Monday, 18 Nov 2024
The Iron Age dun of Kraiknish sits on the top of a rocky knoll on the coastline at the mouth of Loch…
Scolty
Where we are
Latest forest information
- Update 9 July 2024: the car park is open for access to Scolty Hill and part of the March Trail only. The Craigloch Trail remains closed due to extensive damage to the trail surface. The March Trail is only partially open as it shares part of the Craigloch Trail route. Please follow all on-site signage and diversions.
About
Quiet woodland below a general’s monument
Most people come to climb Scolty Hill and the Burnett monument - the route up is rugged and steep but the views are superb.
Down below the forest is quiet and interesting, with scampering red squirrels and woodpeckers drilling. Gentle trails weave over small burns and past old stone walls, relics of Scolty’s farming history.
For a longer day try a section of the Deeside Way and get the bus back from Aboyne or Drumoak.
Walking trails
Walking
Craigloch Trail
A trail notice is in effect
20 November 2023: The Craigloch Trail remains closed due to extensive damage to the trail surface. Please follow all on site signage and all diversions until the trail is officially open again.
Discover the mossy walls of old farms and a fine viewpoint on this shorter loop through the spruce and larch forest.
Wide, firm but uneven gravel surface throughout. Long moderate slopes with some steeper sections. Includes two wide gates. Some parts may be slightly muddy.
1 ½ miles / 2.6 km
Allow 1 hour
More information
The trail is named after Craigloch croft, an old farming homestead whose walls have been recently repaired by local folk. You can find their work hidden amongst the tall larches. The people who once lived here knew spring had arrived when they heard the first cuckoo – these solitary birds fly to Scolty from Africa and Asia and, in springtime, the forest is full of their calls.
Walking
March Trail
A trail notice is in effect
20 November 2023: The March Trail is only partially open as it shares part of the Craigloch Trail route which has extensive damage to the trail surface. Please follow all on site signage and all diversions.
A longer circuit through the tranquil forest, with the chance to see woodpeckers, roe deer and red squirrels.
Uneven gravel and earth surface with exposed tree roots. Some rocky and slightly muddy parts. Long moderate slopes with short steeper sections. Includes one narrow kissing gate.
2 ½ miles / 4.0 km
Allow 1 ½ hours
More information
This interesting route takes in many of the attractions of this much-loved forest, including old farm walls and field boundaries. Native and conifer trees support a wide range of wildlife all year round: listen out for the hammering of brightly-coloured woodpeckers on dead tree trunks and the scampering of red squirrels in the undergrowth.
Activities
Cycling
Cyclists and horse riders are welcome to use the Deeside way, a long distance path between Aberdeen and Ballater which runs through Scolty. The route is a great way to explore the area and see sights you wouldn't from the car!
Facilities and access
The nearest public toilets are in Banchory at the Bellfield car park.
Car parking information
The charges to park at Scolty are:
Payment options: coin or RingGo
- £2 for up to 1 hour
- £2.50 for up to 3 hours
- £3 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.Moray and Aberdeenshire Car Park Pass - £50 per car and £120 per mini-bus or coach
FLS National Car Park Pass - £100 per car and £150 per mini bus or coach
Valid at all Forestry and Land Scotland car parks except Tentsmuir.
Blue Badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.
Getting here
Scolty is a 5 minute drive or 30 minute walk from Banchory.
Head south out of Banchory on Dee Street (B974), cross the River Dee and keep a look out for the signs for 'Scolty Woodland Walks' on the right-hand side.
Using SatNav?
AB31 6PT is the nearest postcode.
Public transport
Regular buses between Aberdeen and Royal Deeside stop in Banchory. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6380 (option 2)
Nearby forests
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Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Pitfichie': 11.52 miles
Countesswells' smaller and quieter neighbour
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Foggieton': 12.28 miles
Lively community wood in the grounds of Dunnottar House
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Dunnottar Woods': 12.42 miles
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