Forres – Mosset Walk

Forres - Mosset Walk

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. 

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Paved footpaths & roads

    Take care on the two A96 road crossings.

  • Gradient: Short steep sections

    A fairly steep path within Grant Park leading up to Nelson Tower. Otherwise, generally level with only a few gentle slopes.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Kissing Gates (2), and steps.

  • Fully signed

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 – River Findhorn Circular

Forres - River Findhorn Circular

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.

  • Accessibility: Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies

    Suitable for most abilities of walker, but the length of the walk and the steps may restrict access some users.

  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    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.

  • Gradient: Generally level

    Relatively level with only a few gentle gradients.

  • Barriers: Some barriers

    One large flight leading onto the Dava Way near Sanquhar Wood, and another on the north bank of the River Findhorn.

  • Fully signed

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

Forres – Sanquhar Chapelton Muiry

Forres Chapelton

A circular walk around the southern outskirts of Forres taking in Sanquhar Loch and Woodlands, Cluny Hill and an unexpected glimpse of Findhorn Bay.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    Pavements, tarmac and gravel paths. There are also some sections of earth path through the woodland areas.

  • Mixed gradient
  • Barriers: Some barriers

    A sets of steps in Grant Park leading from the car park, a set leading down to Sanquar Loch, and a set at the Mosset Burn near Chapelton.

  • Fully signed

Forres – Sanquhar Loch Path

Forres Sanquhar Loch

This is a circular route around Sanquhar Loch on paths, which can be muddy depending on the weather. Tree roots can be a problem and care needs to be taken at points along the path. This is a very scenic walk at any time of year, well signposted all the way round, with interesting wildlife particularly ducks, coots and swans.

  • Unsuitable for wheelchairs and buggies
  • Terrain: Varied surfaces

    Mainly gravel paths - can be muddy.

  • Generally level
  • Barriers: Some barriers

    Steps at the footbridge. Tree roots along some section of path.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keith Broomhill

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

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

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

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

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

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