The best walks and hikes around Midmar Forest

Yes, Midmar Forest offers several family-friendly options. The forest is characterized by well-maintained tracks and gentle slopes, making it accessible for younger walkers. With over 50 easy trails in the area, you can find many shorter loops that are perfect for a family outing.

Midmar Forest is a great place to walk with your dog. The woodland paths provide plenty of space for them to explore. Please keep your dog under control, especially as you may encounter wildlife such as deer and red squirrels, or other walkers.

There is a main car park for Midmar Forest located off the B9119. It serves as the primary starting point for many of the popular trails. Arriving early is recommended, particularly on weekends, as it can get busy.

Reaching Midmar Forest by public transport can be challenging as it's in a rural location. The nearest towns with bus services are Echt and Westhill, but you would likely need a taxi for the final stretch to the main forest entrance. Driving is the most direct way to get there.

The terrain in Midmar Forest consists mainly of well-surfaced forest tracks and narrower paths through coniferous and deciduous woodland. Most routes are on rolling hills, but some trails include steeper, more rugged sections, especially those ascending to viewpoints like Greymore Hill and Craigour Hill.

The majority of trails in Midmar Forest are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps. For a moderately challenging loop that takes in some of the area's history, consider the Barmekin Hill loop from Echt, which explores an ancient hillfort.

While much of the hiking is within the forest, several trails lead to rewarding viewpoints. Routes that climb to the summits of Craigour Hill or Greymore Hill open up to provide expansive views over the Aberdeenshire landscape, showing a patchwork of fields and forests.

You can explore over 80 different hiking routes around Midmar Forest. These range from short, easy walks suitable for all fitness levels to more demanding moderate trails with significant elevation gain.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the well-maintained paths, and the beautiful woodland scenery.

There are no public toilets, cafes, or visitor centres directly within Midmar Forest itself. The nearby villages of Echt and Westhill have amenities, so it's best to plan ahead and bring any water and snacks you might need for your hike.

Midmar Forest is accessible year-round. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and wildflowers, while autumn offers beautiful colours as the deciduous trees change. Winter can be scenic, but be prepared for potentially icy or muddy conditions on the trails.

Yes, for those seeking a longer day out, there are several moderate routes. A good option that combines two of the area's main hills is the Meikle Tap – Greymore Cairn loop from Echt. This 11 km trail offers varied terrain and rewarding views.