Paths and Outdoor Access in Moray
The Ancestor’s Trail meanders through the beautiful Oakwood part of which is an ancient semi natural wood.
The path surface is of woodland earth which can be muddy when wet and undulating with exposed tree roots.
Some steep parts, undulating terrain
The Elginia Trail is a circular route which starts from Leggat Car Park in Quarrelwood where there are picnic tables and sandstone plinths; also information leaflets from the Forestry Commission.
The path has a mixture of aggregate vehicle road and wooded earth paths which are undulating and can be muddy when wet.
Some steep parts, generally undulating terrain.
This is an ‘all abilities path’ through the Quarrelwood called The Spynie Trail. Approximately 2km long, the trail itself has a variety of short routes and also links into other path networks.
Horse users are asked to use the forest vehicle tracks to prevent damage to the ‘all abilities’ path.
The Elgin City Trail has a choice of locations to start from including a number of car parks and the main bus and train stations. Choose your own way of linking the historic features around Elgin.
The nature of this route being primarily on urban tarmac paths adjacent to roads makes it most suitable for walkers and less able users. Riverside Path section could be difficult for the less physically able because of uneven surface and steps.
This walk follows the Burn from one end of Fochabers to the other and back again. The track can be muddy in places if there has been a lot of rain. There are benches at the start and also beside the bridge at West Street.
Unsuitable for Wheelchairs and buggies, but can go as far as the viewing platform at the Famous Fochaberian Garden.
Gravel and earth paths, so can be muddy when wet. Can also be long grass and overhanging vegetation at the side of the path.
This circular walk explores the Burn o Mosset as it starts to flow through Forres and then takes you to the earlier stages of the stream which starts as the Altyre Burn. The route uses the Dava Way to head South from Forres before returning through forestry estates with good views at several stages of the walk. The walk can be shortened to 8 miles by starting at the Dallas Dhu distillery.
A circular route linking the rural communities of Dyke and Kintessack, with a spur to Broom of Moy, and on to the wider network of paths around Forres.
Minor tarmac roads, forest tracks, earth paths, and short sections of gravel paths. NOTE: In the winter a short section of the path between Dyke and Culbin Forest (at Loanhead) can be very wet. Waterproof boots or wellingtons are advised.
An interesting and varied circular walk on the outskirts of Forres which visits some of the engineering projects that have changed the local landscape from the 19th century to the present day.
Mixture of tarmacked paths, stepped sections, woodland tracks and earth paths with some undulating sections.
A circular walk around Forres, taking in the picturesque Sanquhar Loch, the panoramic view from the Nelson Tower at the top of Cluny Hill and a fine view of the town from Councillor’s Walk.
Take care on the two A96 road crossings.
A fairly steep path within Grant Park leading up to Nelson Tower. Otherwise, generally level with only a few gentle slopes.
A circular walk through and around the town of Forres, following the banks of the River Findhorn for much of the route. With some fine views of the surrounding countryside it explores some attractive, yet less frequented, environs of this pretty Moray town.
Suitable for most abilities of walker, but the length of the walk and the steps may restrict access some users.
Mainly tarmac paths and pavements, quiet country road, and gravel tracks. There are a few sections of earth paths through the woodland and along the river. The route along the river goes under the A96 bridge, where great care should be taken if the river is in spate. Also take care at the A96 road crossing.
Relatively level with only a few gentle gradients.
A circular walk around the southern outskirts of Forres taking in Sanquhar Loch and Woodlands, Cluny Hill and an unexpected glimpse of Findhorn Bay.
Pavements, tarmac and gravel paths. There are also some sections of earth path through the woodland areas.
The Lein is the name given to this area of massive shingle beaches the largest in Scotland – that run west of the mouth of the River Spey. They are part of a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve and offer good dolphin-spotting. Ospreys also fish the river mouth in summer.
Generally good level shingle and earth paths though some sections may be undulating and slippery in the wet. The section to the Bin Hill is steep.
If you choose to climb to the top of the Bin Hill the path is steep.
This nature walk has an abundance of flowers, shrubs, trees and wildlife along the river and hedges set against a background of heather and tree clad hills.
A combination of tarred minor roads, aggregate paths and grassy tracks.
The route can be enjoyed in both directions, starting and finishing at the map information board in Keith Square (Reidhaven Square). As parts of the route cross open countryside and have a variety of path surfaces, stout footwear and waterproof clothing are recommended.
The minor road sections are suitable for people of a wide range of abilities.
A combination of rough grass paths and sections of minor tarred road.
A few gentle gradients on the Brandy Brae path.
This walk is part of a network of waymarked and signed paths linking all the delights the Keith area has to offer. The route can be enjoyed in both directions, starting and finishing at the map information board in Keith Square (Reidhaven Square).
Suitable for a wide range of users in the flat sections near Keith but in the countryside the route is appropriate for more able, energetic persons. Horse riding is not recommended at Tarnash due to the steep nature of the path linking to Dunnyduff.
A combination of roadside pavements, minor roads, green tracks and some rougher paths with several steep inclines.
Enjoy the many different species of flowers, shrubs and birds that can be identified. Marvel at the fine views of all the surrounding hills that can be seen across green fields and farmland.
A combination of tarred roadside paths, minor roads, aggregate paths and rough grassy tracks. The grassy track sections, although flat, are muddy in places and can be difficult to negotiate.
A few gentle gradients in places.
Located just a few miles east of Elgin, the woodland and countryside around the village of Lhanbryde provide a great opportunity for outdoor access.
Informal earth path within the woodland, with several short steep sections. Generally dry but can be muddy in places, so stout footwear is recommended. There is a quiet section of public road between Crooked Wood and Urquhart.
Although generally level or gently undulating, there are some short steep sections, particularly within the woodland.
Located just a few miles east of Elgin, the woodland and countryside around the village of Lhanbryde provide a great opportunity for outdoor access.
Pavements, farm tracks and informal woodland paths (gravel and earth). Some paths can be muddy in places, so stout footwear is recommended.
Dunearn path is in the Darnaway Forest and is about one mile south of Conicavel village, it is a circular route, part of which follows close to the River Findhorn. Be aware, the path in sections is very close to the edge of steep drops down to the river.
The route is suitable for a wide range of users but the terrain might prove difficult for the less able.
A mixture of woodland earth, aggregate and forest vehicle track. The path can be very wet and muddy in places, in winter time small sections of the path can be covered with leaves so making it very slippy.