Hill 99 trail

This waymarked trail through the forest is a two to three hour walking route and is ideal for first-time visitors.

The path leaves the main Culbin car park at Wellhill and winds along dry, sandy paths through the forest to the Gravelpit Ponds, a pretty stop for a picnic or for birdwatching.

From there the route wanders along forest tracks, across shingle ridges and through lichen beds, then climbs Hill 99, Culbin's highest sand dune at 99 feet high.

The viewpoint tower

Here, a state-of-the-art ‘squirrel’s-eye’ viewpoint will take you high into the treetop canopy. On a clear day you will see the sea to the north with the hills of Sutherland beyond – not to mention the green, rolling canopy of Culbin pines.

Meandering down through the mossy glades of Hill 99, the trail then stops at the Dragonfly Pond, teeming with wildlife, before leading you back towards the entrance at Wellhill.

Accessibility

The Hill 99 viewpoint trail has been designed as accessible for walkers of all ages and for wheelchair users. There are benches at the Gravel-pit Ponds and Dragonfly Pond, and perches on the way up to and down from Hill 99.

The path is reasonably level with a solid, sandy surface. The hilliest section (up to the viewpoint, between junctions 44 and 45) can be easily bypassed by a straight, level forest track if preferred. Perches are available at each of these junctions for those who wish to wait for others completing the higher section.

The viewpoint tower is accessible to wheelchair users up to its mid-point, which still allows fine views out into the forest and beyond. Stairs lead beyond this mid height to the very top, up above the tree canopy.

• Check before you go - for details of trail closures, diversions and changes to listed events see the updates page.