Kirkhill Forest, Aberdeen Travel Guide

4.6 (393)

Explore Kirkhill Forest’s scenic trails, historic Tappie Tower, and vibrant woodlands just minutes from Aberdeen’s city limits.

Kirkhill Forest, located near Kinellar just northwest of Aberdeen, is a sprawling natural retreat offering marked and unmarked trails for walking, cycling, and horse riding. Its highlight is the climb to the 19th-century Tappie Tower, providing panoramic views over Aberdeenshire, from the North Sea to Bennachie. This working forest is a popular green lung for the city, featuring a mountain bike fun park and accessible trails through spruce, larch, and beech woodlands.

A brief summary to Kirkhill Forest

Aberdeen, Kinellar, AB21 0TU, GB
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Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kirkhill Forest.

Wear sturdy footwear as some trails have uneven and rocky sections, especially near the summit.
Climb Tappie Tower for panoramic views covering the North Sea and Bennachie hills.
Bring water and snacks; there are no food or drink facilities inside the forest.
Use the mountain bike fun park near the car park to practice skills before exploring tougher trails.
Respect parking rules—use designated areas only to avoid blocking gates or entrances.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Aberdeen Science Centre

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Footdee

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Explore Kirkhill Forest on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kirkhill Forest, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

Driving from Aberdeen city center, take the A96 northwest for about 7 to 10 minutes (approximately 6 km). Parking is free at the Kirkhill Forest car park, which accommodates cars and horse boxes. Note that parking is on a first-come, first-served basis with no charge.
Bus

Take local bus services from Aberdeen to Dyce or Blackburn, which run every 30 to 60 minutes and take about 20 to 30 minutes. From the bus stop, a walk of approximately 2.5 km on mixed terrain leads to the forest entrance. Check current timetables as service frequency may vary on weekends and holidays.
Cycling

Cyclists can access Kirkhill Forest via dedicated cycle paths from Aberdeen, with an estimated ride time of 20 to 30 minutes depending on starting point. Trails within the forest cater to mountain biking, including a fun park near the car park for skill development.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Seating Areas
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Discover more about Kirkhill Forest

A Natural Sanctuary on Aberdeen’s Outskirts

Kirkhill Forest lies just under 5 km from Aberdeen’s edge, nestled near the village of Kinellar. It serves as a vital green space, offering a peaceful contrast to urban life. The forest is a working woodland, managed to balance conservation with recreational use. Its extensive network of wide gravel paths and forest roads weave through a diverse mix of trees including towering Douglas firs, golden larch, beech, rowan, and heathland, creating a rich habitat for local wildlife.

Trails for Every Adventurer

Visitors can explore a variety of marked circular walks and unmarked trails, catering to walkers, joggers, cyclists, and horse riders alike. The terrain is mostly firm gravel with some uneven and rocky sections, including a long, fairly steep slope leading to the summit of Tyrebagger Hill. The forest also hosts a permanent orienteering course and a mountain bike fun park near the car park, ideal for skill-building before tackling more challenging trails in the region.

Tappie Tower: A Historic Viewpoint

A highlight of Kirkhill Forest is the climb to the 19th-century folly known as Tappie Tower. This stone tower crowns the highest point in the forest and rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views stretching from the North Sea coastline to the iconic Bennachie hills. The ascent is steep but well worth the effort, offering a sense of accomplishment and stunning photo opportunities.

Family-Friendly and Multi-Use Space

The forest’s wide trails make it suitable for families, with children often creating their own paths alongside the main routes. Dog walkers and joggers frequent the area, appreciating the peaceful surroundings despite the forest’s proximity to busy roads. Horse riders benefit from ample parking space for horse boxes, and the forest’s open layout encourages a variety of outdoor activities.

Seasonal Highlights and Accessibility

Kirkhill Forest is accessible year-round, with trails that can be wet after rain but generally suitable for most fitness levels. The forest’s natural beauty is especially striking in autumn when the foliage turns vibrant shades of gold and red. Parking is free but visitors are advised to park considerately in designated areas to avoid blocking entrances or gates.

Community and Conservation

Managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, Kirkhill Forest balances recreational use with sustainable forestry practices. It plays an important role as a local wildlife habitat and a protected green space near Aberdeen. Events like Apple Day celebrate the forest’s natural heritage, fostering community engagement and environmental awareness.