I went for a lovely ride today from Scotscalder to Dorrery. It's not off-road but from my point of view, the roads are so quiet there (compared to those around Lybster!), especially when you turn onto the one to Dorrery itself, which is a dead end. I parked in front of the community hall at Scotscalder and from there, it is about 3 miles to Dorrery and takes you along past Loch Calder, so a really beautiful, scenic route. Herself enjoyed it loads because it was somewhere completely new and there was lots to look at and spook at so we managed a good pace! However, after I got back, a lady did stop her car to tell me that the parking is private and belongs to the hall. I do not think it is at all obvious as it is a very spacious, open area right beside the public road, looks as though it would be for public use and there are no notices to say you can't park there. She was very nice and friendly but explained that there had been problems with vehicles making holes in the gravel that had cost the hall a lot of money to have laid down and that recently, a horse rider had parked up there and had not cleared up droppings- not good at all. I said that it was my first time there but that I always clear up etc and that I'd enjoyed a lovely ride to Dorrery- but there really is nowhere else to park. She then said that she thought the hall committee would not mind so long as a rider did always clear up after their horse and did not any make ruts or holes in the gravel. So hopefully it would still be ok to go there once in a while anyway. I think though it highlights the difficulties we face over parking and the absolute necessity to be scrupulous over leaving zero signs or mess behind! I might try riding down from Broubster if I ever go again as you can park at the forest gateway there and so that would be an alternative, though longer route. (Then again, you might just as well go into the forest if you go there!). My fault for always wanting to find somewhere different for a change!

Hi, sounds like you had a good ride its a shame that you got challenged about parking