Garmouth – The Lein and Bin Hill

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.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Coastal tracks

    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.

  • Gradient: Short steep sections

    If you choose to climb to the top of the Bin Hill the path is steep.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    There are height restrictive barriers in place at the car park and the start of the path. If red flags are raised at the rifle range path users must not proceed into this area.

  • Fully signed

Garmouth – Viaduct

This walk follows the old railway track from Garmouth over the River Spey viaduct, with great views over the golf course to the sea at Kingston. It is part of the National Cycle Network and also the Speyside Way. The track is good and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

  • Accessibility: Accessible for all users

    The extended route Level 3 is unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

  • Terrain: Paved footpaths & roads

    Tarmac and all abilities surface over viaduct. The extended level 3 route is compacted earth path and can be muddy in wet weather.

  • Generally level
  • No barriers

Hopeman – Beach and Lodge Walk

This is an extension of the Level 1 Beach Walk, following the coast path past the beach huts and turning inland up Lodge Lane.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    Mainly tarmac pavements and paths, but gravel section at Lodge Lane. Care to be taken on Lodge Lane, which can be muddy in wet weather.

  • Gradient: Short steep sections

    Steady incline up lodge lane. Relatively level elsewhere.

Hopeman – Beach Walk

This walk is from the Surgery on Harbour Street to the Pagoda viewpoint on East Beach and back again. The paths are good and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. There are toilets at the bottom of Harbour Street and plenty of benches along the way. This walk can be a little exposed if the wind is strong.

  • Accessible for all users
  • Paved footpaths & roads
  • Generally level
  • No barriers

Hopeman – Railway Path

This walk takes you from Hopeman Surgery on a circular route along part of the old railway line to Cummingston. It is quite sheltered along the old track and has lovely views over the Moray Firth with potential to spot dolphins. The section from Cummingston back towards Hopeman is along a pavement next to a relatively busy road so care will be required.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    Gravel paths and tarmac pavements.

  • Gradient: Generally level

    Relatively level, with short downwards slope to the old railway line in Hopeman and short steep incline to the bridge near Cummingston.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Steps down to railway path at the Hopeman end.

  • Partly signed

Keith – Braehead and Cottage Wood

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.

  • Suitable for a wide range of users
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    A combination of tarred minor roads, aggregate paths and grassy tracks.

  • Undulating
  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Steps in two places (The Cottage Wood and the Auld Brig)

  • Fully signed

Keith – Broomhill Circular

This is a circular walk which includes Broomhill Cemetery. The route includes a beautiful tree lined path and a farm track, which can be quite exposed in bad weather. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. This route can join up with St Rufus Park Walk by turning right into the park off Broomhill Road.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    A combination of roadside pavements, a tarmac footpath through the cemetery and a long section of gravel farm track. Take care on the track which is rather potholed and can be muddy in wet weather.

  • Gradient: Undulating

    Some gentle inclines.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Quite heavy gate at Broomhill cemetery.

Keith – Cuthil Park Circular

This is a circular walk round Keith, following the little lanes that criss-cross the town. The surfaces are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies and the route is fairly level apart from a steady climb from Turner Street to Cuthill Park. There are benches at the start and at Cuthil Park.

  • Accessible for all users
  • Paved footpaths & roads
  • Gradient: Undulating

    Steady climb from Turner St to Cuthil Park. Relatively level elsewhere.

Keith – Denwell / Braehead Circuit

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.

  • Accessibility: Suitable for a wide range of users

    The minor road sections are suitable for people of a wide range of abilities.

  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    A combination of rough grass paths and sections of minor tarred road.

  • Gradient: Generally level

    A few gentle gradients on the Brandy Brae path.

  • No barriers
  • Fully signed

Keith – Dunnyduff and The Den

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). 

  • Accessibility: Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies

    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.

  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    A combination of roadside pavements, minor roads, green tracks and some rougher paths with several steep inclines.

  • Short steep sections
  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Some steps exist in Dunnyduff Wood.

  • Fully signed

Keith – Fife Keith Park

This is a pleasant circular walk, through town and woodland, including Cottage Wood. There are some long gradual slopes in the walk and the woodland paths need care, especially when wet. It is also fairly exposed in places and is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    A mixture of tarmac pavements, bare earth woodland paths and a country road. Although reasonably quiet, please be vigilant of traffic on the road section.

  • Gradient: Undulating

    A few long gradual slopes.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Steps - located at entrance to Cottage Wood.

Keith – Horse Market Circular

This is a circular, level walk past fields of horses. There are benches in the Square and 1 along Edindiach Road. Pavements are good and the walk is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

  • Accessible for all users
  • Paved footpaths & roads
  • Generally level

Keith – Kynoch Park Circular

This is a circular walk linking Reidhaven Square to Keith Community Centre. There are benches in the Square and also at the Community Centre. Pavements are good and it is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. This walk can be added to the Horse Market Circular to make a Level 3 walk of just over 2 miles.

  • Accessible for all users
  • Paved footpaths & roads
  • Gradient: Generally level

    Mainly level, but a gentle incline at School Road.

  • No barriers

Keith – Simpson Memorial Park

This is a circular walk which takes you round Simpson Memorial Park. It is mostly on pavements and good paths, apart from a short stretch of grass path which could be muddy in the wet. It is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies if dry and is fairly flat apart from the section along Drum Road.

  • Accessibility: Accessible for all with care

    Can be used by buggies and wheelchairs during dry weather.

  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    Mostly on tarmac pavements and paths. Grass path at Simpson park - which can be muddy in wet weather.

  • Gradient: Undulating

    Long but steady climb up Drum Road. Relatively flat elsewhere.

Keith – St Rufus Park Circular

This circular walk includes some very interesting parts of Old Keith, Strathisla Distillery, Milton Tower and Keith and Dufftown Old Railway Station. There are some steep sections, which would make it unsuitable for wheelchairs. There are benches at the start and along the way.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    A combination of roadside pavements, a tarmac footpath through the cemetery and a long section of gravel farm track. Take care on the track which is rather potholed and can be muddy in wet weather.

  • Undulating

Keith – The Green Roadies

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.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    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.

  • Gradient: Generally level

    A few gentle gradients in places.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Several gates at the cemetery.

  • Fully signed

Knock Hill & Little Knockbog

The starting point suggested is very overgrown and there is now “no right of way signs” placed. This is not a core path. There is potentially another route up via Swiebog. The car park is now closed for public use. If you have more information on this route or you would like to help maintain …

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Slopes throughout
  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Very overgrown

  • Partly signed

Lhanbryde – Circular

This circular walk is part of the Lhanbryde Paths Network. There are a variety of walking surfaces on this walk, including dirt paths, grass verges and pavements, which make it unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies. There are also a few steps, which need caution.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    A mixture of surfaces: pavements, grass, compacted earth and gravel paths.

  • Gradient: Short steep sections

    Mainly level but some short sections of incline/ decline.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Stepped ramp

Lhanbryde – Crooked Wood and Urquhart

Located just a few miles east of Elgin, the woodland and countryside around the village of Lhanbryde provide a great opportunity for outdoor access.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    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.

  • Gradient: Short steep sections

    Although generally level or gently undulating, there are some short steep sections, particularly within the woodland.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    A flight of steps near the entrance to the wood. Two short steep sections of path within the woodland are slippy when wet. Also watch out for tree roots.

  • Fully signed