Gearrchoille Wood lies south of Ardgay, and Loch Migdale is near Ardgay. The different themes offer practical starting points for planning your trip—from construction history to outdoor activities.

Bridges and Construction History

Ardgay’s railway bridge dates from 1888. Ardgay Ice House is a Category B listed building. Carron Bridge over the River Carron is also a Category B listed structure and is considered an unusually early road bridge in the Scottish Highlands. Ardgay Bridge over the same river was built by Alexander Thomas Luirson in 1818. The year 1818 anchors its construction history; the railway bridge followed in 1888. Carron Bridge is additionally notable for being classed as an unusually early road bridge. Thus, the historical themes include both specific construction dates and a distinctive classification of bridge type.

Gearrchoille Wood and Walking Routes

Gearrchoille Wood is a 30-acre, semi-natural ancient woodland south of Ardgay, dominated mainly by oak and birch. An old drove road runs through the woodland. Cattle drovers used it on their way to markets, linking the landscape with its former use. Another walking option is the Badvoon Forest circuit, a circular route south of Ardgay above the Dornoch Firth. It runs mostly along forest and Land Rover tracks, as well as a short, partly waymarked, heathland-style path. So the terrain varies along the circuit. As conditions can change seasonally, check them before your walk.

Loch Migdale: Archaeology and Water Sports

Loch Migdale contains an Iron Age crannog: an artificial island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. A small henge, a cairn and a roundhouse site are probably older than the crannog and point to settlement in the area during the Bronze Age. This means traces from different prehistoric periods can be found alongside one another at the loch, although the earlier dating of the three other sites is considered probable. Loch Migdale near Ardgay is also suitable for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing. Conditions and permissions can vary locally; check these in advance for your planned activity.

Getting There and Local History

Trains on the Inverness–Wick line stop at Ardgay. The village is 9.7 kilometres east of the Ledmore & Migdale woodland. If you are planning to travel by train, check the timetable for your travel dates, as train services can change.

Croick Church lies about 10 miles west of Ardgay. In its east window, engraved messages commemorate the 1845 Clearances of Glencalvie. This gives the site a specific historical focus. The Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society is based at the Old Church of Kincardine on the A836, which runs through Ardgay. If you are planning a visit, check the visiting arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Onich, Teangue, Totscore, Lairg, Mey, Contin, Aird Of Sleat, Invermoriston.

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