Forres – Nelson’s Monument Walk

Forres Nelson's Monument Walk

This is a circular walk through woodland on good paths with some steady climbs and descents. The paths can be muddy or full of leaves depending on weather conditions and time of year. The view from the top of the hill is spectacular. The Tower is open between Tuesday to Sunday from 2pm – 4pm during May and September. If you can manage the stairs, on a clear day you can see Findhorn Bay and over the Moray Firth to the hills of Easter Ross and Sutherland.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    Tarmac and gravel footpaths - can be muddy.

  • Undulating

Forres – Cluny Hill Path

Forres Cluny Hill Path

This is a circular route on good paths with 1 steep road section at the start but then relatively flat. The walk is under a tree canopy most of the time. In autumn and winter the fallen leaves can be knee high! You can extend the walk by joining other paths round the hill.

  • Suitable for buggies but not wheelchairs
  • Terrain: Paved footpaths & roads

    Tarmac and gravel paths - can be muddy.

  • Gradient: Generally level

    One steep road section, then generally level.

Forres – Grant Park

Forres Grant Park

This is a pleasant circular route through parkland, on good paths around the park. There are places to rest in the park. In spring and summer the flowerbeds are very picturesque. In autumn the trees are spectacular but beware of fallen leaves on the paths, which can make them very slippy if wet. You can extend this walk by joining onto Cluny Hill paths.

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

Forres – Mosset Burn

Forres Mosset Burn

This is a very pleasant walk with trees, flowerbeds and birds. The paths are all good although if it has been very wet they may be a little muddy in places. There are places to sit and rest throughout the walk. You’ll need to take care crossing over Bridge Street.

  • Accessible for all users
  • Terrain: Paved footpaths & roads

    Gravel footpaths can be muddy.

  • Gradient: Generally level

    Mainly level but some downward slopes through park.

Forres – Roysvale Park

Forres Roysvale Park

This is a flat circular route, all on pavements so suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. The Sensory Garden in Orchard Road is worth a short stop to smell the aromatic plants. There is a bench there and also one in front of the Leisure Centre. You can extend this walk to include Sanquhar Loch.

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

Loch Romach and Altyre Estate

Loch Romach and Altyre Estate

Views across the Cromarty Firth are magnificent from the High Drive on Altyre Estate. Some of this route follows the Dava Way which is way-marked but much is on private land.

    Cullen – Salmon Bothy Circular

    Cullen salmon bothy

    The Salmon Bothy Circular Path provides a short coastal walk, which takes in magnificent coastal views.

    • 1.6 miles (2.56 km)
    • 40 meters (131 ft)
    • 45 minutes
    • Accessibility: Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies

      There is a steep ramped path with handrail leading from the harbour area up to cliff top. Flat gravel path between the caravan park and the Nelson’s Seat viewpoint providing opportunity for less able bodied users.

    • Terrain: Varied surfaces

      Fully surfaced roadside paths in the built up areas. Bound gravel paths elsewhere, with a short steep section of rough grassy path at the outlying gully. There are plans for this section to be upgraded to gravel.

    • Gradient: Mixed gradient

      Relatively flat throughout but there are two short steep sections.

    • Barriers: Some barriers

      There is a steep ramped path with handrail leading from the harbour area up to cliff top.

    • Fully signed

    Hopeman – Beach and Lodge Walk

    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 – Railway Path

    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

    Aberlour – Alice Littler Park

    Aberlour Alice Littler Park

    This circular walk round Alice Littler Park is flat and on good paths, making it suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. The path follows the course of the River Spey as it speeds through Aberlour, under the amazing Victoria Bridge. The park itself is full of flower beds and shrubs making this a lovely walk throughout the year. The Speyside Way Visitor Centre is open from March to October and is worth a look in to discover the history and wildlife of the area.

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

    Craigellachie – Telford Bridge

    Craigellachie - Telford Bridge

    This is a linear walk along level paths, which include grass tracks and so is not suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. It follows part of the Speyside Way and has beautiful riverside views to the famous Thomas Telford metal bridge. There are benches in the car parks at both ends of the walk and seasonal toilets in Fiddich Park.

    • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
    • Terrain: Varied surfaces

      Compacted earth and gravel paths with some grass sections. Timber bridge. The path also passes under the road bridge.

    • Generally level
    • Partly signed

    Craigellachie – Dufftown Spur

    Craigellachie - Dufftown Spur

    This is a beautiful, flat, tree – lined sheltered walk along a good path. It is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies with care, although it can be a little muddy in places.

    • Accessibility: Accessible for all with care

      Can be muddy.

    • Terrain: Varied surfaces

      Flat gravel and compacted earth path - can be a little muddy.

    • Generally level
    • Barriers: Some barriers

      Potential Landslides further along path.

    • Unsigned

    Dufftown – Town Walk

    Dufftown - Town Walk

    Dufftown is built on a hill and surrounded by hills, giving great views of the countryside but challenging to walkers. The Town Walk includes some inclines, but is all on good pavements and is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

    • Accessible for all users
    • Paved footpaths & roads
    • Undulating
    • Fully signed

    Rothes – Burn Walk

    Rothes - Burn Walk

    This flat, circular walk follows the Rothes Burn as it passes through the Playing Fields and also includes some great views over the open countryside to Ben Aigen. The surfaces are all good and are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, although care is needed over the footbridges.

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

      Take care crossing the footbridges.

    Rothes – Spey Walk

    Rothes - Spey Walk

    This flat, circular walk follows the River Spey on it’s way from Craigellachie to Boat o’ Brig. The path is good but is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. The scenery along this walk is very beautiful at any time of year, although it can be a little exposed in places and the paths can be muddy in wet weather.

    • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
    • Terrain: Varied surfaces

      Mainly grass and earth path, with some sections of farm track and tarmac. Paths can be muddy when wet.

    • Generally level

    Forres – Dyke & Kintessack Circular

    Forres - Dyke Kintessack Circular

    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.

    • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
    • Terrain: Varied surfaces

      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.

    • Generally level
    • Barriers: Some barriers

      Bridge with steps located at Wellhead.

    • Fully signed

    Lhanbryde – Crooked Wood and Urquhart

    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

    Buckie – Laird’s Way to Drybridge

    Buckie - Lairds Way to Drybridge

    The peaceful village of Drybridge sits above Buckie surrrounded by woods and farmland. Follow the way from Buckie over the Buckie Burn and past the distillery. On the way to Drybridge you will be rewarded with fine views over farmland and beyond to the Firth.

    • Fully signed

    Buckie – Strathlene all abilities path

    Buckie – Strathlene all abilities path

    Located near Buckie, this is a short section of coastal all abilities path, which runs parallel to the rocky foreshore near the old Strathlene lido. There are views to the nearby Craigen Roan rock where seals can be regularly seen and heard. This path forms part of the Moray Coast Trail – Buckie.

    • Accessible for all users
    • Gravel path
    • Generally level
    • Fully signed

    Keith – The Green Roadies

    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