Fyrish Monument stands on Cnoc Fyrish above the Cromarty Firth, near Alness and Evanton in the Highland area of Ross and Cromarty. The Jubilee Path leads from the Fyrish Monument car park to the hilltop; from the Commercial Hotel, the monument is about 3.3 miles away.
- Walk start: Fyrish Monument car park on Boath Road, off the B1796.
- Standard route: 3.75 miles return, with 292 m of ascent.
- Walking time: 2–2.5 hours.
- Terrain: Woodland path, footbridges, stone steps and open moorland.
Where the Fyrish Monument walk starts
The walk begins at the Fyrish Monument car park on Boath Road, off the B1796. Novar Estate says you must walk or cycle from the car park to reach the monument, so plan to complete the final approach on foot or by bike.
Alness has bus and train services, but starting the walk in town adds 1.2 miles in each direction. The route information does not give a public-transport connection between Alness and the Jubilee Path car park, so arrange how you will get to the trailhead before setting out. For details on the car park and access, see Fyrish Monument parking and trailhead access.
Choosing a route to the summit
The signposted Jubilee Path is the standard route to the monument. From the car park, go through the gate and follow the path; at a forestry track crossing, continue straight ahead, following the marker post.
The path climbs and dips through woodland, crossing burns on footbridges and passing stone steps on the hillside. It then emerges onto open moorland, with the monument ahead. The route’s varied ground makes the woodland approach part of the walk, rather than a direct climb to the summit.
There is an optional variation on the return: at the crossroads beyond the lochan, take the signed alternative track, then turn right at a T-junction to rejoin the original path. The history of Fyrish Monument near Alness explains the story associated with the structure.
Distance, ascent, and trail conditions
The standard Fyrish walk is 3.75 miles return, with 292 m of ascent, and takes an estimated 2–2.5 hours of walking. Allow for repeated ups and downs on the woodland path, along with stone steps and a footbridge over a burn, before the route crosses open moorland.
Novar Estate also describes the Jubilee Path as an undulating ascent through woodland, over footbridges and down stone steps before reaching the open hillside. The estate notes these features but does not state that the route is wheelchair-accessible.
What to know before setting out
The monument is a late-18th-century structure made up of nine circular rubble piers, with pointed arches linking the central four. It is a Category B listed building.
The Highland Historic Environment Record attributes it to General Sir Hector Munro of Novar and says it is understood to represent the gates of Negapatam, the scene of one of his victories in India.
At the summit, the views extend across the Cromarty Firth, from the North Sea inland toward Ben Wyvis. For current access information, check the official site before you go: Novar Estate provides details about the Jubilee Path.
The History of Fyrish Monument near Alness gives more context on the monument’s connection with General Sir Hector Munro and Negapatam.
Returning to Alness
The standard route returns to the car park by the same path, unless you take the signed alternative at the crossroads beyond the lochan. If you began in Alness rather than at the car park, account for an additional 1.2 miles in each direction.
To fit the walk into a wider visit, the one-day Alness itinerary includes ideas for planning time in the town.
FAQs
How long does the Fyrish Monument walk take?
The standard return walk is estimated at 2–2.5 hours of walking.
Where does the Jubilee Path start?
It starts at the Fyrish Monument car park on Boath Road, off the B1796.
Can you reach the monument by car?
No. Novar Estate says you must walk or cycle from the car park to reach the monument.
What can you see from Fyrish Monument?
The summit looks across the Cromarty Firth, from the North Sea inland toward Ben Wyvis.