Randolph's Leap from Logie Steading

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.

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. Map and directions.

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Currently 3.71/5

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 62m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NJ006505

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

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 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.

Stage 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.

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 inland for a short distance and reaches the road. Turn right along the road to cross the bridge over the Divie, then take the path on the right hand side. Soon this comes 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

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.

Stage 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 ahead 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 which is intended for fishermen only. 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.

Stage 6

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 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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