Skelbo Forest Walk & Skelbo Broch

The forest walks at Skelbo are a great attraction for locals and visitors to the Dornoch area. Accessed a short distance from Dornoch along the A9, this walk includes a wildlife pond, a circular trail through mixed woodland, bridges that cross the Skelbo Burn, and many art installations.

Our Visit to Skelbo Forest Walk

My wife and I have holidayed in the Dornoch area for the last twenty years. We often noticed the signs for Skelbo Forest Walks while making our way to Golspie on the more scenic Loch Fleet route. It wasn't until this year that we finally visited!

My family and I were again staying in a caravan at the lovely Grannie's Heilan' Hame Holiday Park and decided this time we would finally investigate the Skelbo Forest Trail.

Skelbo Woods Car Park

We pulled into the Skelbo Wood Car Park, which we had to ourselves. There were a good number of spaces if it had been busier. As usual, the Forestry Commission provided great information boards that told us everything we needed to know about this short walk.

 

 

We had a little look at the pond to see if we could see any dragonflies. There were none on this occasion, but it was a slightly wetter, overcast day.

The Skelbo Trail - 1 1/2 miles / 2.6 km

We set off on the trail and were determined to see as many of the sculptures/carved wooden animals as we could along the way. The trail paths were well maintained, and it was an interesting walk with meandering curves and dense forest.

 

 

We didn't take long to spot the first sculpture, two woodpeckers.

 

 

During the walk, we saw the following sculptures:

• Woodpeckers

• A spiders web.

• A bat hanging upside down.

• A fox.

• An owl.

• A book with butterflies inside of it.

• A frog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm not sure if we saw them all! If you undertake this walk yourself, let me know if you find any we missed!

Skelbo Broch

About three-quarters of the way along the trail, we found the sign and gate to the Skelbo Broch remains. The sign was informative, but the path was overgrown, and I was worried about the kids getting ticks. So, instead, I flew my drone over the area to see what I could see - not much, sadly. It was way too overgrown to make out anything. If you're going on this walk specifically to visit the Broch, I think you will be disappointed; it's not cleared and maintained like the Carn Liath Broch nearby.

 

 

 

FAQs for Skelbo Forest Walk

How do I get to Skelbo Woods?

Here are directions:

1. The easiest way is to access it from the A9 motorway, which is three miles north of Dornoch.

2. Turn right here following the white sign marked Skelbo.

3. Follow this minor road a short distance and look on your left for the green forestry signs marked Skelbo.

4. Turn left and follow the track to the car park.

If coming from Dornoch, you can take a shortcut, Poles Road, by turning right at the war memorial. Join the A9 and follow the numbered steps above.

Is the walk suitable for dogs?

Yes, this walk would be fantastic for dogs.

Where are the nearest toilets?

The nearest toilets are in Dornoch town centre on Shore Road.

Are there any other places near the Skelbo trail worth visiting?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Skelbo Castle - This castle overlooks Loch Fleet. It's not the most accessible or safest, but you get a great view of it from the parking area at the loch.

• Loch Fleet - This large shallow loch is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds and seals.

• Camore Forest Walk - If you're in the mood for another lovely forest walk, Camore Wood is another brilliant trail about 7 minutes by car from Dornoch.

Key Information

• The Skelbo Forest Walk is located near Dornoch in north Scotland.

• The trail is 1 1/2 miles / 2.6 km long and takes about an hour to complete.

• The route crosses the Skelbo Burn multiple times.

• An Iron Age Broch can be visited, but it is very overgrown with vegetation.

• Dornoch is nearby, with toilets, shops, and great food options.

 

Conclusion

The Skelbo Woods Trail is a great family walk with many lovely features. The paths are well maintained, and the bridges provide added interest. My kids loved hunting for the many wooden sculptures. I highly recommend this walk if you're in the Dornoch area and love picturesque walks through Scots pine woodland.