To celebrate the fact that the Forres area has achieved ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status, local organisations have come together to arrange a long-weekend of walks, running from the 31st March to 2nd April.
Walkers in Forres’ Grant Park
The Walkers are Welcome accreditation is given to towns who can show they have excellent facilities for walkers, such as waymarked routes, well-maintained paths and active walking groups. To showcase what’s on offer in the area, groups involved in securing the accreditation are putting on a selection of free walks in the spring.
The weekend kicks off on the afternoon of Friday 31st March with Forres Footpaths Trust leading a ‘360 degree’ circular walk taking in views of Forres from all points of the compass. On Saturday 1st April there will be a walk from the Sluie to the Scurr, exploring some of the less well known parts of the Findhorn River; a nature walk in Sanquhar Woods led by the Forres Community Woodlands Trust; and a heritage walk uncovering the rich history of Forres. Sunday 2nd April will also offer a choice of three walks: Forres Stepping Out will lead a walk exploring the Altyre Estate; Kinloss Village Floral Club will take walkers around the proposed Kinloss Findhorn Bay nature trail; and for those who enjoy longer walks, the North West Grampian Long Distance Walkers Association will lead a 15 mile hike taking in Califer Hill, Rafford and the Altyre Estate.
Diane Smith, organiser of the Moray Walking and Outdoors Festival and one of the committee members of Forres Walkers Are Welcome, said “We have a varied programme with something for everybody, from a gentle stroll to a long hike. These walks will explore just some of the incredible countryside on our doorstep. We have a great team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable walk leaders who are keen to show people what the Forres area has to offer.”
Numbers are limited, so booking is essential and details can be found on the Forres Walkers are Welcome Facebook page.
There will be plenty more oragnised walks taking place in Moray in June, as part of the Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival. The Festival programme is due to be published online in Spring.