Dunnottar Woods
COVID-19 update
All FLS visitor centres are currently closed. Walking and mountain bike trails remain open, as do most toilets and car parks, but do check below for local updates for closures.
We want to ensure your visit is an enjoyable and safe one.
Make sure you follow the Scottish Government’s FACTS advice – helping to protect yourself, your family and your local community, and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code helping to keep Scotland beautiful.
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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