Quarry Wood

A hilltop woodland overlooking the Moray Firth

Explore Quarry Wood on the network of paths through pines, larch and native oakwood.

As you wander through the woods, you’ll come across disused sandstone quarries. Remarkable fossils have been found here of reptiles which lived in the desert sands 250 million years ago, well before the dinosaurs. One creature, named Elginia mirabilis, was about the size of a Labrador but armed with protective spines. You can see some of the fossils in Elgin museum,where you can also discover the rich human history of the area.

The ancient oakwood on the east side of the hill is an easy stroll from Elgin. If you’re quiet, you might spot roe deer as well as a variety of woodland birds. In springtime, listen out for the distinctive ‘drumming’ of great spotted woodpeckers as they declare their territory.

Walking trails

Quarry Wood route card (PDF)

Walking

Elginia Trail

Uncover the secrets of Quarrelwood, where a reptile older than the dinosaurs was found in remarkable fossils. There are extensive views over the Moray Firth.

Firm but uneven earthy and grassy surface. Many exposed tree roots and some slightly muddy sections. Fairly steep slopes. Includes a narrow opening.

3 miles / 5.0 km

Allow 2 hours

More information

"This scenic circular trail leads through the woods to Cutties Hillock Quarry and viewpoint. This is where fossils of Elginia mirabilis, a spiky-headed prehistoric reptile, were found, along with other creatures who roamed here 250 million years ago. Today you’re more likely to spot red squirrels, roe deer and a host of woodland birds amongst the oaks, beech and conifers!

Facilities and access

Picnic area

Stay the Night

Walking

Parking (charge)

Life’s essentials

You can find refreshments, shops and public toilets at the nearby towns of Elgin, Lossiemouth and Burghead.

Car parking information

The charges to park at the Leggat car park are:

• £1 for up to 1 hour - all vehicles
• £3 for all day - car (up to 7 seats)
• £10 for all day - coach and minibus
• Blue badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

Payment can be made using RingGo.

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 Forest Search, marked as a 'P' without the £ symbol.

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions (PDF) before applying.

More parking info

Stay the Night

Stay the Night continues to run through to 31 December 2024. This means self-contained motorhomes and campervans will be able to park overnight for one night in some of our car parks.

There is a £7 charge to Stay the Night at this car park. Payment can be made through RingGo with details of how to do this at each car park.

To help plan your stay, please see the details below:

• Height barrier – No
• Motorhome capacity of car park – 3
• Suitable for large vehicles/caravans – No
• Parking notes – Single track road with passing places. Car park on slight slope - levelling blocks recommended. Please leave a 4m gap between other motorhomes.

Please visit our Stay the Night page for full details, participating locations, best practice, and terms and conditions of use.

Stay the night

Getting here

The nearest railway station is at Elgin. There are also regular buses between Inverness and Aberdeen that stop at Elgin. You’ll find service details at Traveline Scotland.

Car parking

There are two car parks at Quarry Wood.

For the Elginia Trail and orienteering course, head for the Leggat car park:

Take the A96 west from Elgin. Pass the Eight Acres Hotel and then Oakwood, both on your right, then take the next road on your right, signposted to Rosebrae. Look out for the car park on the right after about 350 yards (300 metres).

You can also access the wood through the Moray Council woodland from the Brumley Brae car park:

Take the A96 west from Elgin. Turn right onto Morriston Road at Eight Acres Hotel. After about ½ mile (0.8km) turn left onto Brumley Brae. Look out for the car park on the left after about 500 yards (450 metres).

Using SatNav?

• IV30 8XT is the nearest postcode for the Leggat car park.
• IV30 6AR is the nearest postcode for the Brumley Brae car park.

Get directions