Thursday, 31 Oct 2024
Did you know that Scotland is home to ten of the 17 bat species living and breeding in the UK? …
From Torrieston car park, head out on the trails to explore the peaceful woodland on either side of the road.
Just across the road, the gentle all-abilities trail is a lovely loop for the whole family, through open pinewoods with picnic tables and benches. Linger by the Black Burn where salmon and otters have been seen in the treacle-black waters. If there’s a whiff of the tropics in the air, then you’ll soon see the coconut-scented yellow flowers of gorse, also known as whin.
The giant Douglas firs in the woods here were among the first trees to be planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1920s. Today they tower at over 40 metres high. Keep an eye out for daredevil red squirrels darting down the tree trunks head-first!
A gentle wander through open pinewoods to the Black Burn. Plenty of places to rest and picnic.
Wide, firm and smooth gravel surface throughout. Generally flat with some short moderate slopes. Some parts may be slightly muddy. Includes a quiet road crossing and bridge 1.2m wide.
Allow ¾ hour
Wind your way through open sweet-scented pinewoods, crossing two bridges over the Black Burn. Let the stresses of the day trickle away as you rest beside its gently flowing, treacle-dark waters. There’s a lovely spot for a picnic beside the second bridge – which is a great place to play Poohsticks too!
The Fieldfare Trust has a Phototrail showing details of this route.
The trail starts across the road from the car park – take care crossing the road. Follow the white waymarkers.
A perfect combination of beech wood, pine forest and elegant Douglas firs, with some great views across the Moray countryside.
Uneven gravel and earth surface with exposed tree roots. Some fairly steep slopes and steps. Parts may occasionally be muddy.
Allow 1 hour
This trail leads you out under an elegant canopy of mature pine and Douglas fir, beside rolling grassy fields. Look across the valley as you go to spot Pluscarden Abbey.
A great place for horse riding with plenty of lesser tracks and trails to discover.
You'll find refreshments, shops and toilets at nearby Elgin, Forres and Kinloss.
The charges to park at this forest car park are:
Payment can be made using RingGo.
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 Forest Search, marked as a 'P' without the £ symbol.
Available in advance by downloading the application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions (PDF) before applying.
Valid at all Forestry and Land Scotland car parks except Tentsmuir.
Stay the Night continues to run through to 31 December 2024. This means self-contained motorhomes and campervans will be able to park overnight for one night in some of our car parks.
There is a £7 charge to Stay the Night at this car park. Payment can be made through RingGo with details of how to do this at each car park.
To help plan your stay, please see the details below:
Please visit our Stay the Night page for full details, participating locations, best practice, and terms and conditions of use.
From Elgin: Take the B9010 Dallas road. After 1 mile (1.6 km) continue along the minor road towards Puscarden. The car park is on the right after 2½ miles (4 km).
From Forres: Take the B9010 Rafford/Dallas road. After 4 miles (6.4 km) turn left onto the Pluscarden minor road. The car park is on the left after 2 miles (3.2 km).
IV30 8TJ is the nearest postcode.
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A hilltop woodland overlooking the Moray Firth
Cycle forest trails or relax on sandy beaches
A vast and varied forest that's perfect for a family day out