Torrieston

Wind along tranquil trails to the perfect picnic spot

Discover great trails through peaceful mixed woodland that includes statuesque, 100 year-old Douglas firs as tall as Nelson's Column. They were the first trees to be planted here by the Forestry Commission when we took over Torrieston in the 1920s. Today they are nearly 165 feet (50 metres) tall. 

As you explore, look out for nibbled pinecones left by red squirrels and watch for roe deer amongst the trees early and late in the day. You might also spot otter pawprints or their distinctive black spraint (a naturalist’s word for otter poo!) on the banks of the Black Burn.

Picnic beside the dark waters of the Black Burn – keeping an eye out for salmon and otters – or climb gently through the woods in search of red squirrels and stunning views. Look across the Vale of Pluscarden to Pluscarden Abbey as you walk up into the woods. It’s the only medieval monastery in Britain inhabited by a working order of Benedictine monks.

The coastal forest at Roseisle is a great place for a walk or cycle. There's a sandy beach, play and barbecue equipment, toilets and a wildlife hide too. 

Walking trails

Torrieston route card (PDF)

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

Walking

Parking (charge)

All ability trails

Picnic area

Stay the Night

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.

More parking info

Stay the Night

Motorhomes and campervans that are self-contained and have their own toilet facilities will be able to stay overnight at this car park from 1 April – 31 October 2023.

There is a £7 charge to Stay the Night at all participating car parks. 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.

Stay the night

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 directions