Garve: Paths along the Black Water River and history

Garve lies on the Black Water River. Several named paths offer different lengths and surfaces; there is also a rail connection, bus services in the area and historical associations around Silverbridge and Little Garve Bridge. If you are considering Garve as a destination, you can include riverside paths, scenery and history in your plans.

Paths and scenery along the Black Water

Older Core Path data lists the Village River Path in Garve as 0.5 kilometres long, with a surfaced stone path. For Tor Breac, the same older Core Path data gives a length of 1.4 kilometres and describes a core path on a forestry track. The Silverbridge Circuit is described in the same older Core Path data as 3.6 kilometres long, with surfaced paths and an earth track; all three paths are also mentioned in the Local Plan 2024. The three routes can be distinguished by their length and the surfaces described, without combining them into a single path.

The Two Bridges Trail runs between Wade’s Bridge and Silverbridge along the Black Water River. Peaty pools and rushing rapids lie alongside the path. The route is 3.3 kilometres long; allow about 1½ hours. It has moderate and steep gradients and includes sections with uneven, rough earth and rocky surfaces. For your plans, the approximate time and the types of terrain described are therefore relevant as well as the distance.

Another riverside path between Silverbridge and Wade’s Bridge is beside the Wyvis Natural Play Park, which is in Garve. The riverside path is a scenic attraction in the Garve area. Nearby, the Ben Wyvis National Nature Reserve offers views across the Highlands and unique upland habitats. There are also many opportunities for horse riding in the Garve area.

Historic routes and structures

Silverbridge is part of an old route used by cattle drovers travelling to markets in the south. This historical association sits alongside the history of Little Garve Bridge: the bridge was built around 1762 as part of the military road from Contin to Poolewe. It is a well-preserved example of an 18th-century military road bridge and is of national importance. These two associations tell different chapters in the history of the routes; they should not be understood as one and the same route.

Getting here and finding your way around

The A835 runs through Garve and connects Inverness with Ullapool. Garve railway station is regularly served by the service to Kyle of Lochalsh. Bus services in the Garve area run to Dingwall and/or Inverness, as well as to Ullapool, Gairloch and Lochcarron. For specific departure times, check the timetables for your travel dates.

As a landmark north of the village, the Little Garve car park is about two miles from Garve; it is signposted from the A835. This information complements the details about road, rail and bus connections without assuming that the car park is linked to a particular path.

Discover more destinations: Ardgay, Kentallen, Portnalong, Dalwhinnie, Mybster, Invergordon, Spean Bridge, Talmine

For the wider travel overview: Highland.