Randolph's Leap from Logie Steading

This popular scenic walk visits a dramatic section of the River Findhorn, visiting Randolph's Leap where the river is squeezed through a narrow ravine. The route begins from Logie Steading where there are toilets, farm shop, children's play area, heritage centre, and an excellent cafe.

Terrain

Clear paths with some steep unprotected drops high above the river.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Logie Steading visitor centre, off B9007 south of Forres. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

From the parking area at the Logie Steading visitor centre (where there is a cafe and shops), cross the entrance driveway and head past the children's play area opposite where there is a board with a map of the walk. Continue down alongside the hedge until a signed junction. The path to the right links with the Sluie walk; our route turns left (blue marker). There are good views back to Logie House, whose white walls stand out against the dark trees.

Stage 2

When the path forks take the turn to the right, marked with a white arrow. Head downhill to reach a viewpoint, with a stunning view over the River Findhorn. Turn left here to follow the path which descends towards the river and heads upstream. At a junction keep heading by the river; the signed route for Logie Steading off left is used for the return. The path keeps between a fence and the trees and steep river bank.

Stage 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 above the Divie, soon reaching a junction - turn right here to meet the road. Turn right along the road to cross the bridge over the Divie, then take the next path on the right hand side. This descends by the river and then climbs back close to the road again at another map board. Turn right on the path here, going down steps and then veering right to continue downhill when the path forks.

Stage 4

As the path goes out towards the confluence, now on the other side of the Divie, 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. Take care as the steep cliff edge is unprotected, and there are good views of the rushing waters below.

Stage 5

The water is often dark brown, coloured by the peat of the Monadhliath mountains where it rises. Keep straight ahead when another path forks off to the left, soon reaching a junction high above the river. A detour path off right heads back downstream to visit Randolph's Leap. 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. Return to the junction and continue above the river upstream. Soon there are steps down to a viewing area on the right, and a steep ladder down to the river which is intended for fishermen only.

Stage 6

Slightly further on the gorge flattens out; turn left, soon passing a second flood stone. Keep left here and follow the path back up to the road. Turn left along the road until the signboard where you turned down to the river earlier. Retrace your steps along the path parallel to the road back to the bridge over the Divie. Keep retracing your steps part the way back; when you reach the sign for Logie Steading you can vary the walk back slightly by turning right alongside a fence before climbing up through a wood, following the white arrows and again returning to the outward path to the start.

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