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Balloch

Where we are

Latest forest information

  • There is a short diversion in place between the car park and the trails to avoid storm damaged trees.
  • The link between Balloch and The Bin is currently closed.
  • Scottish Water operations are ongoing. Please follow all on site signage and diversions.

About

Miles of trails and some of the finest views in Moray

Walk or ride through Balloch’s mature spruce trees to the open spaces of Meikle Balloch hill, and you’re rewarded with some of the finest views in Moray. On a clear day they say you can see seven counties from here!

Walking trails

Walking

Herricks Walk

Climb steeply out of the forest onto Meikle Balloch, from where you can see seven counties on a clear day.

Prolonged steep slopes for over half a mile. Uneven gravel and earthy path with rocky and rooty sections. Some muddy parts.

Strenuous trail grade icon
2 ¼ miles / 3.7 km

Allow
1½ hours

Walking

Balloch Circle

Explore the woodlands of Balloch and enjoy far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside.

Wide and firm gravel path. Includes some fairly steep slopes and long moderate slopes.

Strenuous trail grade icon
5 ¼ miles / 8.6 km

3½ hours

Activities

Horse riding

You’re welcome at Balloch on feet, hooves or wheels, but the trails here are particularly good for horse riding. They’ve been developed in consultation with local riders, who help to keep them in good condition:

  • Balloch Circle: Explore the woodlands of Balloch and enjoy far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside.
  • Herricks Walk: Climb steeply out of the forest onto Meikle Balloch, from where you can see seven counties on a clear day.

Facilities and access

Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint

The nearest public toilets, cafés and shops are in Keith, 2 miles to the west.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

Getting here

From Reidhaven Square in the centre of Keith, drive out of town on Bridge Street, which becomes Edindiach Road and passes Dunnyduff Wood. The entrance to the car park is on the corner just beyond the Scottish Water buildings, 2 miles outside Keith.

Using SatNav?

AB55 5NT is the nearest postcode

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6380 (option 2)
More contact information

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Drooping conifer branch

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Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Balloch': 4.97 miles
Cycling on Blue Trails, Monster Trails, Aberdeenshire and Moray Forest District, Forestry Commission Scotland

Fantastic single-track mountain bike routes for beginners through to experts

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Mountain biking
Mountain biking
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Distance from 'Balloch': 6.84 miles
Aerial view through broad leaf trees of a valley full of fields and trees turning orange for autumn, in the back is a chain of hills

Look for hidden sculptures in this hillside wood

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking icon
Parking
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Distance from 'Balloch': 66.53 miles