Dunearn Burn and the Findhorn, Darnaway Forest

This excellent forest walk explores the western side of the dramatic gorge carved by the River Findhorn. The narrow path passes close to the edge of vertical drops down to the swirling waters.

Terrain

Forest paths, muddy at times with steep drops alongside to the river - care needed.

Public Transport

None to start

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Start

Dunearn Burn car park, Darnaway Forest. Map and directions.

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Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.5km/2 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 130m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NH996513

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 423 - Elgin
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a parking area off the east side of the minor road that leads south from Conicavel through Darnaway Forest. There are two waymarked walks down to the Findhorn gorge from here; the red trail, which is the one described here, and a green route which is a shorter variant. Begin by taking the path from the board that soon leads over a small footbridge. When it reaches a track turn left; the track bends round to the right and then meets another path at a T-junction; turn left here steeply downhill.

Stage 2

The path eventually bears right and zig-zags down steps, with good views at first to the Dunearn Burn and then to the Findhorn itself. It then begins to run along the side of the gorge, heading upriver. Ignore a green marker which indicates where the shorter route turns off to the right to return to the start. Instead follow the path as it zig-zags to the left and continues winding around the gorge sides.

Stage 3

Take care with the drops beside the path, which is muddy in places and has wooden boardwalks in others. It continues winding along the gorge side, maintaining a fairly constant height. Ignore steep wooden steps on the left - these are used by fishermen. A short distance further on the path passes the front of a wooden fishing hut. Ignore the track above this and keep on the gorge path.

Stage 4

Pass the Mill Pool - another fishing area - and look out across the river for glimpses of the impressive Logie House. Eventually a red arrow marker indicates the place to leave the gorge, turning right up a few wooden steps. Join a track and follow it left, keeping left again at another junction (both waymarked). Finally follow the main track round to the right and left, ignoring branch tracks on either side. The last of these is the green trail rejoining from below. Continue ahead to return to the start.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.