The Bin
COVID-19 update
Some FLS visitor centres are offering a reduced service, with walking and mountain bike trails remaining open, as are most toilets and car parks. Please check below for local updates on any closures.
We want to ensure your visit is an enjoyable and safe one.
Make sure you follow the Scottish Government’s FACTS advice – helping to protect yourself, your family and your local community, and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code helping to keep Scotland beautiful.
Latest forest information
- Updated 2 June 2021: Timber harvesting, extraction and haulage is taking place at multiple locations in the Bin Forest and is expected to continue until 31 July 2021. It will at times be necessary to close parts of the waymarked trails. Please follow all on site signage and do not enter prohibited areas or restrict access when parking vehicles at forest gates, including the Bellmouth entrance from the A96.
Big impressive trees and Deveron valley views
Named for the hill at its heart, The Bin contains many of Aberdeenshire’s most impressive grand firs. Some date back to the 1840s and are among the oldest in the country.
Medicinal powers were once attributed to the Gallon of Water, a small pool near the knobbly top of the Bin, but today most people make the climb for the invigorating views across the Huntly countryside.
Be sure to visit The White Wood. Local people planted this new area of woodland with native trees, shrubs and wild flowers as a living monument to peace. The white wood is located off the Queen tree trail between Ferny Knowe and Clean Hill.
Guide map to forests of Aberdeenshire (PDF 4.1MB)
Walking trails
Ferny Knowe Trail
A short stroll around Ferny Knowe and Boddum Hill with some great views through the majestic larch trees.
Mostly wide, uneven gravel and grassy surface. Some exposed tree roots and slightly soft sections. Includes one fairly steep slope.
Allow 1 hour
Lots of wild things make their home in Bin Forest. If you want to see red squirrels or roe deer, early morning or dusk are the best times to visit. Keep an eye turned to the sky as you explore – you might glimpse a peregrine falcon or sparrowhawk wheeling high above the woodland.
Queen Tree Trail
Generations of trees can be seen on this trail, from grand firs planted in the 1840s to seedlings pushing through the soil.
Firm but uneven gravel and grassy surface. Some steep slopes. Includes exposed tree roots and slightly muddy sections.
Allow 2 hours
The grand fir trees planted here grew from seeds brought back from North America by plant-hunter David Douglas. The Queen Tree, which gives this trail its name, could have grown from one of them! Native trees thrive here too – gean (wild cherry) and rowan are also common at the Bin.
Gallon of Water Trail
Climb through the forest to the top of The Bin for great views and a pool that was believed to have healing powers.
Sections of rough, narrow earth path. Long steep slope with one short flight of wooden steps. Includes some rocky, rooty and potentially muddy parts.
Allow 2½ hours
The ‘Gallon of Water’ is actually a shallow pool at the top of Bin Hill. People used to believe its waters had healing powers – it was particularly well known as a cure for whooping cough.
Start this walk by following the yellow markers of the Bin Hill Trail before branching off to follow the white markers to the Gallon of Water.
Facilities & access
The nearest public toilets are in the small historic town of Huntly, just a couple of miles south.
Getting here
The Bin is on the east side of the A96 about 2 miles north of Huntly. The car park is well signposted, a ¼ mile north of the turn-off to Drumdelgie.
Using Sat Nav?
AB54 4TS is the nearest postcode.
Get in touch
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