A beautiful location in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Located Grotaig, Drumnadrochit, Highland. ## Region This wood is in the [Northern Scotland](https://tom.woodlands.co.uk/buying-a-wood/northern-scotland) region. ## Agent This wood is managed by Torquil Varty and Rachel Bower. They can be contacted by email torquilandrachel@woodlands.co.uk or phone 01307 467393 07803 903 203 . ## DescriptionTorry Wood sits on the far edge of the greater woodland at Grotaig, slightly higher and looking back across the beauty of the valley. The access track is very good with minimal maintenance required, with a generous turning circle at this far end.
The wood is very open with stands of mature birch and willow towards the edges, while young self seeded birch and hemlock are starting to pop up in the large open area. This would be a great project for someone looking to plant trees and increase the diversity of the woods. More shrubby hedgerow species would do well along the fringes creating shelter for more slower growing hardwood trees.
The wood as it stands has a good stock of birch for natural regeneration however a greater diversity of species will help to attract different birds and insects.
These are very private woodlands that do not attract many passers-by of the human variety, and though close to Loch Ness and the Great Glen Way, there is isolation here which can sometimes be hard to find.
### TreesFor those looking for a practical project, there is great scope for planting in this woodland. Although there are trees on three sides there is a large central area that would be perfect for woodland creation; deer protection would be necessary!
### WildlifeThe woods at Grotaig are alive with wildlife: throughout the woods there are numerous anthills of formica aquilonia, the Scottish wood ant found only in the highlands of Scotland. Wood ants are known to be ‘key-stone’ species in the ecosystems of which they are a part, playing a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance between organisms in the ecosystem. They are currently declared as an ' at risk ' species and as such all care should be taken to preserve their habitat..
### FeaturesThe woods at Grotaig have something for everyone, from small to large, but sometimes it is the smaller details that are most fascinating. The world of the ants is something to behold, their social structures creating a complex world that works in magnificent harmony. The dizzying array of sphagnum mosses ( there are up to 30 different varieties in the UK), many to be found around Grotaig. Diversity breeds diversity as can be seen with the explosion of fungi and mushrooms towards late summer.
### Access, tracks and footpathsThere is a well laid stone track leading directly to the entrance of the wood with plenty of space for stacking timber or other working tasks.
### Rights and covenantsAll sporting rights are included with the sale.
As is the case for all our woodlands, the purchaser will be asked to enter into a covenant which serves to protect the peace and quiet of the woodland. ### ActivitiesThe views from Torry Wood are amazing with many fantastic locations for siting a woodland shelter or setting up a camping spot. It is the perfect spot to take time out from modern day stresses.
### Local area and historyTorry Wood is nestled between Drumnadrochit and Invermoriston, at one time the main woodland track connected the two settlements as a droving road. It is perfectly located to explore nearby Glen Affric described as the most beautiful glen in Scotland and is home to one of the largest remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest. To the north and east is the bustling city of Inverness and the nearby Black Isle, a popular tourist destination as well as dolphin watching.
Closer to home is the nearby Urquhart Castle fought over several times by English and Scottish forces: no doubt the woods would have been part of the hunting grounds of this once grand castle.
To the south west is Fort Augustus, further still Fort William and the great Nevis range and the delights of the West Coast.
## Location * OS Landranger: OS No. 26 * Grid ref: NH 484 227 * Nearest post code: IV63 6XH * GPS coordinates: 57.2701, -4.51522 ### DirectionsFrom Inverness: