The best walks and hikes around Elgin
4.6
(83)
1,494
hikers
43
hikes
Hikes around Elgin offer a mix of urban and natural landscapes, centered around the River Lossie. The area is characterized by generally flat terrain with gentle inclines, making it accessible for various fitness levels. The routes often combine riverside paths, woodland sections, and walks through the historic town itself, passing notable landmarks.
Best hiking trails around Elgin
- The most popular hiking route is River Lossie – Elgin Cathedral Ruins loop from Elgin, a 4.5 mile (7.3 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This easy walk follows the River Lossie before looping back through the town past the historic cathedral ruins.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Biblical Garden Elgin – Elgin Cathedral Ruins loop from Elgin, an easy 3.4 mile (5.5 km) path. The route features a walk through the town's Biblical Garden and past the cathedral.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Small Pond with Picnic Bench – Quarrelwood Henge loop from Elgin, a 4.4 mile (7.1 km) trail leading through Quarrelwood, often completed in about 1 hour 55 minutes.
- Hiking around Elgin is defined by riverside paths along the Lossie, Elgin woodland walks, and routes that incorporate the town's historical sites. The network of trails provides options suitable for most ability levels, with predominantly easy, flat routes available.
- The routes in Elgin are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from a number of reviews. More than 250 hikers have used komoot to explore Elgin's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
14
hikers
8.09km
02:04
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
7.05km
01:55
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9
hikers
3.96km
01:01
10m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
23.6km
06:05
130m
130m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
2.69km
00:42
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Elgin
Tips from the Community
Elgin is the largest town in Moray, Scotland, with a population of approximately 23,128, and is also its administrative centre
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Worth seeing, here you have a beautiful view of Elgin.
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Worth a visit: From here you have a beautiful view over Elgin and, in good weather, you can even see the Speyside River. The few remaining remains of Old Elgin Castle are still there.
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Elgin Cathedral, a historic ruin in northeast Scotland, was dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It was established in 1224 on land granted by King Alexander II and stood outside the burgh of Elgin, close to the River Lossie. It replaced the cathedral at Spynie located 3 kilometres (2 mi) to the north, which was served by a small chapter of eight clerics. By 1226, the new and developing cathedral was staffed with 18 canons, a number that increased to 23 by 1242. A damaging fire in 1270 led to significant enlargement. It remained unscathed during the Wars of Scottish Independence but suffered extensive fire damage in 1390 when attacked by Robert III's brother Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, also known as the Wolf of Badenoch. In 1402, the cathedral precinct faced another incendiary attack by the Lord of the Isles followers.
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The River Lossie (Scottish Gaelic: Uisge Losaidh) is a river in north east Scotland. The river originates in the hills above Dallas, in Moray, and has its source 400 metres (1,300 ft) above sea-level. It enters the sea at Lossiemouth on the Moray Firth.
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Didn't go into the grounds of the cathedral but was pretty satisfied with the views afforded from the paths around it. Plenty of street parking around the Cathedral.
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Hotel and restaurant are highly recommended! Fantastic location
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"Bridge History: the Old Bridge was built and installed at the esplanade in 1908. Shortly after completion it was removed as it stopped the fishing boats unloading their catches at the Seatown. It was stored from 1912 and rebuilt at the Seatown position in 1918. The Bridge was built by the Harbour Company following a loan from the town council. In 1925 the Harbour Company ceased to exist, and ownership fell eventually by default to the Crown. In the almost 100 years since this transfer, the bridge was maintained by the local town council and then local authorities in their varied guises." Source: https://lossietrust.org/bridge-secured-2
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Elgin?
Yes, there are over 50 hiking routes to explore in the Elgin area. The trails range from easy riverside strolls to more challenging woodland paths, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails in Elgin?
The area is well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the mix of scenery, from the peaceful paths along the River Lossie to the historic town centre and quiet woodlands. The routes are generally considered accessible and well-marked.
Are there any good circular walks starting from Elgin?
Many of the best routes are loops that start and end in or near Elgin. A great example is the Biblical Garden Elgin – Elgin Cathedral Ruins loop from Bishopmill, which provides a pleasant walk through town and along the river without needing to retrace your steps.
Can I take my dog on the hiking trails?
Yes, Elgin is a great place to hike with a dog. Many trails are dog-friendly, especially the woodland and coastal paths. A particularly popular spot is Roseisle Pine Forest, which offers beautiful forest trails leading to a wide, dog-friendly beach. As always, please keep your dog under control and clean up after them.
Are there any family-friendly hikes near Elgin?
Absolutely. The terrain around Elgin is generally flat, making it ideal for families. Millbuies Country Park is a fantastic choice, offering a serene and easy walk around a picturesque loch that's perfect for little legs. The paths are well-maintained and the scenery will keep everyone entertained.
Where can I find good woodland walks?
The area is rich with woodland trails. Torrieston Walks is a highly-regarded hiking area known for its well-marked paths through lovely forest scapes. It offers a peaceful escape into nature just a short distance from the town.
Are there any coastal hikes accessible from Elgin?
Yes, the famous Moray Coastal Trail is easily reachable from Elgin. For a memorable coastal experience, head to Primrose Bay. It's praised for its stunning views across the Moray Firth and fascinating rock formations, with easy-to-follow paths along the coast.
What are the options for long-distance hiking in the region?
For those seeking a bigger challenge, the Speyside Way is a well-known long-distance trail that passes through the heart of Moray. While not starting in Elgin itself, sections of this famous route are accessible and offer a deeper exploration of the region's renowned landscapes.
Are there any trails with waterfalls near Elgin?
While the immediate Elgin area is better known for its riverside and woodland scenery, significant waterfalls are not a prominent feature of the local trails. The hikes here focus more on the gentle beauty of the River Lossie and the surrounding countryside.
How difficult are the hiking trails around Elgin?
The majority of trails are rated as easy. For instance, the Biblical Garden Elgin – Elgin Cathedral Ruins loop from Pinefield is a gentle 7 km walk with minimal elevation gain. While there are a few moderate routes with more incline, you'll find that most paths are flat and suitable for a casual day of hiking.
Can I visit the Elgin Cathedral ruins I see on many routes?
Yes, the magnificent ruins of Elgin Cathedral are a major landmark in the town and feature on many local walks. While you can admire them from the outside on your hike, the site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland. For information on opening times and entry fees to explore inside, it's best to check their official website.
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