Kirkhill Forest
Walk Highlights
- Location:
- Aberdeen
- Postcode:
- AB21 0TU
- Parking:
There are several Forestry and Land Scotland car parks providing access to Kirkhill Forest in Aberdeenshire. Main car parks include those at Tyrebagger (often with a visitor centre/toilets and good accessible trails), Kennerty, and near Blackburn village. Some car parks are free, while others (particularly Tyrebagger) may have parking charges (check local FLS information or signage). These provide good starting points for different trails within Kirkhill Forest. They can get very busy, especially at weekends, for this popular Aberdeenshire destination.
- Distance:
- 3.70 miles
- Time:
- 2.00 hours
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
- Terrain:
The terrain in Kirkhill Forest, Aberdeenshire, is varied. Expect well-surfaced forest roads and gravel tracks on many of the main waymarked routes, making them accessible for many. Narrower, uneven earth paths also exist, which can be very muddy, slippery, and rooty after rain, especially in winter. The forest has some significant hills and undulations, particularly on longer trails. Good walking boots are recommended for most routes in this Aberdeenshire forest. Be aware of cyclists on shared paths.
- Get Directions:
-
Get driving directions to the starting point:
Dog-Centric Details
- Poo Bins Available:
- Yes
- Secure/Fenced Area:
- No
- Dog Water Source:
- No
- Dog Notes:
Kirkhill Forest in Aberdeenshire is a fantastic and very popular playground for dogs, with miles of tracks and paths for them to explore and enjoy. Dogs can often be off-lead in many areas, but ensure they have good recall and are kept under control due to the presence of wildlife (including deer and red squirrels, which can tempt dogs to chase), fast-moving cyclists on dedicated and shared trails, and occasional horse riders on bridleways. Be mindful of any ongoing forestry operations. Always clean up after your dog; bins are often provided at main car parks. Remember to bring water, particularly for longer explorations in this extensive Aberdeenshire forest.
- EV Charger Nearby:
- No
- Fuel Station Nearby:
- No
- Livestock Information:
- Off-Leash Policy:
- Full Off-Leash
- Dog Traffic:
- Busy
- Seasonal Advice:
- Height Restriction:
- No
- Printable Version:
- PLUS Feature
A 3.7 mile walk, challenging, and quite steep in places. Explore the natural paths which weave through the woodland trees, and challenge yourself to reach the top of the Tappie Tower, which has great views out across Aberdeen.
How to get there
Kirkhill Forest is off the A96, just after Blakburn when heading toward Aberdeen.
Explore Kirkhill Forest in Aberdeenshire, a large and very popular area of mixed woodland managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, located conveniently near Aberdeen and its western suburbs like Westhill and Kingswells. Kirkhill Forest offers an extensive and well-maintained network of paths and trails suitable for walkers, cyclists (including dedicated mountain bike trails), and horse riders. It provides a fantastic recreational resource with varied scenery, from dense conifer plantations to areas of mature broadleaf woodland, and offers good viewpoints in places. This Aberdeenshire forest is a haven for wildlife and a perfect place for a woodland escape for all ages and abilities.
Kirkhill Forest has several waymarked trails of varying lengths and difficulties, often starting from one of its main dedicated car parks like Tyrebagger or Kennerty. You can discover viewpoints offering glimpses of the surrounding Aberdeenshire countryside, explore different types of woodland habitat, and look for native wildlife such as red squirrels, roe deer, and a variety of woodland birds. The forest is popular year-round, with the beauty of changing seasons, from fresh spring growth to colourful autumn foliage. This Aberdeenshire forest is a key recreational asset.
- Discover the vast and varied Kirkhill Forest in Aberdeenshire, a major Forestry and Land Scotland site near Aberdeen.
- Choose from numerous waymarked trails for walking and cycling through mixed coniferous and broadleaf woodland.
- Excellent for wildlife spotting, including the iconic Scottish red squirrel and various woodland birds.
- A popular Aberdeenshire forest for all types of outdoor recreation, with good facilities at main access points.
Walks in Kirkhill Forest, Aberdeenshire, can range from 1-2 mile easy access trails suitable for families and those with pushchairs (particularly from Tyrebagger car park), to longer and more strenuous 5-10 mile routes exploring deeper into the forest and its undulating terrain. There are also dedicated mountain bike trails of varying grades. This Aberdeenshire forest has something for everyone.
Walk
1 Follow the Tappie Tower Trail (White Marked). Climb through the forest to the 19th century folly at Tappie Tower, which provides panoramic views from the North Sea to Bennachie.
Grid Reference: NS 462 720
Information Accuracy
Conditions can change. Please verify critical information locally. Your safety is your responsibility.
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