Fyrish Monument Circular, Evanton

The Fyrish Monument on the summit of Cnoc Fyrish (452m) is a replica of the Gate of Negapatam, built in 1782 by General Sir Hector Munro to provide employment for local people at a time of hardship following the Highland Clearances. The monument, a row of arched stone gateways that would not look out of place in Tamil Nadu, sits incongruously and magnificently on the Scottish moorland summit with the Cromarty Firth spread far below. The walk from the forestry car park climbs through plantation woodland before breaking out onto open heather moorland for the final ascent to the summit.

This is an excellent dog friendly walk with high off-lead potential once clear of the plantation woodland on the lower slopes. The open moorland above the tree line is unfenced, virtually free of livestock and gives dogs considerable freedom. The summit itself is wide and grassy around the monument base, making it a pleasant spot for dogs to roam while owners take in the views. The panorama from the top extends over the Cromarty Firth to the Black Isle and Chanonry Point, north to the Easter Ross coast and on very clear days to Caithness and Sutherland. A walk with a genuine historical curiosity at its heart and excellent walking quality to match.