The best walks and hikes around Roseisle Forest

Yes, Roseisle Forest is an excellent destination for families. The terrain is mostly flat, and there are many easy, shorter trails. The combination of sheltered forest paths, a large sandy beach, and a play park near the main car park provides plenty of variety for a family day out.

Roseisle Forest is very dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome on the trails and the beach, making it a popular spot for dog walkers. Please keep your dog under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors, to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

The main visitor area at Roseisle Country Park has a large car park (a fee applies), public toilets that are typically open from April to October, barbecue facilities, and a children's play area. A food van is often on-site as well, particularly during busier periods.

Reaching Roseisle Forest directly by public transport is challenging as there are no direct bus routes to the forest entrance. The nearest towns with bus services are Burghead and Forres, but you would need to arrange a taxi or walk a considerable distance from there. Arriving by car is the most practical option.

The diverse habitats of Roseisle Forest support a variety of wildlife. In the pinewoods, keep an eye out for red squirrels and distinctive crested tits. The coastal area is great for spotting seals in the bay, while a dedicated bird hide offers opportunities to observe local and migratory birdlife.

Yes, many of the trails are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the car park without retracing your steps. A good example is the Roseisle Forest loop from Burghead, a short and easy walk that gives a great taste of the forest environment.

The area is rich with history, particularly from the Second World War. As you walk along the coast, you'll see a line of large concrete blocks and old bunkers, which were part of Britain's coastal defenses. The Old Bomb Shelter – Roseisle Forest loop from Burghead is a great route for exploring some of these historic remnants.

The trails vary in length, offering something for everyone. You can find short, easy strolls of around 2.5 km (about 1.5 miles) that take less than an hour, as well as more moderate hikes like the Roseisle Forest – Burghead Woods Gravel Track loop which is over 8 km (5 miles) and takes a couple of hours.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the unique combination of sheltered pine forest and the vast, open sandy beach. The well-maintained, flat paths and the intriguing WWII historical features are also popular highlights.

Absolutely. The forest borders an eight-mile-long sandy beach, and many trails incorporate sections along the shoreline or offer access to it. You can enjoy expansive views across the Moray Firth and explore the dunes that separate the forest from the sea. The Moray Coast Trail also passes through this area.

The terrain is generally flat and easy-going, with minimal elevation change. You'll encounter a mix of well-maintained forest paths, soft sandy tracks through the dunes, and firm gravel tracks. This makes the area accessible for most fitness levels and for walkers of all ages.

The Roseisle Forest – Millie's Bothy Ruins loop from Burghead is an easy 5.5 km (3.4 miles) walk. It's a popular choice that leads you through the pine forest to the historic ruins of a small dwelling known as Millie's Bothy, offering a glimpse into the area's past.