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A great place to blow the cobwebs away, on horseback, foot or bike

Balloch

Stretch your legs in Balloch

Walk or ride through Balloch’s mature spruce trees to the open spaces of Meikle Balloch hill, and you’re rewarded with some of the finest views in Moray. On a clear day they say you can see seven counties from here!

There are miles of horse trails through the forest. For real work out try the long distance ride of nearly 10 miles (16 km) to The Bin

 

Parking Walking Viewpoint

Life’s essentials

There are places to eat and public toilets in Keith and Huntly.

Walking trails


Herricks Walk

Climb steeply out of the forest onto Meikle Balloch, from where you can see seven counties on a clear day.

Prolonged steep slopes for over half a mile. Uneven gravel and earthy path with rocky and rooty sections. Some muddy parts.

Strenuous

2 ¼ miles /
3.7 km
Allow
1½ hours

Cycling trails


Mountain biking trails


You’re welcome at Balloch on feet, hooves or wheels, but the trails here are particularly good for horse riding. They’ve been developed in consultation with local riders, who help to keep them in good condition.

Try some of these equine friendly trails...

Cantly Canter

A wide path on which to stretch your legs – and perhaps the start of a longer trip. This short route is a taster of the Keith to Huntly long distance path. It’s wide enough for horses and great for groups. Features varied surfaces including loose gravel, smooth firm trail, hill path and forest road.

Balloch Burn Loop

A short circular route over the burn and through the forest. It’s great for some gentle exercise in a quiet part of the forest. Varied surfaces including loose gravel, smooth firm trail, hill path and forest road.

Cairn Gow Loop

The longest route in the forest, with an exhilarating stretch along the crest of the hill. It’s a strenuous climb up the north side of Meikle Balloch, but on a clear day the views are fine reward. See if you can see the sea! Varied surfaces including loose gravel, smooth firm trail, hill path and forest road, with long, very steep slopes.

Contact: Moray and Aberdeenshire Forest District

Address: Portsoy Road, Huntly

Postcode: AB54 4SJ

Telephone: 0300 067 6200

Email: morayaberdeenshire@forestry.gsi.gov.uk


How to get here

From Reidhaven Square in the centre of Keith, drive out of town on Bridge Street, which becomes Edindiach Road and passes Dunnyduff Wood. Continue past Herricks Water Works to car park at grid reference NJ 458 493.

Using SatNav?

AB55 5NT is the nearest postcode


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