A popular scenic river walk to Randolph's Leap where the River Findhorn is squeezed through narrow rocks. Starts from Logie Steading where there are toilets, farm shop, children's play area, heritage centre, and an excellent cafe.
Summary
Clear paths with some steep edges over the river. Short section on minor road, no pavement.
Terrain
Logie Steading visitor centre, off B9007 south of Forres
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1. From the parking area at Logie Steading go past the children's play area where there is a board with a map of the walk. Continue down alongside the hedge until you turn left before a tree and pass a couple of willow tunnels. There are good views back to Logie House, whose white walls stand out against the dark trees.
2. When the path forks take the turn to the right marked with a white arrow. Head slightly downhill and soon there is a great view directly over the River Findhorn; follow the path which descends a little towards the river and heads upstream. At a junction keep heading by the river; the signed route for Logie Steading is used for the return. The path keeps between a fence and the trees and steep river bank.
3. After a big still pool, the confluence of the rivers Divie and Findhorn are reached with a big rock sticking out of the water. The path heads inland for a short distance and reaches the road. Turn right along the road (no pavement) and climb gently after the bridge and corner. Soon the entrance to the second part of the walk is reached on the right where there is another map board. Go down the steps, keeping right when the path forks.
4. Before the path goes out towards the confluence it passes the flood stone commemorating the Moray floods of 1829 when three days and nights of rain in August caused the River Findhorn to rise by over 50 feet, with devastating results. Just beyond the flood stone take the path to the left to follow the River Findhorn upstream.
5. Take care as the steep cliff edge is unprotected, and there are good views of the gushing water below. The colour of the water is dark brown from the peat in the Monadhliath mountains where it flows and it is this pure water that is one of the staple ingredients in the Speyside whiskies. Keep straight on when another path forks off to the left and soon Randolph's Leap is reached just before a bend in the river. There are steps down to a viewing area and a steep ladder down to the river intended for fishermen only.
6. Randolph was the Earl of Moray in the 14th century, living at Darnaway on the far side of the river. The Cummings lived on this side and had fallen foul of Randolph and gathered a thousand men to attack him. They were ambushed and had to retreat to the river where four men leap across to escape. Follow the path slightly inland and keep left at a no fishing sign to pass the second flood stone. Keep left here and follow the path back up to the road. Turn left down the road and then take the path on the left to retrace your steps part the way back. When you reach the sign for Logie Steading turn right alongside a fence to then climb up through a wood following the white arrows and to regain the outward path to the start.
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