Description
Abriachan Forest sits high above Loch Ness, a short drive from Inverness, on 540 hectares that the local community of about 130 people bought in 1998. Today the Abriachan Forest Trust, a charity and social enterprise, runs the Kelpies Trails, named after the mythical water horses of Highland folklore: a 2km green loop, a 9km blue trail, a pump track and a skills area at the trailhead. A good choice for families and riders building confidence, with a wider forest offering of walking paths, outdoor learning and a play area.
The Trails
- Green Trail: a fairly easy 2km loop with a footpath-like feel, suited to first-timers and younger riders. Part of the original green has since been upgraded to blue as the network has developed.
- Blue Trail: the main family loop, around 9km. The trail is surfaced, with obstacles such as boardwalk across the boggy patches, and it has seen resurfacing and drainage work in recent years.
- Pump Track: on the north side of the main car park, built by the Trust with sportscotland funding. Popular with all ages and a good warm-up before heading out.
- Skills Area: near the start, with balance beams and seesaws for practising before you head out on the loops.
The Trust's volunteers help to maintain the trails and new helpers are always welcome, so get in touch through the Trust's website if you would like to lend a hand. The Trust's trail map is displayed on a board in the car park, and the trails are also covered by OS Landranger 26.
Getting Here
- From Inverness, take the A82 towards Drumnadrochit and turn off at the Abriachan signpost (not the first Abriachan turning, which is only a mile from Inverness). Climb the steep hill past the village hall, about a mile up from the A82. A little beyond the hall, take the left fork signposted Abriachan Forest Walks and pass Loch Laide on your left. Take the forest road on the left and the Trust car park is about 400 metres along on the left.
- Postcode for navigation: IV3 8LB. Parking is free, with donations welcome to help the Trust. Toilets and a picnic area are available at the car park. A secondary parking area is signed near the start of the blue route.
- If you are coming from Beauly or Kiltarlity, the village hall is beside the old school and postbox, just before the road drops down towards Loch Ness.
Beyond the Trails
The Abriachan Forest Trust has managed the forest since the community bought it from Forest Enterprise in 1998, with the aim of creating local jobs, improving the environment and encouraging public enjoyment of the land. Beyond the bike trails there is a 40km network of paths for walkers, a play area beside the car park, hidden huts, carved benches and sculptures along the trails, and viewpoints such as Creag Ard. The Great Glen Way also passes through the forest.
The Trust runs outdoor learning from a classroom at the main car park, including Forest School for children and young people, and wellbeing programmes in the woods. Find out more on the Abriachan Forest Trust website.
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