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.
Dunnottar Woods
Dunnottar Forest Notice
A new bridge will be installed across Glaslaw Burn between Wednesday 18 March and Wednesday 1 April. Please observe any safety signage during this time.
Lively community wood in the grounds of Dunnottar House
Stonehaven’s lively community wood is full of surprises and stories about the Kennedy family who once lived in Dunnottar House. Walk directly into the woodland from the town and quickly lose yourself in history and nature.
In summer the forest is vibrant, green and speckled with wildflowers. In autumn crunchy beech, ash and sycamore leaves carpet the ground — great for tramping through.
Guide map to forests of Aberdeenshire (PDF 4.1MB)
Walking trails
History Trail
Explore the deciduous woodlands of Dunnottar House and discover its intriguing history at the Shell House, Lady Kennedy’s Bath and Gallow's Hill.
Firm but uneven gravel surface. Long moderate slopes with short steeper sections. Some tree roots and muddy patches. Includes two quiet road crossings.
Allow 1 hour
A whole network of paths criss-crosses Dunnottar Woods – this trail is a good place to start, but you can also start from Glasslaw car park, the quarry car park or Low Wood Road in Stonehaven.
Facilities & access
There are plenty of places to eat and accessible public toilets in Stonehaven.
Getting here
Dunnottar Woods are on the south side of Stonehaven. You can walk to the woods from the town, using a number of entrances between Carron Gardens and Woodcot Brae: it’s a short, steep climb into the woods.
There is a car park at the south end of the forest off the A957 (a continuation of Dunnottar Avenue, if travelling from Stonehaven town). Turn onto the unclassified road just north of the junction with the A92 dual carriagway. The car park is 20m along the road on the right.
Using SatNav?
AB39 3XX is the nearest postcode, on the road called Dunnottar Church.
Get in touch
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