ACTIVE OUTDOORS: Explore the forest trails where Strathpuffer bikers have a blast
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It feels like the winter weather has been a bit grim this year, but there have been odd days which have led to some glorious conditions.
We had to take advantage of one of these rare weather windows to get some fresh air and sunlight, so we dragged the children – not quite kicking and screaming but at least one of them was protesting – to Contin.
There are wonderful trails here which by now will be battered and bruised from last weekend’s Strathpuffer 24-hour mountain bike event.
As we walked around the View Rock trail, I was remembering all the twists and turns – not to mention freezing cold hands – from when I took part. I did the ‘Puffer in 2015 and 2016 before deciding enough was enough, but being back here always makes me feel tempted to give it another go. Maybe next year!
There’s a forestry car park at the western edge of the village which is the starting point for a couple of nice walks. The Black Water Trail is a flat half-mile plod above the river, so we thought we’d opt for the longer View Rock Trail, which leads up through pine and heather woodland to a viewpoint overlooking the Strathconon hills.
It starts by crossing a grassy field with picnic benches to reach a tall marker post pointing up the hill. The path soon crosses the first bit of forestry vehicle track and continues climbing to a set of small steps to cross the track higher up.
Immediately after a third crossing, where the green walking route splits, we decided to go straight over and follow the path to the right, which reaches the View Rock sooner.
The light through the trees was beautiful and after some dark, damp days spent between the house and the office, it was lovely to be out and about once again among trees and the sounds of nature.
We passed a section I was familiar with from the bike – a rocky route caked in mud, if I remember rightly! But our route stayed left of that more rugged trail, following a well-made and wider path over another track then onwards up a steepening climb at the edge of some pine trees.
Looking back, we could see the snow-covered hills of Strathconon, looking rather enticing in this light and on a nice, calm day. There are a few interesting little wood carvings – which helped to divert the children from the incessant climb!
Having said that, Matthew was clearly enjoying the experience, rushing ahead and determined to be in the lead all the way around, despite the hills.
The route bends left before a final push to the high viewpoint. The rocks here provide a viewing platform, but the trees have grown so tall that they interfere with what’s on the horizon. Still, it’s a lovely spot to pause and share a snack before continuing on your way.
A nice and well-earned downhill stretch follows, and we could see the white mass of Ben Wyvis through the green of the pine needles as we followed the path down S-bends to a flat section, where there was a tiny bit of ice that stopped Matthew in his tracks.
Keeping left at a couple of junctions, we stayed on the main path, looking out for the green marker posts, until we came to a well-aged wooden signpost, with lichen well established on its arms. It pointed 1 mile to Contin to the left.
It’s possible to detour right here (or at the previous junction) to reach Loch na Crann which is a great spot for wildlife including dragonflies in the summer, and a nice spot to visit at any time.
We continued towards Contin, and into the late afternoon sun as it rippled through the trunks of the trees, bathing the forest in beautiful soft light and shade.
Eventually this path merged onto a forest track – one that connects Contin to Garve and is a great off-road bike route for anyone looking for some tamer riding than the ‘Puffer competitors endured.
From here it’s an easy downhill plod to reach the outward route at the third track crossing, where you head right and follow the path back to the car park.
We did try to persuade the children to do the extra half a mile on the Black Water trail, but nothing was going to convince them to walk any further now we were back at the car!
Route details
View Rock trail, Contin Forest
Distance 3 miles / 5km
Terrain Well-made paths and forest tracks
Start/finish Contin Forest car park
Map OS Landranger 26; OS Explorer 437
A forest trail through woodland where the famous Strathpuffer 24-hour mountain bike race takes place
Click here to see the route in OS Maps
