Forres

FORRES TOLBOOTH

This impressive building dating from 1840 sits on the High Street. It is possible to book a tour which includes the old police cells, jail house and courtroom.

BENROMACH DISTILLERY

Founded in 1898, this distillery produces single malt whisky as well as Red Door Gin. It uses locally grown Scottish barley and water from the local Chapelton Spring.

The distillery has been family owned since 1993 and was reopened by Prince Charles in 1998. Various tours and tastings are available.

SUENO'S STONE

This Pictish stone is the tallest carved standing stone in Scotland at around 7 metres tall. It is thought to date from the mid 800s to early 900s AD. 

The image on one side is a large Christian cross with what is thought to be a royal inauguration scene. The image on the other side is a battle scene, possibly between the Picts and invading Norse.

Today the stone is protected by a glass container. It is on the Findhorn Road, off the main road through the town, and is about 15 minutes' walk from the town centre.

WALKS

There is a network of marked paths in and around Forres. The town has been awarded Walkers are Welcome status. The Forres Footpath Trust maintains the paths and has downloadable walking guides.

The Dava Way is a long distance off road walk along the old railway line from Forres to Grantown-on-Spey. It is 23 miles long and takes in the beautiful Speyside scenery. 

If going the whole way to Grantown you can pick up a bus from there to Inverness railway station or Aviemore station. In a few years' time the Strathspey Railway hopes to return rail service to Grantown and it will once again be possible to travel by train from Aviemore.

See our Guide to Grantown-on-Spey and the bus journey between there and Aviemore.

FORRES SWIMMING POOL

This facility has a swimming pool, sauna and steam room.

NEARBY BRODIE CASTLE

Brodie Castle was home to the Brodie family until the late 20th century. It is an attractive tower castle with later 17th century wings increasing the size and comfort of the residence. 

Set in attractive parkland which is nice for walks and bird watching on the lake, it provides a peaceful and interesting day out. The gardens are most famous for their daffodil fields, perhaps the largest in the country. Visit in spring to take beautiful pictures of these flowers around the Castle.   

From Forres it is 10 minutes' bus journey to reach the castle - see Stagecoach service 10 and alight at stop 'Brodie, opp Castle'. From the bus stop, it is half a mile walk, either along the exit drive or the signposted footpath.

NEARBY FINDHORN

The coastal village of Findhorn is interesting and worth a visit. It has a popular long sandy beach. Findhorn Bay is a local nature reserve which is home to a variety of migrant and resident birds. There are various places where you can get lunch.

There is a Heritage Centre and Icehouse which tells the history of Findhorn and its role in the salmon fishing industry. It includes underground chambers which used to store ice for packing salmon for transport to London.

Walkhighlands has a suggested circular walk of around 3 miles around the village.

Also in the village is The Park Ecovillage (formerly the Findhorn Foundation). This is a spiritual community set in 15 acres of land, which lives an eco-friendly lifestyle. It welcomes visitors and provides guided tours.

Findhorn is 20 minutes' bus journey from Forres - see Stagecoach service 32.

NEARBY KINLOSS

Between Forres and Findhorn is the village of Kinloss, which is most known for its RAF base then military barracks. There are two attractions of interest here.

The now ruined Kinloss Abbey was built by King David in 1150. It was the largest Cistercian Monastery in the north of Scotland. It is possible to visit the Abbey.

The next door ruined Abbot’s House was occupied by Robert Reid, a local bishop, lawyer and diplomat. It is not possible to visit.

Morayvia Aviation Museum is an excellent attraction where we spent much longer than we expected to and has knowledgable and helpful volunteers. As well as the indoor museum, outside it has numerous exhibits including helicopters, planes and fire engines.

From Forres catch the Stagecoach service 32. For Kinloss Abbey alight at at stop 'Kinloss, opp Glebe Road', which is 5 minutes' journey followed by 5 minutes' walk. For Morayvia Aviation Museum alight at stop 'Kinloss, at North Road' which is 30 minutes' bus journey followed by 5 minutes' walk. 

The reason for the longer bus journey to the museum than the Abbey is that in-between these stops the bus goes to Findhorn. If you want to visit both the Abbey and Morayvia it is 30 minutes' walk between the two because despite being close to each other, you have to walk a long way round.

Lunch is available from the Abbey Inn, near Kinloss Abbey. If you are visiting Morayvia you may prefer to take a packed lunch as it's 30 minutes' walk to the Abbey Inn.