Welcome
The Dubh-lochain trail is one mile long and starts near the reserve visitor centre at Forsinard.
A flagstone path makes walking over the bog easier, although you need to take care as the surface can be uneven and wet at times, as well as icy in the winter.
The boardwalk gives easy access to the pools and takes you to the Flows Lookout Tower, from where you can enjoy the landscape views. Look out for basking lizards on the wooden surface!
Both paths allow you to experience the bog in miniature with a variety of peatland plants such as sundews, the magnificent bogbean, bog asphodel, cotton grass and heather on show in summer.

Level access
There is level access from the car park to:
Visitor Centre Picnic AreaHearing
Visual
Getting here
For further information on accessible travel in Scotland, go to Transport Scotland.Travel by public transport
Our visitor centre is in the former station building at Forsinard on the Wick-Inverness railway line, so simply get off the train at Forsinard. It isn't a request stop and there are regular trains. You can check the times at scotrail.co.uk.
Entrances to the viewing tower and nature trail are to the South of the railway level crossing.
Travel by taxi
Grove Taxis' local driver undertakes contracted runs during school term times so unavailable between 07:00-09:00hours and 15:00-17:00hours. Best to book in advance of your requirement.
Although the taxi is not wheelchair accessible it does have room to store a wheelchair and they have a step to make accessing the taxi minibus easier.
Parking
There are 2 designated accessibility parking spaces in the car park beside the visitor centre. We also have an additional larger car park but it does not have designated accessibility parking and has a covering of mixed aggregate stone.
To get to the start of the boardwalk taking you out to the viewing tower, from the car parks you go south along the main A897 single track road (no pavements), cross a railway level crossing and the boardwalk entrance is off the tarmac road, over a small grassy verge onto the boardwalk. Slightly uneven surfaces.
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
Boardwalk entrance is off the tarmac road, over a small grassy verge onto the boardwalk. Slightly uneven surfaces.
Getting around inside
Public toilet
Visitor Centre Toilet
Pricing is based on RSPB Member or Non-member rather than concessions. Access to nature trail and viewing tower is free.
Visitor Centre toilet - access only during Visitor Centre opening times. Only one toilet in building. Fixed handrails on one side and a drop down handrail on the other. Sink height 810mm.
Includes a baby/young child changing facility within toilet room.
Getting around outside
Designated Walking Trail
Viewing Tower Boardwalk
The boardwalk is 1200mm wide, gently undulating, has no edging or handrail and currently has one bench approximately half way along the walk to the viewing tower with plans to install a second bench.
The viewing tower has two levels. The ground level has flat entry and the first floor level is via a staircase with no lift.
Designated Walking Trail
Dubh-lochain Trail
A flagstone path makes walking over the bog easier, although you need to take care as the surface can be uneven, wet and icy.
Unfortunately due to the nature of the peatlands it has not been possible to make the Dubh-lochain trail accessible to all abilities at this time. However the boardwalk to the Viewing Tower provides reasonably easy access, enabling a wide range of people to experience the pool system.
Picnic Area
Visitor Centre Picnic Area
Gate access, top closing, height 1410mm
Sloping, gravel path with slightly raised edge, width 1220mm.
2 picnic tables which a wheelchair user could potentially park beside.
Additional car parking area
Car parking area which you cross the A897 to get to the Visitor Centre. Space for 13 vehicles. No designated accessible spaces in this section and surface is gravel/stone chippings until you reach tarmac at carpark entrance.
Customer care support
Accessibility equipment
Our introduction guide is available in braille.
The Red Cross Centre mentioned above hire out transit and self propelling wheelchairs, advisable to book in advance.
Assistance dogs are allowed in the visitor centre and on the trails. Please keep all dogs on a short lead or under close control at all times.
Emergency evacuation procedures
Both the main entrance and emergency exit have permanent ramps in place on the outside of the building. Fire alarm is a loud audible alarm.
Emergency exit door is push bar operated, push bar height 1000mm, door width 810mm.
Customer care support
The introduction is available in braille in our Visitor Centre.