
Thursday, 28 September 2023
22 September 2023: The Mountain Bike Funpark will be closed Thursday 28 September and Friday 29 September and also Monday 2 October and Tuesday 3 October while essential ground preparation operations take place. It will be open to use at the weekend (Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October).
22 August 2023: Harvesting work continues at Kirkhill but access to formal trails is maintained. Please follow all on site signage and do not remove or damage barriers that are in place. This puts our employees and other members of the public at risk.
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.
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.
Allow 2½ hours
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.
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.
Kirkhill’s wide trails are good for horse riding, and there’s plenty of space in the car park for horse boxes.
Why not test your navigational skills on Kirkhill's orienteering.
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.
AB21 0TU is the nearest postcode.
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Family-friendly trails through towering trees
Rightly popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists alike
Look for hidden sculptures in this hillside wood