The Cairngorms National Park isn’t the only breathtaking view in Scotland. If you’re partial to a road trip, venture just over three hours north to The Flow Country, a distant and stunning place. As of July 26th, this lesser-known area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its ‘outstanding universal value to humanity.’
The Flow Country is the most intact and extensive blanket bog system in the world, stretching across Caithness and Sutherland. Tourists have described it as a place of ‘stark beauty.’ While the name might suggest a wet experience, boarded walkways and paths ensure a dry and clean visit. Packed with awe-inspiring views, native wildlife, and scientific significance, it’s a day out you won’t soon forget.
About The Flow Country
This stunning area of natural beauty covers a vast 200,000 hectares, more than twice the size of Orkney. The blanket bog, the largest of its kind in Europe, forms in cooler places with frequent rain. This particular bog has been forming for 10,000 years, since the glaciers melted at the end of the last Ice Age. Peat, formed from decaying plants, measures 10 meters deep here, equivalent to a three-story building. This makes The Flow Country the first and only peatland World Heritage Site on the planet.
What is there to see in The Flow Country?
The breathtaking landscape itself is a reason to visit. But for those seeking more, The Flow Country offers a wealth of experiences. Iconic Scottish wildlife calls this area home, including red deer roaming in large herds and roe deer favoring sheltered woodlands. Foxes, weasels, and otters are also common inhabitants. For the patient wildlife enthusiast, water voles, field voles, and water shrews can be spotted. Birdwatchers will delight in the presence of greenshanks, black-throated divers, golden plovers, and dunlins. The high water quality supports thriving salmon and trout populations, making fishing another enjoyable pastime.
For a deeper understanding of the area, visit the Ferrycroft Centre in Lairg. This free touring exhibition, open Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm until the end of October, offers information about the Flow Country. The centre also has a shop, café, and toilet facilities.
How to explore The Flow Country
If you’re driving this far north, take advantage of the winding roads with stunning views. For active travelers, walking and hiking are excellent options. The Dubh-lochain trail leads to the Flows Lookout Tower, while the longer Forsinain trail takes you across peat bogs. For Dubh-lochain, a short but scenic walk, cross the bog on a wooden walkway and follow a flagstone path to the Dubh Lochan pools. This walk starts at the Forsinard Peatlands Centre, conveniently located at the railway station. The Forsinain trail begins on the west side of the A897, opposite the barns of Forsinain Farm. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the trails can be wet.
The Far North Line, running from Inverness to Wick and Thurso, offers a scenic way to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy stunning coastlines, rivers, and stations serving just a few homes.
How to get to The Flow Country
The easiest option is to drive, allowing you to explore by foot and road. Alternatively, take the Far North Line. The southernmost station is Inverness. From Aberdeen, a direct train to Inverness costs as little as £11.20. If you’re traveling from London, a direct train to Inverness from Kings Cross takes around eight to 10 hours, with fares starting at about £50. Once in Inverness, take the Far North Line to Forsinard.
Europe’s newly appointed UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Flow Country wasn’t the only European destination to gain UNESCO World Heritage Site status in July. Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands, in France, is a group of islands in French Polynesia with sharp ridges and jagged cliffs rising above the sea. It boasts rare and diverse flora, marine life, and one of the most diverse seabird populations in the South Pacific.
Via Appia in Italy, one of the most famous paved roads of ancient Rome, also made the list. Originally running all the way to Brundisium, present-day Brindisi in the heel of Italy, the paved stone road is known as ‘regina viarium’ – queen of the roads. Lined with green cypresses and ruins, it offers a glimpse into Roman history.
Germany’s Schwerin Residence Ensemble was also recognized. The property comprises 38 elements, including the Grand Duke’s Residence Palace, manor houses, cultural and sacred buildings, and the Pfaffenteich ornamental lake.
