The Flows by Road

Drive along the winding strath roads which offer captivating views.

Scenic viewpoints and visitor attractions can be found along the A836 and A897.

A836: Lairg to Tongue to Moine

To visit the Flow Country from Lairg, head north on the single track A836. Heading away from Loch Shin the landscape to the east is dominated by Dalchork Forest, although large areas of the forest have been restored to peatland in recent years.

Just south of the Crask Inn is a viewpoint with information and seating. This is a great place to catch a glimpse of golden or white-tailed eagles or to listen out for greenshank and golden plover as they sing over the peatlands of Cnoc an Alaskie.

At the Crask Inn, the trees disappear to reveal distant views of Ben More Assynt (998m) and Ben Hee (873m) to the west and Ben Klibreck (931m) to the east. In the early morning in spring, it is also sometimes possible to see black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) displaying here.

Continuing northwards the road follows the River Vafastie before entering Altnaharra. The road climbs gently to reveal Ben Loyal (764m) to the north and Ben Hope (927m) to the north-west. All around the peatland is broken up by rocky outcrops. At Loch Staing the road passes between two lochs, and then drops down and along the shore of Loch Loyal. The Cnoc Craggie viewpoint, at the top of Loch Loyal, offers stunning Flow Country panorama!

At the old quarry at Cnoc Craggie you will find a viewpoint that looks over open peatland towards Borgie Forest. Planted on peatland in the 1920s, this was one of the first forests in Scotland planted by Forest and Land Scotland. The straight lines in the peatland in the foreground are an indicator of past peat cutting for fuel.

Travel north from Cnoc Craggie to reach Tongue. From Tongue, you can travel west, across the stunning Kyle of Tongue, to reach Moine House.

Ben Loyal seen across a bog pool near Moine House, near Tongue, Sutherland.

The long stretch of bog between the Kyle of Tongue to the east and Loch Hope to the west is called A Mhoine – meaning moss or peat in Gaelic. It was a difficult and dangerous place for travellers to cross until the Duke of Sutherland had a road built across it in 1830.

As the ruin of Moine House you will find viewpoints with information and two short walks suitable for a wide range of abilities, including wheelchairs.

On a clear day, this is one of the most dramatic locations in the Flow Country. Even when the mountains are hidden in cloud, this is an ideal place to understand why this habitat is called blanket bog. The huge stretch of wet, mossy ground in front of you looks very much like a thick covering draped over the land.

A897: Helmsdale to Forsinard

From the small fishing village of Helmsdale take the single track road towards Melvich and to the heart of the peatlands. You will pass Baile an Or – the site of Scotlands goldrush in 1869, where people still pan for gold today! The landscape opens up with wonderful views of Ben Armine (704m) and Ben Klibreck (961m) to the west and the Ben Griams to the north.

24 miles north of Helmsdale you will reach Forsinard and the RSPB Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve.

People walking along trail to Forsinard lookout tower
Iain Sarjeant

RSPB Forsinard Flows National Nature Reserve is accessible by train, car or bike.

The Visitor Centre is based in the old Forsinard train station, here you can find an interactive exhibit which was produced as part of the Flows to the Future project. Learn about natural and cultural heritage of the Flow Country and the work being done to restore the blanket bog, before heading out onto one of the visitor trails: The Dubh Lochain Trail or the Forsinain Trail.

The 1-mile Dubh Lochain Trail is a great way to explore the bog without getting your feet wet, a boardwalk leads you to the Flows Lookout and through an intricate system of peatland pools. The trail and tower are open at all times, the start point is at the Forsinard Flows Visitor Centre.

North of the visitor centre, you can find Forsinain Trail. This 4-mile waymarked trail crosses farmland, peat bogs and forestry at the heart of the Flow Country.

Look out for dragonflies, and birds such as hen harriers and red throated divers – but also watch your step as the route is very wet.

A9: Helmsdale to Thurso

When the A9 turns inland at Latheron follow the road for 5 miles. At Loch Rangag there is an information point and sweeping views to the South and West over peatlands, including Blar nam Faoileag, the bog of the seagulls. The impressive open landscape is framed to the north and south by windfarms.

There are two walks close to here listed on the Suggested walks page.

Continue north for 18 miles and you will arrive at Thurso, the most northerly town on the UK mainland.