Places reachable by lovely walks

Eastern and Western Woodlands

Newbold House is completely surrounded by woods. If you are lucky you can see a deer looking at you through the windows of the dining room while you are having your meals. 

Eastern woodlands are really an extension of our gardens. Leaving the Conservatory you pass through a gate and are surrounded by Scottish pines giving the sense of a magic woodland.

Western Woodlands are about 10 minutes walk on the opposite side of the road out of the drive. Wilder and larger than the eastern, they connect with paths to Dallas Dhu Distillery, Dava Way and Sanquar Loch.

 

Cluny Hill & Cluny College

Cluny Hill is 10 minutes walk by road or 30 minutes walk through the woods. It is a wonderful hill with giant trees and plants, completely enjoyable with nice paths and lonely benches for meditative rest.

Cluny Hill is an enchanting place, especially the "hollow" known as Helgas Hole a small valley in the centre of the area thought to be an ancient ceremonial site. It's planted with all sorts of trees coming from different parts of the world. In autumn the intensity and variety of colour may attract you to stand there for hours.

At the foot of the hill Cluny Hill College, the main venue for The Findhorn Foundation's courses, shows in its majesty this is one of the main historical place of the community. It includes one of the most beautiful sanctuaries of the community.

 

 

Sanquar Loch

A small and beautiful lake at the end of a path running between a quiet stream and big trees.

It is 20 minutes walk away and can be part of a ring that comes back to Newbold House through the countryside and woodlands.

The gracious stream which feeds the pond creates a tranquil atmosphere running among undergrowth and the roots of big trees and you may

see red squirrels, native to this part of Scotland, jumping from branch to branch in this mixed woodland of majestic Scots pines, oak, rowan, holly, birch and other native trees.

This is the ideal place for a meditative walk or to find poetic inspiration. A number of benches placed directly in front of the water offer a place to rest and take in the beauty of the surroundings.

 

Forres Town

In neighbouring Forres Gothic like churches and buildings give an interesting skyline.  It is full of flowers and trees!

The high street provides a sense of "city centre" which may meet the needs of people who love shopping. 

It has many small shops and a big supermarket.

Here you can find all you need from the "civilized world", including a library; bank; pharmacy; doctors and so on. You can find more details at http://www.forres-net.co.uk/

  

Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery

Dhallas Dhu, an historic distillery, is open to visitors and is about 30 minutes walk away through the countryside.  It provides a glimpse of the old method of whisky production in this area.

 Visiting a disused distillery maintained in working order by Historic Scotland can seem a slightly odd idea but it gives an excellent insight into the distiller's art. For without the health and safety, security and excise restrictions that always go with a tour of a working distillery, you really can get much closer to what actually happens in the process.

More information at http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/forres/dallasdhu/