This exploration of the pine-clad dunes at Roseisle takes in the best bits of the woods, visits a bird hide, and takes in views of the sea, but also leaves plenty of time to enjoy the beach.
Clear, waymarked paths and tracks.
No public transport to start.
Roseisle Forestry Commission car park (charge).
This route begins from the Roseisle car park (charge payable) and combines the red and white waymarked routes. Begin from the toilet block, taking the marked trail that leads past the children's plan area and then heading west through the trees. After just under half a kilometre the route reaches a bench and a viewpoint over the beach where the wind turbines and the headland at Findhorn can be seen to the left. In the other direction Burghead can be seen at the head of the bay.
Follow the marked path which re-enters the pines. The trail is soon in an open area of broom and gorse. Turn left at a junction, passing an old world war two installation and keeping left to follow the line of a burn inland until a track is reached. Turn right to cross the stream and then immediately left to keep next to a fence.
The path soon leaves the fence and takes a meandering course, initially through regenerating pines. It eventually comes close to the edge of the forest before bearing right again back through the trees. After around a kilometre from the last junction a track is reached. To detour to the bird hide turn right and very soon follow the walkway on the right to the covered hide which has feeders and also attracts red squirrels. If not visiting the hide turn left onto the track.
Look out for a white marker post indicating a right turn into the forest. This path leads to the coast where the path curves right along the dunes briefly before heading a little inland and over a wooden bridge. When a track is reached turn left and cross the bridge crossed earlier in the walk. Immediately after fork right, now following red marker posts. Watch out for a signed path to the left and leave the track here to join a narrow path. Turn right when a wider path is joined and follow this sandy route back to the car park.
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