Cawdor Castle and Woods Walk
This circular walk visits Cawdor Castle before exploring the surrounding Cawdor Woods in the Highlands.
You can start the walk from the historic Cawdor Castle which dates to the 15th century. The castle is surrounded by beautiful grounds and gardens including a Walled Garden originally planted in the 17th century. It is connected to William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, in which the title character is made "Thane of Cawdor".
To the south of the castle you will find miles of peaceful waymarked woodland trails in Cawdor Woods. The ancient oakwood woodland includes numerous species of trees and 100 species of lichen. In the spring there's also lots pretty bluebells to see. Look out for wildlife including capercaillie, waxwings and other woodland birds in this lovely area.
After exploring the woods you can head north past the castle to enjoy another circular walk along the Cawdor Burn. Here you will pass the confluence of the Cawdor Burn and the River Nairn and enjoy some fine countryside views.
Postcode
IV12 5RD - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsCawdor Castle and Woods Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Cawdor Castle and Woods Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Cawdor Castle and Woods OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Cawdor Castle and Woods Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The on site Courtyard Café sells a fine range of meals and snacks. You can sit outside and enjoy lovely views of the Flower Gardens. The meals include organic produce from the castle's own vegetable gardens and wild game from the Estate.
Dog Walking
The castle is dog friendly with a dedicated dog walking loop. However, dogs are not permitted within the immediate grounds of the Castle or the historic gardens. The expansive woods are ideal for dog walking.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head west and there's more interesting local history at the Culloden Battlefield. The historic site includes decent footpaths, a visitor centre and a museum where you can learn all about the Jacobite Rising in 1746. On the south eastern side of the battlefield there's also the Clava Cairns and the Culloden Viaduct. The ancient Bronze Age site includes prehistoric burial monuments and the remains of a medieval chapel. It's also a short walk from the eye catching Culloden Viaduct which carries the Highland Main Line over the River Nairn.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Cawdor Castle gardens
Cawdor Castle
Gardens view
Cawdor Big Wood. Cawdor Big Wood extends to a couple of square kilometres of mature deciduous and native scots pine woodland covered by conservation designations and agreements. Here at the west side the woodland is primarily open oak and beech woodland, with a wonderful carpet of bluebells appearing from the woodrush every June.
The Grey Stone
Allt Dearg
Confluence of Cawdor Burn and the River Nairn
Cawdor Burn