COVID-19 and Forestry and Land Scotland
FLS has reduced its operations to felling that is contributing to essential business requirements to help keep Scotland ticking over. Our staff are working from home where possible; staff who are working continue to practise social distancing rigorously following Government and NHS guidance to keep safe.
Fresh air and being outdoors benefits physical and mental health and well-being, and for local visitors the majority of walking trails on Scotland’s national forests and land remain open. Be aware that staff cannot maintain our standard checks and maintenance. All our mountain biking trails and all car parks are closed.
All visitors are reminded to maintain social distance at all times.
Countesswells
Countesswells Forest Notice
- The tree felling stage of the recdent work is complete but haulage is still ongoing.
- The car park and trails will be open again from 21 December but please follow the suggested on site diversions to avoid the affected areas.
- Further closures will be necessary in 2020 when the next phase of the work takes place. Details will be posted on the website and on site when this is due to start.
Wide forest paths with views over Aberdeenshire
The wide forest trails at Countesswells give gentle views over Aberdeenshire farmland and towards the city of Aberdeen. They can be combined into a longer circular route passing through the whole length of the forest.
These attractive woods were once part of the Countesswells estate. The huge conifers create a cathedral-like atmosphere near the entrance, whilst colourful beech, larch and pine make up the rest of the woodland.
Guide map to Forests of Aberdeenshire (PDF 4.1MB)
Walking trails
Beech Tree Trail
A short stroll through the huge conifers and colourful beech trees that line the route.
Mostly firm gravel surface. Section of uneven earthy path with exposed tree roots and muddy areas. Fairly steep slopes.
Allow ¾ hour
The trail goes through groves of smooth grey-barked beech trees. In spring the leaves are vivid green, turning darker in summer before blazing into autumnal oranges and browns. The beech is deciduous which means that it loses its foliage every year, creating a wonderful carpet of crunchy leaves to kick through!
The trail is through trees so can be muddy after rain but is surfaced in places.
The Big Tree Trail
Wander through giant Sitka spruce and majestic Douglas fir on this short jaunt through the forest.
Firm gravel surface with some uneven sections. Moderate slopes. Some parts may be muddy after rain.
Allow 1 hour
This is a great trail for getting a quick blast of fresh air and exercise at any time of day. There are viewpoints over farmland and out to Kingshill Wood.
Gairn Hill Trail
A fine circuit of Gairn Hill Wood, which is home to a variety of trees and some good views across Aberdeenshire.
Firm gravel surface throughout, with some rocky, rooty and muddy parts. Long moderate slopes with some short steeper ramps.
Allow 1½ hours
Facilities & access
The nearest public toilets are in Cults or Kingswells.
Car parking charges
- £1 for up to 1 hour
- £1.50 for up to 3 hours
- £2 for all day
- £8 for minibus and coach all day
Season passes are also available. Please contact us for further information.
Getting here
The entrance and car park for Countesswells wood is on the west side of an unclassified road, 1 mile south of Kingswells. From the Kingswells roundabout on the A944, follow the turning for Cults. If heading from Cults or Countesswells Road, follow signs for Kingswells.
Using SatNav?
AB15 8QD is the closest postcode.
Get in touch
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