Culbin

A vast and varied forest that's perfect for a family day out

Stretching from Nairn to Findhorn Bay, Culbin is a big forest. It’s a fantastic place to explore, using the extensive network of gravel tracks.

The Hill 99 Trail at Wellhill car park is ideal for first time visitors. Stroll through the forest and mossy glades to reach the Viewpoint Tower with its breath-taking views over waving treetops to the coast. The shorter and gentler Gravel Pit Ponds Trail offers an even easier introduction to Culbin.

Map of Culbin (PDF)

Walking trails

Culbin route card (PDF)

Walking

Gravel Pit Ponds Trail

A gentle wander through pretty pine and birch woodland, and around the Gravel Pit Ponds.

Firm and smooth gravel surface. Generally flat with gentle slopes and some short moderate sections. No obstacles.

1 miles / 1.8 km

Allow ½ an hour

Walking

Hill 99 Trail

Wind through the pine-covered sand dunes to the viewing tower on Hill 99 for a ‘squirrel’s eye’ view over the forest and across the Moray Firth.

Largely wide, firm and smooth gravel and sandy surface. Generally flat with some long moderate slopes and short steep sections. Includes some steps up to the viewing platform.

3 ½ miles / 5.7 km

Allow 2 hours

More information

The path winds through the forest to the Gravelpit Ponds, a pretty stop for a picnic or birdwatching, then across shingle ridges and through lichen beds to gently climb Hill 99, Culbin's highest sand dune at a dizzy 99 feet. On a clear day you can see over the sea to the Sutherland hills! Return through mossy glades, passing the Dragonfly Pond, which teems with wildlife.

The trail starts at Wellhill car park.

Activities

Top tips for exploring Culbin

With a forest stretching for more than 8½ miles along an ever-shifting coastline, there's lots to discover. Here are our top twelve things to see and do – a useful guide, especially if you’ve never visited before. They’re all marked in the Culbin leaflet – and there are plenty of stories about the place there too.

1. The Hill 99 viewpoint trail
   Wind through the sandy pinewoods and experience the forest canopy from the top of the amazing viewpoint tower.
2. Gravelpit Ponds
   An attractive area of marshy ground and ponds close to Wellhill car park, with easy walking on well-surfaced paths that are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
3. Dragonfly Pond
   A pretty pond on the Hill 99 viewpoint trail, where you can spot brilliantly-coloured dragonflies in summer.
4. Hidden History
   This peaceful stopping-point tells some of Culbin’s human story in unexpected ways.
5. Sandlife
   A pleasant, heathery corner surrounded by lichen beds, where you can find out how life clings on in such a hostile environment.
6. The Gut
   This muddy bay is a haven for all kinds of wading and water-birds – just don’t expect to find a beach here.
7. Buckie Loch
   There the forest meets the sea. Wild and empty coastline which may one day become a true sea-loch again. It’s currently a stretch of marram dunes and heath.
8. Findhorn Bay
   If you’re lucky, you’ll see ospreys or seals fishing at this river-mouth with a beautiful view towards the village of Findhorn.
9. Lady Culbin’s Buried Trees
   Growing on the edges of Culbin’s largest sand-dune system, some of the deep-rooted trees here have bizarre, tapering trunks twice as long as they look.
10. The Minister’s Pool
    A reedy freshwater pool that attracts both birdlife and walkers. It’s very close to Nairn East Beach.
11. Otter Pool
    A big pool in a hidden corner of Culbin, and a good place to spot some of Culbin's mammals drinking.

Wildlife watching

Most of Culbin’s shoreline, from the trees to the low tide mark, is an RSPB reserve. This mix of saltmarsh, mudflats, sand and shingle is a vital feeding ground for wading birds throughout the year. If you do come across nesting birds, allow them to feed and rest in peace. If they have to fly away, they are wasting valuable energy.

Facilities and access

Cycling

Horse riding

Walking

Parking (charge)

Picnic area

Toilets

The toilet block at the main car park will be closed from 1 November 2024 and reopen in April 2025. It includes easy access facilities and a baby changing station. There is a café and shop at Brodie Countryfare on the A96, near Brodie Castle.

Car parking information

Payment options: coin or RingGo

The charges to park at Culbin are:

• £2 for up to 1 hour
• £2.50 for up to 3 hours
• £4 for all day
• £12 for minibus or coach all day 

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol. 

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the relevant application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions before applying.

Blue badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly. 

More parking info

Accessibility

Getting here

Culbin is on the north side of the A96 between Nairn and Forres. If coming from the west, the turning for Culbin is on the left just after the large Brodie Countryfare shop. If coming from the east, take the turning for 'Broom of Moy' and 'Kintessack' a mile out of Forres. The routes to the car park are well signposted from both turnings.

National Cycle Route 1 runs through the south side of Culbin, around half a mile from the main car park.

You can walk into Culbin from Nairn East Beach – a good option if you’re interested in birdwatching and coastal wildlife.

Using SatNav?

IV36 2TG is the nearest postcode.

By public transport

Public transport to Culbin is extremely limited, although a local bus service passes the forest on schooldays. Forres is a ten minute taxi ride away. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions