The Bin Forest is a short distance from Huntly and has several popular waymarked trails. This is the longest, waymarked as the Gallon of Water Trail, which climbs to the summit with good views over the surrounding countryside.
Waymarked forest tracks and paths, with some ascent.
Aberdeen - Inverness bus passes car park entrance. Also bus and train station at Huntly, 1km from start on link path.
The Bin Forest walks car park.
Start at the Bin Forest Walks car park, a couple of miles northwest of Huntly off the A96. There are a range of waymarked trails here shown on an information board; this route is the longest, following the yellow 'Gallon o Water' route. The walk begins on the opposite side of the track from the info board - on the yellow waymarked path heading directly into the densely planted spruces. After 350m it emerges on a track; turn right here, but then immediately fork left up a grassier track. Ignore another route coming in from the right after another 500m.
There are some tall blocks of Scots pine as well as spruce and larch, together with more open areas giving better views. When a larger track is reached turn left. The track climbs very gently, reaching a more open area. When a junction is reached turn right, then turn right again - still on a track.
As the track starts to descend a marked path turns off left. This climbs quite steeply, through a felled area and then native Scots pines. Soon it leads to the summit of the Bin, which is marked by a rocky tor. Much of the view is obscured by the trees but there is a good view to the east. Nearby is a pool known as the gallon of water; according to local legend a dousing in the pool could cure children of whooping cough.
Keep on the footpath which continues to descend through the trees on the far side of the Bin, swining round to the left. At one point it leads through the gap in a giant split boulder.
When a grassy track is reached turn left, then turn left again at a t-junction (always following yellow waymarkers). After 400m heading round to the south side of the hill turn right onto a narrower descending path. When this meets a track, keep straight ahead (yellow markers). Further the markers indicate a turn to the right, and then to the left. Eventually the outward route is rejoined below Ord Hill - turn right here to head back down through the trees to the start.
Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.
