Dunnet Head B&B, Brough, Caithness, KW14 8YE Tel: 01847 851774 Email: [email protected] The most northerly B&B  on the UK mainland - best place to see an annular solar eclipse in 2003!

CAITHNESS RIDERS ACCESS GROUP

Riding routes and Caithness Riders Access Group.  Tina is Chairperson of the local group involved with improving access for horse riders in the County.  You can see details of existing routes  which are continually being updated as we get more routes opened up.  More information on the work of the group at http://www.caithness.org/

We spent a very enjoyable day driving round the route described below.  It was in August so the weather was excellent - weather conditions are not always so favourable!

Parking:     entrance to the Forest just before the bridge.  Space for about 3/4 boxes/trailers without blocking the gate.
Distance:    20 miles round trip - spur to Forsinard about 7 miles
Terrain:        Varying

20 mile ride at Loch More and spur to Forsinard

20 mile route rideable now, except for the cattle grid/bridge at the head of Loch More at ND LR12 072463. Most of the section from Loch More at ND LR12 072463 to Dalnawillan Lodge at ND LR12 030409 is very stony and really only suitable for walking and trotting when it is very dry. It may be softer after rain but even then not suitable for fast work. It would be up to each individual to make up their own minds about the conditions.

After turning towards Loch Dubh the track is in fair condition. At the entrance to the Loch Dhu Forest at ND LR12 015435 there is a cattle grid with a gate beside which has rylock fencing over the whole surface of the gate and has been wired up 

After bearing right at Altnabreac station there is a barrier which could potentially be closed but a horse could get round it. The surface is good and there are long sections where you could have a canter. There are various tracks off the main track which may be possible for short rides. Plenty of parking at Altnabreac station.

There are two cattle grids with gates beside them at ND LR12 049475 and at ND LR12 053475. There is the potential for those gates to be locked, but they were open at the time we drove through.

There are several gates along the route, which were open, but if Fountain Forestry have issues with horse riders using the route, may be closed. There are several nice tracks off the main track where you could have a good gallop, although the main track is stony in places. 

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Last edited: 27-11-02