Things to Do around Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve
Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve, a national nature reserve in the Scottish Highlands northwest of Dingwall, is characterized by its distinctive "whale-back" ridge and an 11,000-year-old Ice Age landscape. The terrain features hummocks, ridges, coires, and crags, with diverse habitats ranging from scattered native woodland and shrub-rich heath on lower slopes to moorland and upland communities on the high tops. This varied environment provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, jogging, and more.
Things to Do…
82
Routes
4.5
(393)
Average rating
3548
People visited
5.0
(2)
66
riders
69.7km
05:52
820m
820m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
66.2km
04:48
650m
640m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
23
riders
40.6km
03:56
670m
670m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
17.5km
01:38
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(3)
21
hikers
24.7km
08:42
1,060m
1,060m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(60)
664
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(60)
664
hikers
14.9km
06:46
880m
880m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(79)
427
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
8
riders
21.4km
02:24
760m
760m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
1
riders
15.5km
01:06
140m
140m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
19
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.0
(1)
11
riders
69.9km
05:51
950m
950m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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153
runners
14.9km
02:56
880m
880m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
153
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
30
runners
11.5km
01:32
610m
610m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
13
runners
3.26km
00:22
30m
30m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
54
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
33.4km
02:40
430m
430m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
120km
08:39
1,580m
1,580m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
26.9km
02:33
600m
600m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
riders
175km
07:53
1,740m
1,740m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
17
riders
144km
06:13
1,210m
1,210m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(2)
14
riders
35.7km
01:32
240m
240m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
83.3km
03:34
660m
660m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve?
Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve offers opportunities for hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, and jogging. The reserve's diverse landscape includes trails to the summit and paths through woodlands and river valleys. Komoot provides various guides, such as Hiking around Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve and Cycling around Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve.
What is the main hiking attraction in Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve?
The primary hiking attraction is the ascent to Glas Leathad Mòr, the highest point of Ben Wyvis at 3,432 feet (1,046 m). This hike typically takes around six hours for a round trip. It offers panoramic views across the Highlands.
Are there easy hiking trails in Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve?
Yes, the reserve offers easier trails exploring the foothills and river valleys, suitable for less strenuous walks. Komoot provides a guide for Easy hikes around Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve. These paths traverse woodlands, moorlands, and river valleys.
How long does it take to hike to the summit of Ben Wyvis?
A round trip hike to the summit of Glas Leathad Mòr typically takes around six hours. A popular route is 4 miles (6.5 km) long, starting from the car park and ascending to An Cabar and along the summit ridge.
Are there cycling routes in Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve?
While dedicated mountain biking trails are not explicitly within the reserve, surrounding areas and forestry tracks provide cycling opportunities. Komoot offers guides like Cycling around Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve and MTB Trails around Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve.
Are there family-friendly walks in Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve?
Yes, the reserve includes paths suitable for families, particularly in the foothills and river valleys. Komoot features a dedicated guide for Family-friendly hikes around Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve. These routes offer accessible options for various age groups.
What unique natural features are found in Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve?
Ben Wyvis is known for its 11,000-year-old Ice Age landscape, featuring hummocks, ridges, and crags. Its most famous feature is the extensive springy carpet of woolly hair-moss on the summit plateau, a rare semi-arctic habitat. This moss provides ideal nesting grounds for the dotterel.
What wildlife can be seen in Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve?
The reserve is home to a significant portion of Great Britain's breeding dotterel population. Other notable wildlife includes ptarmigan and mountain hares, often seen in their seasonal plumage. Golden eagles are also occasionally spotted in the area.
What is the average rating for routes in Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve on Komoot?
Routes in Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve have an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars on Komoot. More than 22,000 visitors have shared their experiences, contributing to over 3,000 ratings.
Where can I find Komoot guides for Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve?
Komoot offers several guides for the reserve, including Hiking around Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve, Cycling around Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve, and Running Trails around Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve. Other guides cover easy hikes, family-friendly routes, and waterfall hikes.
What is the official website for Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve?
The official website for Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve is managed by NatureScot. It can be found at nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/scotlands-national-nature-reserves/ben-wyvis-national-nature-reserve. This site provides further information about the reserve.
What is the highest point in Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve?
The highest point in Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve is Glas Leathad Mòr, which reaches an elevation of 3,432 feet (1,046 m). It is part of the distinctive 'whale-back' ridge that defines the reserve's landscape.
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