Loch Kinellan & Knockfarrel
Head to Strathpeffer and approximately 1 mile from the entrance sign there is a sharp right sign signposted Blackmuir Woods. Access by car from Loch Ussie. A small car park right on the edge of the ridge can be accessed by a rough track leading off the public road on the north side of the loch. From Blackmuir Wood car park, cross the A834 and a choice of routes leads up to Loch Kinellan, the western-most of which passes alongside Kinellan Pond.
This is a good site for Ruddy Duck and Water Rail and can attract scarce ducks like Pochard and Gadwall, while Loch Kinellan itself is noted for Slavonian Grebe. A delightful circular walk of Loch Kinellan will produce numerous species in the breeding season, including Whinchat and Tree Pipit. Long-eared Owls breed nearby and Red Kite and Osprey are often seen, along with occasional Goshawk.
Knockfarrel is an excellent vantage point overlooking Strathpeffer that can be accessed on foot through Blackmuir Wood or by car from Loch Ussie. A small car park right on the edge of the ridge can be accessed by a rough track leading off the public road on the north side of the loch. This often gives superb views of Red Kites and, outside the breeding season, geese and Whooper Swans often fly past at eye level.
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