Garve lies on the Black Water River. The village combines short riverside paths with longer routes and a history of cattle drovers and a military road. When planning, it is worth considering length, surface and gradients: the paths have different profiles that cannot be understood from their names alone.
Paths along the river and through the forest
The Village River Path in Garve is a 0.5 km-long, surfaced stone path. Tor Breac is a 1.4 km-long core path on a forest road. The Silverbridge Circuit covers 3.6 km and combines surfaced sections with an earth track. The three routes therefore differ both in length and in their described surfaces—from a short stone path to a longer route with varying surfaces.
Another path follows the Black Water River between Wade’s Bridge and Silverbridge: the Two Bridges Trail. Peaty pools and rushing rapids characterise the river landscape described here. The trail is 3.3 km long; allow about 1½ hours for the route. Take the terrain into account too: there are moderate and steep gradients, as well as sections with uneven, rough earth and rocky ground.
In the Garve area, there is also a scenic riverside path between Silverbridge and Wade’s Bridge. It is next to the Wyvis Natural Play Park, a facility in the village.
Traces of different route histories
Silverbridge is part of an old route used by cattle drovers travelling to markets in the south. Another historic trace is Little Garve Bridge: it was built around 1762 as part of the military road from Contin to Poolewe. The bridge is considered a well-preserved example of an 18th-century military road bridge and is of national importance.
The two stories relate to different journeys through this area: Silverbridge’s history concerns droving and markets, while the bridge belongs to a military road connection. For those interested in heritage, this provides a specific reason, alongside the riverside paths, to consider the historic role of routes and connections.
Getting there and finding your way
The A835 passes through Garve and connects Inverness with Ullapool. Garve railway station is served regularly by the service to Kyle of Lochalsh. Bus services in the Garve area also run to Dingwall and/or Inverness, and to Ullapool, Gairloch and Lochcarron. If you are planning to travel by train or bus, check the timetable for your travel dates before finalising your journey.
Little Garve car park is about 2 miles north of Garve and is signposted from the A835.
Nature and activities nearby
Near Garve, Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve offers views across the Highlands and unique mountain habitats. Horse riding is also among the area’s leisure activities: there are many opportunities for it around Garve. Together with the riverside paths, this gives a picture of the area’s varied nature and activities, without assuming a particular day route.
When choosing a hotel in Garve, you could first consider which of these aspects of the village you want to shape your stay: the paths along the Black Water, the history of the old routes, or access to the transport options mentioned. If travelling by public transport is part of your plan, check the connections against your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Polloch, Isleornsay, Altandhu, Glenmore, Strathan, Fort William, Ballachulish, Letterfinlay
Back to the main travel overview: Highland.
