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Discover this inspiring landscape filled with wildlife, stories and local culture.
Be one of the first to experience rewilding in action at Dundreggan and see for yourself how you can help our wild places thrive.
Learn
The Rewilding Centre will provide immersive and inspiring formal and informal educational experiences for learners of all ages and abilities. Our estate gives students the opportunity to explore our habitats and wildlife, conduct fieldwork and data collection, and connect with nature and Dundreggan’s cultural history through arts and crafts, wellbeing activities and play. We can accommodate both day and residential visits, and adapt programmes and activities to your group’s needs and abilities.
Our new facilities include dedicated classroom space for up to 40 people; a cafe to provide hot or packed lunch, drinks and snacks; toilet facilities and baby changing; and a large multipurpose presentation and event space. Our accommodation has 40 beds in twin rooms, with secure access, boot rooms to dry shoes and outdoor clothing, indoor and outdoor communal space, and is within easy reach of the Rewilding Centre and footpath network.
If you’re a teacher, educator or group leader interested in bringing a group to Dundreggan and would like to know more about the activities we can offer, or our facilities, please contact our Education Manager, Kat at kat@treesforlife.org.uk
For fun, educational games and activities have a look at our resources section for some inspiration.
Our Story
The Dundreggan Rewilding Centre is a gateway to our 10,000-acre flagship estate which is home to more than 4,000 species of plants and animals, including many rare and protected species such as golden eagles and black grouse. Dundreggan is also the location of our tree nursery where we grow around 90,000 trees every year, including hard-to-grow species such as aspen and montane.
Just eight miles from the shores of Loch Ness, the Dundreggan estate has been rewilded by Trees for Life since 2008 and is now recovering from centuries of grazing and browsing by sheep, goats, cattle and deer.
By allowing the forest to recover through natural regeneration, important fragments of Scotland’s Caledonian Forest are expanding and can now be enjoyed by our visitors through exploration of ancient pinewood and unique juniper forest, discovery of centuries of Gaelic history and connection with a landscape undergoing transformation through rewilding.
Find out more about our vision for the Rewilding Centre here.
Access
Rewilding Centre Access
Entrance to the Rewilding Centre is via a ramp access walkway, suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users.
Parking
Free parking is available in our gravel car park with space for around 60 cars.
Accessible parking spaces are located next to the Centre entrance.
Three electric vehicle charging points are also available in the accessible parking area close to the entrance.
Visitors with visual and hearing impairments
The Rewilding Centre is fitted with induction loops and all of our audio and video content makes use of captions and transcripts.
Toilets and baby changing
Accessible toilets are available in both east and west corridors of the Centre, along with baby changing facilities.
Seating
Seating is available in the cafe, An Nead, as well as in the adjoining outdoor seating area.
Additional seating is also available in the bothy, Am Bothan, and the library, An Suidhe.
Footpath accessibility guidance
We have a range of footpaths with different levels of challenge, from fully wheelchair accessible to steep and strenuous. Each path offers its own opportunities to experience Dundreggan’s wonderful wildlife and heritage. Our path descriptions and symbols follow Paths for All guidance and give you information about the gradient and surface. If you’d like more information on the accessibility of our footpaths please get in touch.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at Dundreggan but should be kept on a lead at all times. Water bowls can be provided by a member of the cafe team.
Entry and booking
Access to our Rewilding Centre and footpaths is free.
A variety of activities and events will be available to book from January 2023.
For travel trade group bookings, contact Centre Director, Ian Richards for more information ian@treesforlife.org.uk
Food and drink
Enjoy a delicious meal, light snack or quick bite at our cafe An Nead.
Our menu changes with the seasons and uses tasty, locally sourced ingredients.
Please talk to one of our team and we will be happy to help with specific dietary requirements.
Rannsaich Dhul Dreagain
Chan e neach-tadhail a-mhàin a th’ annaibh dhan àrainneachd seo; tha sibh mar phàirt dhith.
Our rewilding journey is visible in the landscape here at Dundreggan. It is in the regenerating woodland; in the birds, mammals, insects and fungi that exist together in the branches; in the bogs, roots and the earth beneath your feet.
Join a guided tour to learn more about our specialist tree nursery and local wildlife, explore our footpath network to see rewilding in action and experience what makes Dundreggan so special.
Get involved with hands-on activities such as pond dipping, scavenger hunts and shelter building or take part in a specialist activity workshop to learn more about photography, tree climbing, bushcraft, foraging, leather work and much more.
Immerse yourself in the history of the landscape with our storytelling sessions, hear stories about the people of the past and listen to tales of Gaelic folklore.
Activities are available for all ages and abilities and will be available to book from January 2023.
Ceum an Aitinn (‘kame un AHTCH-in’) the juniper path
916m (approx ½ mile) | Allow 30 minutes | All-access
A great, low-level circular path passing lush juniper, hidden burns, signs of past people and a chorus of birdsong.
Accessibility: A two-metre wide, semi-bound surfaced path with an optional short, moderately steep there-and-back detour to a waterfall viewpoint.
Ceum an Daraich (‘kame un DAR-ich’) the oak path
A circular route passing by our tree nursery, sìthichean (fairies), ancient oaks, and regenerating woodland dripping with mosses and lichens.
Accessibility: Wide, semi-bound surfaced path with several short, moderately steep sections.
Ceum a’ Ghiuthais (‘kame uh YOO-ish’) the pine path
2.2km (1 ¾ miles) | Allow 1 hour 30 minutes | Strenuous
Really explore Dundreggan through woodland to open moorland with views over one of our planting areas and shieling remains, before returning downhill past regenerating trees, wood ant nests and fragrant bog myrtle.
Accessibility: A steep, rough and often narrow path, with frequent obstacles and boggy patches. Caution: some burn (stream) crossings may be impassable after rain.
Ceum a Fhraoich (‘kame un ROEU-ich’) the heather path
4km (2 ½ miles) | Allow 2 hours | Strenuous
A circular route passing stands of old pines to open moorland with glorious views of Glenmoriston.
Accessibility: Rocky, steep, rough but wide track winding up toward the base of Binnilidh Bheag. It is possible to reach this summit across rough, pathless ground. Caution: some burn (stream) crossings may be impassable after rain.
Local Attractions
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Eilean Donan Castle
On the road to the Isle of Skye sits Eilean Donan Castle, situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet and surrounded by majestic scenery.
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Loch Ness Hub
For tours, tickets, e-bike hire and visitor information about Loch Ness, visit the Hub in Drumnadrochit.
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Jacobite Cruises
Enjoy Loch Ness cruises and tours in comfort with Loch Ness by Jacobite and immerse yourself in Scotland’s most famous legend.
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Urquhart Castle
Discover more than 1,000 years of stirring history centred on the Great Glen. The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the shore of Loch Ness, has seen some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s story.
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Fort Augustus
A picturesque village halfway between Inverness and Fort William offering fantastic views of Loch Ness, access to the Caledonian Canal, cafes, restaurants and local attractions.
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Glenmoriston Arms, Invermoriston
A traditional and friendly Highland hotel with 11 bedrooms, restaurant and bar situated on the Great Glen Way.
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The Clog and Craft Shop, Invermoriston
Pay a visit to this traditional shop for handmade clogs, belts, hats, bags and accessories from Loch Ness Leather.
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Glen Rowan Cafe, Invermoriston
A family-run business specialising in fresh/local food and speciality coffee and cake, in a beautiful location.
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Redburn Cafe
Less than a mile west of the Centre is a fantastic local business, Redburn Cafe and Giftshop. Pop in for delicious, locally sourced food and gifts.