Countesswells (closed)

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.

Walking trails

Countesswells route card (PDF)

Walking

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.

1 ¼ miles / 2.1 km

Allow
¾ hour

More information

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.

Walking

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.

1 ½ miles / 2.5 km

Allow
1 hour

More information

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.

Walking

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.

2 ¾ miles / 4.4 km

Allow
1½ hours

Facilities and access

Walking

Mountain biking

Parking (charge)

Horse riding

The nearest public toilets are in Cults or Kingswells.

Car parking information

Payment options: coin or card

The charges to park at Countesswells are:

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

We recommend you bring both coins and cards with you in case our machine is having an off-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

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 directions