Forests to enjoy in Moray
Moray is a great place to escape for the weekend. With stunning beaches, a rich history, and expansive forests to explore. Check out some of our more popular spots and get inspired to head east this summer.
Roseisle
Cycle forest trails or relax on sandy beaches.
Relax on the white sandy beach and explore the historic defence structures built during WW2. These concrete remnants were used as anti-tank blockades and pillboxes. They span the entire length of this beautiful beach.
Can't relax on the beach all day? Roseisle is also home to some great walking trails. Stroll down the Millie Bothy trail through a lovely coastal pine forest to an old fishermen's bothy and the sparkling Millie Burn. Walk the Wildlife Walk Trail, and you might spot a red squirrel or a seal.
Bring a picnic, relax, and soak up the sounds of the forests while the kids get to grips with the play area.
There is also a snack shack at the beach during peak times and fully operational toilets on site.
Earth Pillars
An enchanting wood overlooking the River Spey.
This tranquil wood has a maze of old paths and trails to explore. Follow the Earth Pillars Trail along the steep side of the Ordiequish Burn for a great view of the River Spey.
Look out for strange stones and rocky formations. These ancient structures were deposited thousands of years ago by retreating glaciers.
Ordiequish is also home to some of the Moray Monster Trails, our mountain bike routes. You will find exciting blue and black graded trails here, starting from the Ordiequish car park a mile up towards Fochabers.
Don't forget your binoculars! The River Spey is a great spot to see ospreys fishing in the peaceful waters below.
Winding Walks
Meander a maze of trails through the pines.
The 'winding walks' are a maze of trails through the 19th century gardens of the Duke and Duchess of Gordon.
Stroll through open pinewoods to find striking viewpoints and monuments, or search for the hidden loch along the Secret Loch Way. Take the Monument Trail and climb through the forest to the noble cairn erected on Whiteash Hill in memory of the Duchess of Richmond.
Keep an eye out as you might spot a capercaillie as you explore Whiteash Wood. This forest is one of the few places left in the northeast of Scotland where these iconic forest birds still live.
Several Moray Monster Mountain biking trails start at the Winding Walks. Gear up for two of our more challenging Monster Trails, which start at the car park. For easier trails, try the blue graded Monster routes at nearby Ordiequish.
Culbin
A vast and varied forest that's perfect for a family day out.
This popular coastal forest has a range of activities for everyone. The more leisurely Gravel Pit Ponds Trail takes you through a scenic forest with tranquil ponds. Follow the longer Hill 99 Trail along pine-covered dunes to the iconic viewing tower for a view over the forest and Moray Firth.
With forests stretching for over 8½ miles along an ever-shifting coastline, there is a lot to discover. Most of this coastline is part of an RSPB nature reserve, the mix of saltmarsh, mudflats, sand and shingle are important feeding grounds for many birds and other species.
Keep your eyes out for seal and osprey at Findhorn Bay or find some wading and water birds at The Gut. We have a list of our favourite things to explore at Culbin on our website.
Moray Monster Trails
Fantastic single-track mountain bike routes for beginners through to experts.
If mountain biking is more your speed, look no further than Moray Monster Trails. This is a great spot for both beginners and experienced off-road riders.
Start at Winding Walks, where the Monster Trails first began, for a great red cross-country trail and some extreme freeriding. The extreme features of the Fochabers Freeride were built almost entirely by volunteers and it’s a wild and scary ride! Take the fun and full-on cross-country Fochabers Ring to get you there – or just enjoy the red trail and keep the hairy stuff for another day.
Alternatively, choose to start the Monster Trails at Ordiequish if you’re looking for some exciting blue routes – but don’t assume this is just an easy ride… fun beckons at every turn! You can also work on your technique or warm up on the skills area before heading out into the forest.