Walks Near Forres: Town, Woodland and Coast

Explore Moray on foot from Tullochwood Lodges

A peaceful base near Forres

Woodland, coast and riverside walks within easy reach

There’s a lovely choice of walks around Tullochwood. Start in our 28 acres of woodland, head into Forres or onto the Dava Way in around 10 minutes, or explore Findhorn, Culbin and Roseisle within roughly 20–25 minutes. Choose a gentle wander, a beach stroll or a longer day out.

Plan in more detail

Two useful local guides

Roseisle Beach on the Moray coast

Explore beaches, coastal walks and villages

Use our Moray Coast guide to compare Findhorn, Roseisle, Lossiemouth and the fishing villages further east, with ideas for walks, wildlife watching and relaxed stops along the way.

Dog walking in woodland at Tullochwood Lodges

Plan a dog-friendly day out

Our dog-friendly Moray guide brings together woodland routes, open beaches and local days out, plus the practical advantage of walks within the Tullochwood grounds.

Choose by journey time

Town, woodland and coastal walks near Tullochwood

Approximate driving times are from Tullochwood Lodges, IV36 2RU.

About 10 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Forres Footpaths

Choose from mapped town, woodland, riverside and heritage walks developed by the local Footpaths Trust.

Forres and its surrounding paths. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Choose a Forres walking route

About 10 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Quarrel Wood

A convenient woodland walk on the edge of Forres, with mixed trees and paths used by local walkers.

Forest path through Quarrel Wood near Forres
A forest path in Quarrel Wood.

View Quarrel Wood information

About 10 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

The Dava Way

Start near Forres for a manageable section, or plan the complete 24-mile former railway route to Grantown-on-Spey. The traffic-free trail is also well suited to off-road cycling.

The Dava Way former railway walking route near Forres
The Dava Way looking towards Forres.

Plan a Dava Way walk

About 15–20 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Sluie Gorge

A dramatic woodland and riverside route beside the River Findhorn, with steep drops requiring particular care.

Findhorn Gorge viewed from the Sluie walk
Findhorn Gorge at Sluie.

Check the Sluie Gorge route

About 20 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Culbin Forest

Choose the gentle Gravel Pit Ponds Trail or allow around two hours for the Hill 99 route and viewing tower.

Woodland path through Culbin Forest
Culbin Forest.

Compare Culbin’s trails

About 20 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Findhorn Beach

Enjoy a short coastal stroll or follow the long sandy beach east towards Roseisle and Burghead.

Colourful beach huts at Findhorn Beach on the Moray coast
Beach huts at Findhorn.

Plan a Findhorn Beach walk

About 25 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Randolph’s Leap

Woodland paths lead towards a spectacular narrow section of the River Findhorn gorge. Take care beside the water.

Rocky River Findhorn gorge at Randolph's Leap
Randolph’s Leap on the River Findhorn.

Check the Randolph’s Leap route

About 25 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Roseisle Forest and Beach

Combine waymarked woodland trails, beach access, wildlife watching and useful family facilities.

Roseisle Beach on the Moray coast
Roseisle Beach.

Compare Roseisle’s trails

About 35 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Lossiemouth Beaches

Choose East Beach for a long open walk from the pedestrian bridge, or explore the sands west of the town.

Lossiemouth East Beach stretching east along the Moray coast
Lossiemouth East Beach.

Explore Lossiemouth’s beaches

About 35 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Earth Pillars at Ordiequish

Follow old woodland tracks through pines and heather for unusual glacial formations and views over the River Spey.

Woodland footpath on the Earth Pillars Trail at Ordiequish
The Earth Pillars Trail at Ordiequish.

Visit the Ordiequish guide

About 40 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Winding Walks

Choose from four waymarked forest trails near Fochabers, including one-hour circuits and the longer Monument Trail.

Winding Walks forest trails near Fochabers
Winding Walks near Fochabers.

Compare the Winding Walks trails

Routes across Moray

The Moray Way

Explore a collection of walking routes or plan sections of Moray’s long-distance circular coast, moorland and riverside trail.

Walking landscape on the Moray Coast Trail
The Moray coast, part of the wider Moray Way.

Explore Moray Ways

In Rafford · Two circular options

Rafford and Califer Hill Circular

This walk was originally created by Forres Footpaths Trust. Moray Ways provides route information for the 10-mile (16 km) circuit linking Califer Hill, lower Rafford and part of the Dava Way. A shorter 4-mile circular option starts at Rafford Church, giving guests at Tullochwood a particularly local walk to consider.

The route is unsigned, with mixed surfaces including minor roads, grassy lanes, farm tracks, footpaths and woodland tracks. Some sections can be muddy or slippery after rain. The shorter option begins with approximately 50 yards beside the B9010: take care with traffic. Study the route map and directions, and check current local notices before setting out.

Plan the Rafford and Califer Hill walk

Photo credits and reuse licences

Forres map: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Quarrel Wood and Dava Way: Anne Burgess; Sluie Gorge: Geograph contributor; Culbin Forest: Ralph Greig; Findhorn Beach: Colin Smith; Randolph’s Leap: Ian Taylor; Lossiemouth East Beach: Anne Burgess; Earth Pillars Trail: Peter Wood. Images supplied through Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 2.0. Winding Walks: ED McIntosh, CC BY-SA 3.0. Roseisle Beach and Moray coast images are from Tullochwood Lodges’ own media library.

Before you set out

Find a walk you’ll enjoy

Check the current trail notice

Forestry work, storm damage and seasonal maintenance can create temporary diversions. Use the official route link before leaving.

Match the route to your group

Look at distance, surface, slopes and steps—not only the mileage—especially with children, dogs or anyone with limited mobility.

Take care by water and wildlife

Keep back from steep gorge edges, respect tides and waves, and give seals, nesting birds and other wildlife plenty of space.

For full route information, use the current pages for Culbin, Roseisle, the Dava Way, Findhorn Beach and Winding Walks.

Your base between walks

Why Tullochwood works for a walking break

Eight woodland lodgesReturn to peaceful grounds after a day on forest, coast or riverside paths.
Walk from your lodgeEnjoy on-site woodland paths without needing to drive every time you want fresh air.
Your own kitchenPrepare an early breakfast, pack lunch and enjoy a relaxed evening meal on your own timetable.
Dogs genuinely welcomePractical self-catering stays with woodland walks close at hand for four-legged guests.
One lodge or severalChoose a private break or bring friends and extended family together across nearby lodges.
Coast and country close byMix walking days with Forres, historic places, wildlife, whisky and other Moray experiences.
Questions walkers often ask

Walks near Forres: FAQs

Can we walk straight from Tullochwood Lodges?

Yes. Guests have access to paths within Tullochwood’s 28 acres of private woodland, useful for short walks and dog outings.

Which beach is closest?

Findhorn Beach is one of the nearest major beaches and is usually around a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic and your chosen parking area.

What is a good first forest walk?

Culbin’s Gravel Pit Ponds Trail is a gentle introduction. The Hill 99 route is longer and includes steps to the viewing platform.

Are the walks suitable for dogs?

Yes—there are plenty of lovely woodland and beach walks for you and your woof. Follow local signs and use a lead around livestock, nesting birds and seals.

Can we walk or cycle only part of the Dava Way?

Yes. The full route is 24 miles between Forres and Grantown-on-Spey, but access points make shorter walking or off-road cycling sections possible. Check the official map before planning transport.

Do we need to book these walks?

No booking is normally needed, but parking charges, seasonal facilities and temporary trail notices may apply. Check the official destination page before travel.

Make Tullochwood your base for walking in Moray

Explore woodland from your door, then choose coast, forest or riverside paths for the day.

Check availability for your dates

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