Cnoc Fyrish

Cnoc Fyrish

Overview

Cnoc Fyrish rises to 453 m above the Cromarty Firth, near Alness and Evanton in Easter Ross. It is a Tump with 77 m of prominence. Woodland covers the lower slopes, giving way to open moorland and the distinctive Fyrish Monument. The natural summit at NH607697 is unmarked ground just north of the monument; visiting the arches and locating the hill’s high point are separate things.

Routes

Jubilee Path return

Start at the Fyrish/Jubilee car park on the Boath road, around NH627715. Follow the signed path through the woods, crossing forestry tracks and the burn footbridge, then pass the lochan and continue onto the open summit area. Visit the monument and return down the same path to the same car park. The whole outing is about 6 km; allow 2–2.5 hours in ordinary conditions. It includes repeated rises, steps and steeper gravelly sections.

Walkhighlands also describes a short signed return variation near the lochan: take the left branch on descent, turn right at the T-junction and then left when you regain the outward path.

Shoulder and forestry circuit

Gillian’s longer circuit uses the same car park but leaves the Jubilee Path at the crossroads beyond the burn to climb the western shoulder. After the monument it descends northwest, turns north into the narrower woodland trail and rejoins the Jubilee Path for the return to the car park. Follow the mapped junctions carefully. The published circuit is 4.42 miles, about 7.1 km, with an average time of 2 hours 50 minutes. Its boggy forestry section and loose gravel make it less straightforward than simply retracing the main path.

Both figures describe complete outings back to their starting car park. Neither includes a visit to all three estate monuments, a climb of Cnoc Ceislein or travel from Alness station.

Access and parking

The car park is on the minor road towards Boath, reached from the B9176 north-west of Alness. NH627714 and NH627715 are guide references to the same trailhead area. Visitors walk or cycle from there; the monument is not a drive-up attraction. Keep passing places, gates and working access clear. Check current estate and Highland Council notices, and follow any signs or forestry diversions on arrival. The dated June 2025 filming restrictions are past, not a standing closure.

Terrain and safety

Expect woodland tracks, uneven stone steps, a footbridge and open moorland. Wet or icy steps and loose gravel can be slippery; the longer loop has boggier, narrower paths and several junctions. The summit area catches wind and can be hidden by cloud despite the hill’s modest height. Carry suitable footwear, warm layers, waterproofs, navigation, water, food and a headtorch. Leave enough daylight for the return and choose a route that suits the weather and the group. Call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue, in an emergency.

These are shared paths in working woods. Respect other visitors, land-management notices and wildlife; keep dogs under close control. Do not climb the historic masonry and take litter home.

Geology and views

The hill is associated with conglomerate and pebbly sandstone of the Old Red Sandstone. Ancient rivers deposited the gravel and sand; older granite occurs as fragments within the sedimentary rock. In clear weather the views include the Cromarty Firth, Black Isle, North Sea and Ben Wyvis to the west.

Transport and facilities

Alness has a railway station and regional bus services, as well as shops and cafés. Some buses serve Evanton. Neither town arrival should be confused with arrival at the Jubilee car park: plan the extra walk or taxi and the last return service. Carry your supplies and do not rely on toilets, drinking water or refreshments at the trailhead or hilltop.

Name and history

Fyrish is an old local place-name whose origin remains uncertain. Watson proposed a Norse pine-tree derivation, then reconsidered a possible Pictish origin. A definite “great wood” translation is not supported.

General Sir Hector Munro of Novar commissioned the Category B listed monument in the 1780s. The ruin-like arches are traditionally associated with the gates of Negapatam, India. Accounts of employment during food shortages belong to local tradition; the tale of stones being rolled downhill to prolong the work is folklore. Smaller follies stand on Creag Ruadh and Meann Chnoc, away from the standard Jubilee outing.

Nearby hills

Cnoc Ceislein (523 m) is the higher hill to the north-west; Mean Chnoc (317 m) lies to the south-west. Ben Wyvis – Glas Leathad Mor (1046 m) is farther west and requires a separate mountain day.