car. From Garve, you can start a number of walks directly from the village.

The landscape is classic Scottish Highlands, featuring a mix of commercial forestry, open moorland, remote lochs, and rugged mountains. You'll find expansive views from the higher peaks like Ben Wyvis and more sheltered, tranquil scenery along the rivers and lochs like Loch Vaich.

A must-see is the Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve. It's a highly-regarded attraction featuring a dramatic mile-long canyon, powerful waterfalls, and a Victorian suspension bridge offering spectacular views. It's a short drive from the main hiking areas and offers impressive scenery.

There are over a dozen curated hiking routes available in the area on komoot. These range from easy, short walks of just a few kilometres to challenging full-day mountain ascents, with 5 easy, 3 moderate, and 4 difficult trails to choose from.

The trails around Corriemoillie Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning Highland scenery, the sense of remoteness on the mountain trails, and the variety of walks available for different fitness levels.