Tuesday, 03 Dec 2024
The two adults and three kits have been released into restored wetland habitat, where our sta…
Torrieston
Where we are
Latest forest information
- 08 April 2024: harvesting, extraction and haulage is continuing in Monaughty Forest. There will be rolling closures and diversions in place as the work progresses. Please follow all on site signage and instructions from operators.
About
Wind along tranquil trails to the perfect picnic spot
From Torrieston car park, head out on the trails to explore the peaceful woodland on either side of the road.
Just across the road, the gentle all-abilities trail is a lovely loop for the whole family, through open pinewoods with picnic tables and benches. Linger by the Black Burn where salmon and otters have been seen in the treacle-black waters. If there’s a whiff of the tropics in the air, then you’ll soon see the coconut-scented yellow flowers of gorse, also known as whin.
The giant Douglas firs in the woods here were among the first trees to be planted by the Forestry Commission in the 1920s. Today they tower at over 40 metres high. Keep an eye out for daredevil red squirrels darting down the tree trunks head-first!
Walking trails
Walking
Black Burn Trail
A gentle wander through open pinewoods to the Black Burn. Plenty of places to rest and picnic.
Wide, firm and smooth gravel surface throughout. Generally flat with some short moderate slopes. Some parts may be slightly muddy. Includes a quiet road crossing and bridge 1.2m wide.
1 ¼ miles / 1.9 km
Allow ¾ hour
More information
Wind your way through open sweet-scented pinewoods, crossing two bridges over the Black Burn. Let the stresses of the day trickle away as you rest beside its gently flowing, treacle-dark waters. There’s a lovely spot for a picnic beside the second bridge – which is a great place to play Poohsticks too!
The Fieldfare Trust has a Phototrail showing details of this route.
The trail starts across the road from the car park – take care crossing the road. Follow the white waymarkers.
Walking
Douglas Fir Avenue Trail
A perfect combination of beech wood, pine forest and elegant Douglas firs, with some great views across the Moray countryside.
Uneven gravel and earth surface with exposed tree roots. Some fairly steep slopes and steps. Parts may occasionally be muddy.
2 miles / 3.4 km
Allow 1 hour
More information
This trail leads you out under an elegant canopy of mature pine and Douglas fir, beside rolling grassy fields. Look across the valley as you go to spot Pluscarden Abbey.
Activities
Explore on horseback
A great place for horse riding with plenty of lesser tracks and trails to discover.
Facilities and access
Life's essentials
You'll find refreshments, shops and toilets at nearby Elgin, Forres and Kinloss.
Car parking information
The charges to park at this forest 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.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.
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 – 2
- Suitable for large vehicles/caravans – No
- Parking notes – 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.
Accessibility
Getting here
From Elgin: Take the B9010 Dallas road. After 1 mile (1.6 km) continue along the minor road towards Puscarden. The car park is on the right after 2½ miles (4 km).
From Forres: Take the B9010 Rafford/Dallas road. After 4 miles (6.4 km) turn left onto the Pluscarden minor road. The car park is on the left after 2 miles (3.2 km).
Using SatNav?
IV30 8TJ is the nearest postcode.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6380 (option 2)
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