Winding Walks

Meander a maze of trails through the pines

The 'winding walks' are a maze of trails through the 19th century gardens of the Duke and Duchess of Gordon. Meander through open pinewoods to find striking viewpoints and monuments, or enjoy a secluded picnic beside a secret loch. Watch out for capercaillie as you explore Whiteash Wood. This is one of the few places left in the north east of Scotland where these iconic forest birds still live.

You can find out about the history of Fochabers, and the Duke and Duchess' association with the historic Gordon Chapel, at the nearby Folk Museum in Fochabers.

Our guide to Moray's forests (PDF 2.5MB)

How was your visit?

Were you wandering our walking routes? Looking for an adrenaline fix on our mountain biking trails? Or kicking back with some tasty food and drink in our picnic area? We'd love to hear what you thought of your visit to Winding Walks.

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Walking trails (4)

Walking

Peeps View Trail

A trail notice is in effect

The gazebo at the Peeps View viewpoint is not accessible at the present time due to structural issues.

A short loop through the forest to the gazebo tucked among the pines at Peeps Viewpoint. Enjoy impressive views over Fochabers and Strath Spey.

Wide, uneven gravel and earth surface. Some exposed tree roots and potentially muddy patches. Long moderate slopes with some fairly steep sections. Includes short flight of steps up to viewpoint.

1 ½ miles / 2.3 km

Allow
1 hour

Walking

Small Burn Loop

Skirt around the towering firs, pines and cypresses of the 19th century woodland garden along Small Burn.

Mostly wide, firm but uneven gravel surface. Long moderate slopes for half a mile with some steeper parts.

1 ½ miles / 2.4 km

Allow
1 hour

More information

This circuit above the Small Burn’s dramatic steep-sided glen features a variety of exotic conifers planted by the Duke of Gordon 200 years ago. For an adventurous variation, follow the signs from the trail to the Winding Walks themselves – rugged, narrow paths designed by the Duke that criss-cross the gully below.

Walking

Secret Loch Way

Wander through the pinewoods to find secluded Longhowe Loch, a former curling pond that is a great place to picnic.

Wide, firm but uneven gravel and grassy surface. Some exposed tree roots. Long moderate slopes for 500m with fairly steep sections.

1 ¾ miles / 3.0 km

Allow
1 hour

More information

Relax beside the loch and look out for woodland birds. Can you spot bat roosting boxes in the trees? Bats love lochs like this, where they feed on the insects zooming around over the water.

Walking

Monument Trail

Climb through the forest to the noble cairn erected on Whiteash Hill in memory of the Duchess of Richmond. There are wonderful views across the Moray Firth.

Uneven gravel surface with slightly rocky, grassy and muddy parts. Long moderate slopes for over half a mile with some fairly steep sections. Includes some exposed tree roots.

3 miles / 4.9 km

Allow
2 hours

More information

The longest of the trails at Winding Walks, this scenic route follows the edge of the Small Burn glen before joining narrower paths to reach the top of Whiteash Hill. Stand at the distinctive pyramidal monument and enjoy stunning views north to the mountains of Sutherland.

Activities

Time to hit the trails

Mountain bikers – the Monster Trails start here! Gear up for two of the more challenging Monster Trails, which start at the car park. For easier trails, try the blue graded Monster routes at nearby Ordiequish.

Facilities and access

Walking

Mountain biking

Parking (charge)

Picnic area

Car parking

Parking charges are as follows:

• £1 for up to 1 hour
• £1.50 for up to 3 hours
• £2 for all day
• £8 for minibus and coach all day

Annual parking passes are available.  Please contact the Regional Office for more information.

Stay The Night

Motorhomes and campervans that are self-contained and have their own toilet facilities will be able to stay overnight at the Winding Walks car park from 26 April – 31 October 2021. This does not include overnight tent camping or car parking.  

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
• Access notes – Gentle slope into car park.
• Parking notes – Sloping ground. Parking 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

Getting here

From Fochabers, follow the A98 east towards Buckie for about 1 mile (2km). The Winding Walks car park is on the right.

Using SatNav?

IV32 7PG is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

The nearest railway station is at Keith. Regular buses link the towns and villages along the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen – Fochabers is the nearest stop. You’ll find service details at Traveline Scotland.

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