The best walks and hikes around Blackhall Forest

Yes, Blackhall Forest is a great place to walk with your dog. The main trails are generally well-surfaced forest tracks. However, it's important to keep your dog under control, especially since the area is a habitat for wildlife like red squirrels and otters near the River Dee. Always be mindful of other walkers and any livestock in adjacent areas.

Absolutely. The forest has numerous gentle trails perfect for a family outing. A great option is the Slewdrum Forest loop from Hill of Tillybath. It's a relatively short and easy walk that still gives you a wonderful experience of the forest's mixed woodlands.

The main starting point for many hikes, especially those going up Scolty Hill, is the Scolty Hill Car Park just southwest of Banchory. It's a popular spot, so it can get busy, particularly on weekends. Arriving early is a good idea to secure a space.

The town of Banchory is the main gateway to the forest and is well-served by bus routes from Aberdeen. From the town center, it's about a half-mile walk to the edge of the forest and the main trailheads, making it quite accessible for those without a car.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find many paths are wide, well-surfaced Land Rover tracks, making for easy walking. However, trails leading up to Scolty Hill are more rugged and can be steep in sections. The ground is generally formed from gravelly soil over granite, and paths often meander through mixed woodland and across small streams.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the View Over the River Dee – Scolty Tower loop from Banchory is an excellent choice. This difficult 11.6-mile (18.7 km) trek offers a full day of hiking, combining beautiful forest sections with rewarding views over the River Dee and the ascent of Scolty Hill.

The panoramic views from the top of Scolty Tower are the main highlight for many visitors. After climbing the spiral staircase, you're rewarded with a stunning 360-degree vista. On a clear day, you can see across the Dee Valley, towards the Grampian Mountains, and even as far as Aberdeen and the North Sea to the east.

While the forest trails feature many small burns and streams, for a more significant waterfall, you might consider visiting the Dess Waterfall. It's a popular natural attraction located a short drive from the forest, with a path leading down to a scenic cascade.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful mixed woodland scenery, and the rewarding views from the top of Scolty Hill. The variety of trails, from easy strolls to challenging climbs, is also frequently mentioned.

Blackhall Forest is accessible year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Summer is popular for its long daylight hours and lush scenery, with heather and blaeberries carpeting the hillsides. Autumn provides stunning fall colors in the mixed woodlands, while spring brings fresh growth. Winter can be beautiful, but be prepared for colder conditions and potentially icy paths.

There are over 20 designated hiking routes to explore around Blackhall Forest on komoot. These range from short, easy loops suitable for all abilities to more strenuous, long-distance treks, ensuring there's a trail for every type of hiker.