The best walks and hikes around Culloden

The main car park is at the Culloden Battlefield visitor centre, which is the starting point for many walks across the moor. For woodland trails, the

Culloden Woods car park

Yes, many trails in the area are suitable for walking with dogs. Culloden Wood is particularly popular with local dog walkers. However, when walking on Culloden Moor, especially near livestock like Highland cows, it's essential to keep your dog on a lead and under control.

Certainly. For a shorter, sheltered walk that's great for families, the Spike Memorial Tree Stump – Wooden Bridge in the Forest loop from Smithton is an excellent choice. It's a gentle 1.7-mile (2.7 km) trail through Culloden Wood with minimal elevation gain.

The trails in Culloden Wood offer a sheltered hiking experience through a mix of broadleaf and conifer trees. Paths are typically wide and consist of gravel or earth surfaces, which can be uneven and muddy after rain. Some routes, like the Wooden Bridge in the Forest – St Mary's Well (Clootie Well) loop from Culloden, include some moderate slopes and lead to interesting sites like the historic clootie well.

There is a popular route that connects these two major historical sites. The Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield — Inverness trail is a moderate 7.7-mile (12.3 km) hike that takes you through the countryside between the Bronze Age burial cairns and the famous battlefield.

Yes, you can. The Culloden Viaduct – Culloden Battlefield Cottage loop from Smithton is a longer, moderate hike of 9.6 miles (15.4 km) that incorporates views of the impressive railway viaduct as well as a walk across the historic moor.

The entire area is steeped in history. Besides the battlefield itself, you can hike to the prehistoric

Clava Cairns

The most convenient option is the visitor centre at the

Culloden Battlefield

Trails are a mix of wide gravel paths and uneven earth surfaces. While generally well-maintained, paths, particularly in Culloden Wood, can become muddy and slippery after rainfall. The moor is very exposed and can be windy, so appropriate clothing is recommended.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique combination of natural beauty and profound history, as well as the variety of walks available through both open moorland and sheltered woods.

There are over 10 designated hiking routes around Culloden on komoot. These range from short, easy walks suitable for all abilities to more moderate hikes that take several hours to complete, ensuring there's a trail for every type of explorer.

The main paths, especially around the Culloden Battlefield and within Culloden Wood, are generally clear and easy to follow. For longer routes that combine multiple sites, using a GPS device or the komoot app for navigation is recommended to ensure you stay on track.