Kirkhill

Walk, run or cycle to the Tappie Tower

There’s plenty of space beneath Kirkhill’s trees for walking, running, cycling and horse riding. This working forest has a mountain bike fun park too, where you can practise your technical skills.

There are great views all round from the Tappie Tower, a Victorian folly. See if you can spot the Mither Tap – the hill at Bennachie forest away to the north.

Walking trails

Kirkhill route card (PDF)

Walking

Tappie Tower Trail

Climb through the forest to the 19th century folly at Tappie Tower, which provides panoramic views from the North Sea to Bennachie.

Firm and mostly wide gravel surface, with some uneven and slightly rocky sections. One long fairly steep slope. Parts may be wet after rain.

3 ¾ miles / 5.9 km

Allow
2½ hours

More information

The trail winds its way through a range of forest scenery before a small path leads off to the Tappie Tower. The folk who built the tower in the 19th century knew what they were about: there’s a stunning view across Aberdeenshire.

Activities

Mountain bike fun park

The mountain bike fun park is just near the car park: it’s an ideal place to practice skills before trying more demanding places like the Moray Monster Trails.

Horse riding

Kirkhill’s wide trails are good for horse riding, and there’s plenty of space in the car park for horse boxes.

Orienteering

Why not test your navigational skills on Kirkhill's orienteering.

Kirkhill orienteering map (PDF 1.4MB)

Getting here

Kirkhill is on the north side of the A96, between the Dyce roundabout and Blackburn village. Slow down when you see the turn-off signposted for 'Kirkton of Skene' - The entrance to Kirkhill forest is opposite this.

Using SatNav?

AB21 0TU is the nearest postcode.

Get directions