Outdoor Activities Near Tullochwood Lodges

Active days, peaceful evenings

Enjoy Moray’s outdoors from your woodland lodge

Tullochwood Lodges is a relaxed base for cycling, riding, fishing, watersports and family adventures near Forres. Many of the experiences below are within about 10–40 minutes, while the Cairngorms make an easy full-day trip. Choose a gentle forest route or something more energetic, then return to the quiet of your lodge.

Travelling with a dog? See our dog-friendly walks and days out.

A bright, dry forest track through Culbin Forest in Moray

Forest tracks to technical trails

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Cyclists staying at Tullochwood can reach the Dava Way within about 10 minutes, enjoy gentle forest routes at Culbin and Roseisle, follow quieter Moray roads or travel farther for purpose-built mountain-bike trails. The mix works well for road cyclists, families, leisure riders and experienced mountain bikers.

Our recommendationStart with the Dava Way for a peaceful local ride. Road cyclists can build a loop through Moray’s countryside and coastal villages, while Moray Monster Trails or Bike Glenlivet suit riders looking for single-track.

About 10 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Dava Way

A former railway route running from Forres towards Grantown-on-Spey through farmland, woodland and open moor. Ride a manageable out-and-back section rather than feeling you need to complete the entire route.

The Dava Way through the Moray countryside
The Dava Way through the Moray countryside

About 35 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Moray Monster Trails

A network of graded single-track routes in Moray, with options for newer riders and demanding trails for experienced mountain bikers. Check the current forest and trail information before travelling.

Moray Monster Trails
Moray Monster Trails

About 20–30 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Culbin & Roseisle Forests

Wide forest roads and waymarked routes make these good choices for a gentler ride, with woodland, wildlife and the Moray coast close together. They suit mixed-ability groups and unhurried family outings.

A bright forest track through Culbin Forest
A bright track through Culbin Forest

About 55 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Bike Glenlivet

Purpose-built mountain-bike trails, a skills area and sweeping Speyside scenery make Bike Glenlivet worth the longer drive. Choose a trail suited to your experience and check conditions before setting out.

A mountain-bike trail on Glenlivet Estate
A mountain-bike trail on Glenlivet Estate

Starting from Tullochwood Lodges

Road cycling across Moray

Moray’s quieter country roads let road cyclists build relaxed loops through farmland, small towns and coastal villages. National Cycle Network Route 1 also crosses the wider region.

A cyclist riding on a quiet Scottish country road
Road cycling on a quiet Scottish country road
Closest optionRoad routes and Dava Way
Best seasonSpring to autumn
Best forRoad, family and mountain-bike riders
Before you goCheck routes and conditions
Horse riders following a woodland trail

Lessons, trekking and forest rides

Horse Riding

Beginners and experienced riders can arrange lessons or riding experiences at established centres near Forres and Elgin. Advance booking is important because visitor sessions, rider ages and available horses vary.

Our recommendationHave a chat with the centre about the riding you’ve done and what you’d enjoy. They’ll help you choose a session that suits you.

About 25 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Equus Scotland

Equus welcomes holiday visitors and offers lessons for people starting out or developing their riding. Forest and beach riding may be available for suitable riders, subject to experience, conditions and the centre’s programme.

Horse riding through a Scottish forest
Horse riding through a Scottish forest

About 35 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Cranloch Riding Centre

An established centre near Elgin offering lessons and a welcoming route into riding for different abilities. Contact the centre with rider ages, height and experience before booking.

Horse riding on a Scottish beach
Horse riding on a Scottish beach

About 35 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Logie Farm Riding Centre

A BHS-approved riding centre near Glenferness offering tuition and trekking. It gives guests another choice when local sessions are full or a particular style of riding is preferred.

Pony trekking on a forest track
Pony trekking on a forest track
Best forBeginners and riders
SeasonVaries by centre
BookingEssential
What to shareAges and experience
Two anglers fly-fishing in the River Findhorn near Forres

River, loch and sea angling

Fishing

Fishing is available close to Tullochwood on the River Findhorn, with the River Spey, stocked lochs and Moray Firth sea-angling trips also within reach. Permits and availability vary, so arrange the water or guide you want before travelling.

Our recommendationThe River Findhorn is the natural place to begin: it is close, peaceful and unmistakably Scottish. Guests seeking tuition or a carefully planned day can book local guidance rather than organising everything alone.

About 10 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

River Findhorn permits

Forres Angling Association offers the practical local route to visitor fishing on its waters. Check seasons, current conditions and permit availability before making plans.

The River Findhorn
The River Findhorn

About 10–30 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Estate fishing

Moray Estates provides another way to fish the Findhorn, suited to guests looking for an estate beat and a more arranged experience. Enquire early for the dates of your stay.

Fly fishing on a Scottish river
Fly fishing on a Scottish river

About 10–45 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Guided fishing & casting

Ian Neale of Speycaster offers local guidance and casting tuition for anglers who want expert help on the Findhorn or Spey. It is a useful option for a first Scottish fishing day or for refining technique.

Casting on the River Spey
Casting on the River Spey

About 25 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Moray Firth sea angling

Bookable trips from Burghead give individuals and groups a straightforward way to try sea fishing, with no need to bring a boat. Weather and sea conditions will always shape the day.

Boats in Burghead Harbour
Boats in Burghead Harbour

About 35 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Millbuies Loch

This wooded country park near Elgin has a loch stocked with rainbow trout and boat-based fly fishing. Current fishing arrangements are handled through Glen of Rothes Trout Fishery, so contact them before travelling.

Millbuies Loch near Elgin
Millbuies Loch

About 30 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Need tackle or local advice?

The Angling Centre in nearby Elgin can help with flies, equipment and current conditions. It is especially useful if you are travelling light or fishing unfamiliar water.

Fishing rod and reel
Fishing rod and reel

About 15 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Loch of Blairs

The closest dedicated loch option is a community-run, catch-and-release fly fishery just outside Forres. Fishing is from a hired boat, with permits arranged directly through Friends of Blairs Loch.

Trees reflected in the Loch of Blairs near Forres
Loch of Blairs near Forres

About 40 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Glen of Rothes Trout Fishery

An established stillwater fishery offering bank fishing for rainbow, blue, brown and brook trout. It is a useful choice for visiting anglers who want a managed fishery and direct advice before their day.

A fishing pool at Glen of Rothes Trout Fishery
A fishing pool at Glen of Rothes
Closest waterRiver Findhorn
BookingArrange permits first
Sea tripsWeather dependent
Best adviceAsk local operators

Planning a fishing break? Stay close to the Findhorn with space to relax after a day on the water.

Check lodge availability
Two sea kayakers paddling on the Inner Moray Firth

Bay, coast and river

Watersports

Findhorn Bay is the closest centre for sailing and paddlesports, while Lossiemouth adds surfing and the River Findhorn provides higher-energy rafting. Beginners can book tuition; experienced visitors should still check local weather, tides and equipment requirements.

Our recommendationTry Findhorn Bay for a first paddling or sailing session, or head to the coast or River Findhorn for something more energetic.

About 20 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Findhorn Watersports

Based at Royal Findhorn Yacht Club, the centre offers RYA training and activities including sailing, paddlesports and powerboating. Check the current programme and book the right session for your ability.

Dinghy sailing in Scotland
Dinghy sailing in Scotland

About 40 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

New Wave Surf School

Surf coaching and equipment hire at Lossiemouth make this a clear choice for guests who want to try surfing on the Moray coast. Lessons are available for adults and children, subject to conditions.

Surfing on the Scottish coast
Surfing on the Scottish coast

From about 20 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

North 58° Sea Adventures

Wildlife and coastal boat trips from Findhorn or Lossiemouth offer a different view of the Moray Firth, with the chance of seals, dolphins and seabirds. Departures depend on conditions and seasonal schedules.

Dolphins beside a boat in the Moray Firth
Dolphins beside a boat in the Moray Firth
Closest baseFindhorn Bay
Best seasonSpring to early autumn
BookingRecommended
ConditionsCheck weather and tides
White-water rafting on the River Findhorn

Higher-energy days out

Adventure Activities

River rafting, canyoning, archery, clay shooting, classic-car driving and guided quad trekking are all possible on day trips from Tullochwood. The closest multi-activity option is on the River Findhorn, with further choices towards Nairn, Speyside and the Cairngorms.

Our recommendationACE Adventures is the natural starting point for a memorable local day. Highland Classic Car Hire offers a more relaxed road adventure, while House of Mulben and the Aviemore area provide target sports and full-day excursions.

About 15 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

ACE Adventures

Choose from white-water and family rafting, river tubing, canyoning, packrafting, canoeing and woodland challenges on the Logie Estate. Check the age guidance and book ahead for the activity that best suits your group.

White-water rafting
White-water rafting

About 45 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

House of Mulben

Clay-pigeon shooting, archery, air-rifle shooting and trout fishing provide a varied Speyside activity day. Sessions suit couples, families and groups, with advance booking advisable.

Outdoor archery
Outdoor archery

About 35 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Highland Classic Car Hire

Choose a self-drive classic sports car and explore the Highland roads from the company’s base just outside Nairn. Guided classic driving days can also be arranged for groups and special occasions.

Jaguar E-Type roadster
Jaguar E-Type roadster

About 60 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Rothiemurchus

A broad choice of outdoor activities near Aviemore makes Rothiemurchus useful for a full Cairngorms day. Explore the activity programme to find something your group will enjoy.

Lochan nan Geadas in Rothiemurchus
Lochan nan Geadas in Rothiemurchus

About 60 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Cairngorm Quad Treks

Guided quad trekking near Aviemore for guests who specifically want an off-road experience. Check age, licence and clothing requirements with the operator before booking.

Quad biking in Scotland
Quad biking in Scotland
Closest optionRiver Findhorn
Best forCouples, families, groups
BookingEssential
BringOperator-approved clothing
A family-friendly beach and forest landscape on the Moray coast

Shared days for different ages

Family Outdoor Adventures

Families can combine large attractions with simple local days: Landmark for a full day, Logie and Randolph’s Leap for riverside exploration, or Roseisle and Findhorn for forest-and-beach time. Several providers elsewhere on this page also welcome children.

Our recommendationLeave room for an unhurried forest or beach day. Children often remember the space to explore just as clearly as the larger ticketed attractions.

About 40 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

A full family day in a woodland setting, with outdoor play and attractions for a wide range of ages. Check seasonal opening and current height or age guidance before travelling.

Water slides at Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Water slides at Landmark Forest Adventure Park

About 15 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Logie & Randolph’s Leap

Combine Logie Steading with an easy riverside outing or the dramatic woodland walk to Randolph’s Leap. It is one of the most rewarding local half-days and close enough to keep plans relaxed.

Randolph’s Leap
Randolph’s Leap

About 30 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Roseisle Forest & Beach

Forest tracks, picnic spaces and a long beach make Roseisle easy to shape around the weather and the group’s energy. It also works well for dogs, bikes and a slower day outdoors.

Roseisle Forest beach
Roseisle Forest beach

About 20 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

Findhorn Beach

Beach walks, dunes and open space give families a simple outdoor option close to Tullochwood. Combine it with the village or a booked activity on the bay.

Beach huts at Findhorn Beach
Beach huts at Findhorn Beach

Activities from about 15 minutes away

Family activity sessions

ACE Adventures, New Wave Surf School, Findhorn Watersports and local riding centres all offer options for younger visitors, subject to age, confidence and conditions.

A family cycle trail through woodland
A family cycle trail through woodland
Best forChildren to grandparents
Closest dayLogie & Findhorn
WeatherKeep a flexible plan
With dogsUse our dog-friendly guide
A scenic golf course in Moray

Links and parkland courses

Golf in Moray

Golfers can reach respected links and parkland courses from Tullochwood, including options around Forres, Lossiemouth and the Moray coast. Our dedicated guide covers course character, visitor planning and how Tullochwood works as a base for a golf break.

Autumn colours along a woodland road in Moray Snow blowing across the summit of Cairn Gorm

Autumn colour, winter skies and quieter days

Autumn & Winter Adventures

Tullochwood is a peaceful base for autumn colour, crisp forest walks, coastal wildlife and Speyside days. When the snow arrives, the Cairngorms and The Lecht offer another lovely way to enjoy a winter day.

Our recommendationPlan an autumn and winter break around the season rather than only the snow. Changing leaves, quieter paths, Speyside whisky or a warming bowl of Cullen skink can make a rewarding day before a cosy evening back at your lodge.

Under an hour from Tullochwood Lodges

Cairngorm Region

Mountain scenery, walks and snowsports when conditions allow, with operating programmes that can change quickly. Check the official mountain report and road information on the morning you travel.

September snow on the high Cairngorms
September snow on the high Cairngorms

About 65 minutes from Tullochwood Lodges

The Lecht

A second north-eastern snow-sport option, often valued by families and beginners. Conditions can differ from Cairngorm, so compare the live reports before choosing your day.

The Lecht Ski Centre
The Lecht Ski Centre

At its best from September into November

Autumn colour and woodland walks

Walk the Dava Way or explore Culbin and Roseisle as the leaves turn. Cooler days, softer light and quieter paths make autumn particularly rewarding for walking, wildlife and photography.

Autumn colours along a woodland road in Moray
Autumn colours in Moray

About 10–60 minutes depending on visit location

Speyside whisky and Cullen skink

A booked distillery visit pairs naturally with a scenic autumn or winter drive. On the Moray coast, a warming bowl of traditional Cullen skink makes an equally satisfying seasonal stop. Arrange a safe driver for whisky visits.

The Glenlivet Distillery in Speyside
The Glenlivet Distillery in Speyside
Autumn & winterSeptember to March
Autumn colourUsually best September to November
Snow sportsWhen conditions allow
Seasonal pleasuresForests, coast, whisky and local food

Planning your stay

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Outdoor Escape

Enjoy active days across Moray and the Cairngorms, then come back to the peace of your own woodland lodge near Forres.

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