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An old farm with open views and peaceful trails

Sibster

Take it easy at Sibster

Sibster is a new broadleaf woodland on the site of an old Caithness farm – and one of the few forests you can actually get to by train.

You'll see traditional slab fences and drystone dykes, as well as brightly-coloured wildflowers amongst the young growing trees. There are gentle trails and wide open views across the vast Caithness landscape whatever time of year you visit. Come back again and again and follow the forest taking shape.

Our map guide to the forests of the Far North will help you explore Sibster and other forest trails in Sutherland.

Notice

  • The Bee Trail is closed until 24 September for essential maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Parking Picnic area Walking

Life's essentials

The nearest toilets and places to eat are in Halkirk and Thurso, 2 miles (3.2 km) and 6 miles (9.6 km) away respectively.

Walking trails

Please note The Bee Trail is closed until 24 September for essential maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience.


Rowan Trail

A short stroll around this newly-planted former farmland to a fine picnic site beside a small waterfall.

Firm gravel path throughout with loose surface stones. Moderate slopes and two short fairly steep ramps.   

Moderate

¾ miles /
1.3 km
Allow
½ hour

More information...

Bee Trail (closed)

Bumble along through the wildflower meadows by the Sibster Burn that are protected as a bumble bee conservation area.

Firm gravel surface throughout, with loose surface stones and a more uneven section. Moderate slopes and two fairly steep ramps.

Moderate

2 miles /
3.2 km
Allow
1 hour

More information...

Cycling trails


Mountain biking trails


Explore on horseback

Horse riders are welcome in the forest. You'll find horsebox parking along the Sibster farm track, about 100 yards (100 metres) from the car park entrance.

A forest for the future

We planted 350,000 trees here in 2010 and the alder, beech, birch, oak and rowan are slowly growing into a sheltered haven for wildlife and visitors. It's already a great place to spot small birds and rare insects - like the great yellow bumblebee, which feeds off Sibster's many wildflowers.

The humming of contented bees isn't the only sound you'll hear in Sibster. The North Highland railway line runs through the forest and the peaceful Caithness air is sometimes shattered by the sudden thunder of trains! For those arriving by rail there's a direct path into the forest from the station at Georgemas Junction.

Sibster is one of several new forests that are quietly tackling climate change in Scotland. Growing trees absorb the greenhouse gas CO2, removing carbon from the atmosphere and locking it up safely for many years.

Sibster is a 'carbon capture woodland' where we've carefully choosen the best combination of site and species to store carbon. That's why you'll see a mix of native broadleaves here, with some conifers too.

Contact: North Highland Forest District

Address: The Links, Golspie Business Park, Golspie

Postcode: KW10 6UB

Telephone: 0300 067 6850

Email: northhighland@forestry.gsi.gov.uk


How to get here

From Thurso, take the A9 south for 6 miles (9.6 km). You'll see Sibster car park on your right, before you reach Georgemas Junction railway station.

Coming from the south, stay on the A9 past Georgemas Junction railway station. The entrance to the car park is on your left about ¼ mile (400 metres) after the station.

The car park is at grid reference ND 155 596.

Using SatNav?

KW12 6XA is the nearest postcode, at Georgemas Junction station.

Public transport

Sibster car park is five minutes’ walk from Georgemas Junction railway station. There's a direct path from the station car park into the forest, avoiding the main road. All trains from Inverness to Wick and Thurso stop here. For times and fares see Scotrail.

Nearby places

There's another newly-planted forest at Newton Hill Croft near Wick as well as short trails with great views in Borgie Glen and Borgie Breco on the north coast near Bettyhill.


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For questions and complaints, please contact us directly.