Torrieston

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

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

All ability trails

Picnic area

Stay the Night

Walking

Parking (charge)

Life's essentials

You'll find refreshments, shops and toilets at nearby Elgin, Forres and Kinloss.

Car parking information

The charges to park at Torrieston are:

• £1 for up to 1 hour
• £3 for all day
• £10 for minibus or coach all day

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

Payment can be made using RingGo.

Annual parking passes are available for this site, visit our parking page for more information.

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.

More about parking

Stay the Night

Our Stay the Night scheme now runs right through the year. 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 £10 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.

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