A hidden gem on the edge of lnverness.
DFC members met at a small parking area just off Dores Road – the start of the South Loch Ness Trail which ends at Fort August. This is marked by posts along the way bearing a small squirrel symbol. The wide path runs parallel with the busy Dores Road for a bit and on this misty morning whin bushes glistened with myriads of spider webs. The woods here are a mixture of broadleaved trees with blueberry bushes below.
The group left the main path to follow one through the estate called Ness Castle. In the 1760’s a Scot called Simon Fraser, who was a merchant in Gibraltar, acquired farm land near the town. There is no evidence of a castle but the grounds must have been large. It passed through many owners over the years and a large mansion stands at the centre. Huge oak and ash trees impressed the walkers.
At one point can be seen the brick base of a Nissen Hut. During WW2 the mansion housed officers and several Nissen Huts were used by lower ranks and Italian POWs.
The Holm Burn runs through the woods sometimes creating a deep gorge. Years of fallen leaves have made rich earthy banks which the burn is gradually undercutting. High above is the site of a motte but slippy steep banks are impossible to climb from this position. Towards the end of this circular walk a newly fallen tree meant the members had to tackle a mini assault course. Now surrounded by an ever increasing housing estate it is to be hoped that this excellent wild woodland will survive. The members were delighted to see the numbers of runners, bikers and dog walkers making use of the Ness Castle area so convenient for city dwellers.
