Culag Woods, Lochinver

Culag Woods

A community trust manages a 40-hectare (99 acres) woodland area on the edge of Lochinver, with trails offering a wonderful mix of forest and coastal scenery, with views to the eye-catching conical summit of Suilven.

The Culag Community Woodland Trust also manages the Little Assynt estate, covering 1,200 hectares (almost 3000 acres) on the edge of Loch Assynt, about 5 miles inland of Lochinver.

A typical Culag woodland trail

The Woodland

Culag Woods is a haven for grey herons. Herons congregate at Culag to nest during the breeding season. You can see them building nests as early as March. Look in the highest branches of spruce trees.

Other woodland species include great spotted woodpeckers, and the willow warbler, a migratory species that arrives from Africa in spring. Near the Shore Path in the southern part of the woodland is a bog where dragonflies flourish, and in sunny openings you will find speckled wood butterflies. In the evening you can see tawny owls and common pipistrelle bats.

Coastal scenery from the viewpoint

A trail leads to the small beach at White Shore, a popular spot for family picnics.

Another path leads to a viewpoint with several benches. From the first bench, you can get wonderful views over Lochinver, and from the second seat you get a panoramic view towards Suilven, with its distinctive sugarloaf shape.

Autumn colours in Culag Woods

Getting There

Culag Woods is located on the south-western bank of the Culag River, reachable off the minor road to Inverkirkaig. There are two parking areas, one at the northern end of the woodland, near the Culag Hotel, known as the Woodside car park, and the other at the southern end of the woodland area.

The Woods is easily accessible on foot from central Lochinver and from Billy's Path, behind the Coastguard and Lifeboat station in the harbour. The main car park is about a 10-minute walk from the village centre.

There are maps at each car park along with public notice boards. There are also play areas for children.