Roseisle

Cycle forest trails or relax on sandy beaches

This coastal pinewood has everything for a perfect family day out: a long sandy beach, sheltered woodland trails, play equipment, simple barbecue facilities and easily accessible toilets (open from the start of April to the end of October).

The sweet-smelling pinewoods here are a great place for a sheltered walk or cycle. Planted in the 1930s, these woods are now teeming with life. Look out for red squirrels and distinctive crested tits.

Stretch your legs along the beach, and keep an eye open for seals bobbing in the bay and the plunging dives of bright white gannets. You’ll come across concrete blocks along the shoreline: part of Britain’s defences in the Second World War. Today, they’re excellent defence against the wind!

Walking trails

Roseisle route card (PDF)

Walking

Ice House Trail

This short path leads you through the forest just in from the shore to a grassy knoll beside the Bessie Burn with spectacular views to sea. See if you can spot the old ice house along the trail.

An undulating, moderately steep track, with some short fairly steep sections. Generally loose and sandy, or earthy paths which can be muddy after rain. Uneven sections with exposed tree roots.

1 ¼ miles / 2.0 km

Allow
¾ hour

More information

See if you can spot the old ice house along the trail, used for storing salmon caught off the coast. Keep an eye on the horizon too – this coastline was once the haunt of smugglers!

Walking

Millie Bothy

A stroll through this lovely coastal pine forest, taking in an old fishermen's bothy and the sparkling Millie Burn.

A loose sandy or earthy uneven path. Generally gentle to moderately steep, with some short fairly steep slopes. One long flight of steep, uneven log steps. Wet and muddy after rain.

1 ½ miles / 2.6 km

Allow
1¼ hours

More information

Discover the forest at different stages in its life, from newly-planted trees to mature pines. This scenic trail leads you past ruined Millie Bothy, where salmon fishermen used to take shelter, and heads to the Millie Burn where it enters the sea for great views across the Moray Firth.

Walking

Wildlife Walk Trail

A great circuit that takes in forest and foreshore, with a chance to spot seals, red squirrels and woodland birds.

A narrow loose and sandy or earthy uneven surface. Can be wet after rain. Generally gentle to moderately steep, with short fairly steep slopes. One narrow bridge.

2 ½ miles / 4.2 km

Allow
1¾ hours

More information

Look out for seals and seabirds bobbing offshore, red squirrels as you walk amongst the trees and woodpeckers and other woodland birds from the hide. See if you can spot the old ice house along the trail and take time to pause at the bridge, watching your reflection in the clear water of the Bessie Burn.

Activities

Cycling

There are no waymarked cycle trails here, but there are plenty of flat routes that make this a great place to explore by bike. You can also cycle in from Burghead and College of Roseisle.

Horse riding

There are no waymarked horse riding routes, but it’s well worth exploring this beautiful coastal pinewood on horseback. The wood is crisscrossed with quiet, little-used tracks and trails. Find out more in our horse riding section.

Trails to Roseisle

Waymarked walks from the car park link with the villages of Burghead and College of Roseisle. These have been developed in partnership with the Burghead Footpath Group.

Discover Roseisle’s wartime story

Access the beach to see the World War II coastal defences, including concrete tank cubes and pill boxes. Many of the blocks have moved from their original positions, due to the shifting sands, but they still provide excellent defence against the wind here.

Facilities and access

Walking

Toilets

Parking (charge)

Wildlife hide

Play area

Barbeque

Picnic area

Life’s essentials

The toilets here are seasonal and are open from 1 April to 31 October.

There are picnic tables dotted throughout the trees near the car park and some purpose-built barbecues on site, available to anyone on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Alternatively, bring your own disposable barbecue – there are ceramic tiles on some of the picnic tables to stand them on.

There is play equipment, suitable for children of all ages, close to the picnic area. You can find refreshments and shops at the nearby towns of Kinloss, Elgin and Burghead. You’ll also find public toilets that are open year-round at Burghead and Findhorn.

Car parking information

The charges to park at Roseisle are:

Payment options: coin or RingGo

• £2 for up to 1 hour
• £2.50 for up to 3 hours
• £4 for all day
• £12 for minibus or coach all day 

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 local forest list without the £ symbol. 

Annual parking pass available:

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

Blue badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

More parking info

Accessibility

Getting here

From Forres: Turn off the A96 onto the B9011 to Kinloss, then the B9089 to Burghead. Look out for the car park on the left after 6 miles (10km).

From Elgin: Turn off the A96 onto the B9013 to Burghead. At College of Roseisle turn left and follow the signs. The car park is on the right after 2 miles (3km).

Using SatNav?

IV36 2UB is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Elgin is the nearest railway station. There are regular buses from Elgin to Roseisle. You’ll find service details at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions