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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ACE Adventures, New Wave Surf School, Findhorn Watersports and local riding centres all offer options for younger visitors, subject to age, confidence and conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Seasonal pleasuresForests, coast, whisky and local food
Planning your stay
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dava Way and River Findhorn are among the closest options, generally around 10–15 minutes away. Findhorn Bay, Culbin Forest, local riding centres and Moray Firth trips are commonly within about 20–40 minutes. The Cairngorms and Speyside activity centres make practical full-day outings. Always confirm the exact meeting point with the operator.
Equus Scotland, Cranloch Riding Centre and Logie Farm Riding Centre offer options for holiday visitors near Forres. Have a chat with the centre about who’s coming, their ages and heights, and any riding they’ve done. The team can help you choose from the visitor sessions and riding routes available during your stay.
Yes. Visitor fishing is available on the River Findhorn, with estate beats, guided days, trout fisheries and Moray Firth sea-angling trips also possible. Permits, seasons and conditions vary by water. Arrange fishing before you travel, especially for salmon beats, a guide or a charter trip, and ask local operators about equipment and current conditions.
Findhorn Bay is the local centre for sailing, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, with tuition and activity sessions available through Findhorn Watersports. Surf lessons are offered at Lossiemouth, coastal wildlife trips depart from Findhorn or Lossiemouth, and river-based rafting is available on the Findhorn. Activities depend on weather, tides and operator schedules.
Yes. Enjoy autumn colour and crisp woodland walks here at Tullochwood, with the Moray coast and Speyside close by. When the snow arrives, the Cairngorms and The Lecht offer another lovely way to enjoy a winter day. Forests, wildlife, distilleries, scenic drives and a warming bowl of Cullen skink give you plenty to enjoy throughout the season.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Logie, Randolph’s Leap, Roseisle Forest and Findhorn Beach work well for families and mixed-age groups. Several activity providers also offer age-appropriate riding, paddlesports, surfing or family rafting. Check minimum ages, height rules, swimming confidence and clothing requirements directly with the operator before booking.
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.