Earth Pillars Walk, Ordiequish, Fochabers
Earth Pillars Trail is a short circular walk two miles southwest of Fochabers in Moray. It is a short but peaceful walk that culminates in wonderful views of the River Spey.
The trail gets its name from the unique Earth Pillars that dot the nearby cliffs. These fascinating formations, made from weathered red sandstone conglomerates, result from rainwater erosion—a true testament to nature's sculpting power.
My family and I visited this walk in early August; please read on to learn more!
Our visit to the Earth Pillars Trail
We live near Buckie, so we first headed to Fochabers and then onwards to the walk's car park. Despite living locally, I had never been on this road, let alone the Earth Pillars Trail. It was a lovely little drive, passing fields and picturesque cottages.
Earth Pillars / Ordiequish Car Park
After wondering if we had gotten lost, we noticed the familiar green Forestry Commission sign marking the car park for the walk. We were the only ones here, and there was ample room to park.
An information board marks the start of the walk just off the car park.
Start of the walk
This walk has well-made paths comprised of hard compacted earth. At the first fork in the path, take the left. This allows access to the viewing platform without having to walk down a very steep section if you take the right-hand path.
This lovely forest walk has tall pine trees as well as mixed woods. The Scots pine trees above the river provide a perfect habitat for red squirrels. You might hear their scratchy claws on the trees before catching a glimpse of these charming creatures. During the summer, watch for ospreys, which make these forests their home, hunting for salmon and trout in the river below. We weren't lucky enough to spot squirrels or ospreys on this occasion.
The path has some steep sections, and there is nothing to stop falls, so keep small children and dogs close.
The Viewpoint
It didn't take long for us to arrive at the viewpoint, which offers a stunning view of the River Spey, Strathspey Valley, and the hills beyond. It's a rewarding view for such a short walk.
We spotted one of the aforementioned Earth Pillars, which gives the route its name but only a slight glimpse through the dense foliage.
From this viewpoint, the walk continues in a circle, not leading to anything else. Offshoot paths lead to dead ends, so it's worth sticking to the obvious route and returning to the car park. Some areas have large ferns, beware of ticks.
FAQs on Earth Pillars Walk
How do you get to the Earth Pillars Walk?
From Fochabers:
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If coming from the north, make your way to the lovely town of Fochabers first.
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From High Street, take East Street Travelling south.
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Continue on Ordiequish Road until you leave Fochabers.
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Continue on this road until you reach the car park.
From Boat O' Brig
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You can also reach this walk from the south, starting at Boat O' Brig (a small hamlet near the River Spey).
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From the B9103, head north on this minor road.
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Continue on this road and after some distance look to your left for the car park.
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It's harder to see the car park from this direction, but you should see the back of the green forestry sign on your left.
The nearest public transport is by bus, which will only take you as far as Fochabers.
Where are the nearest toilets to the trail?
You can find public toilets at the play park on your right, just a short distance north into Fochabers.
How long is the Earth Pillars walk?
It's very short. From the car park, it will only take 5 to 10 minutes to reach the viewpoint. The whole walk is only about a quarter of a mile and could be completed in less than 20 minutes. Stay a bit longer and enjoy that stunning view!
What else is there to see nearby?
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Fochabers has a lot to offer, including a nice play park, museum, fish and chips shop, and ice cream shop. If you visit in July you might be lucky enough to catch the Speyfest music festival too!
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The Winding Walks Trail is another great walk that leads to a little hut overlooking Fochabers.
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Moray Monster Trails is ideal for another walk or a perfect place to ride your mountain bike.
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Further afield, you can visit Spey Bay and Loch Na Bo.
Key Information
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Earth Pillars Trail is a short walk southwest of Fochabers, Moray, Scotland.
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The walk is only about a quarter of a mile.
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The paths have some steep sections, so be careful with small children and dogs.
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From the viewpoint, there is a beautiful view of the River Spey.
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Public toilets are nearby at Fochabers
Conclusion
The Earth Pillars Trail offers a brief but rewarding escape into nature. It offers stunning views and a unique geological feature that's well worth the visit. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this hidden gem near Fochabers is perfect for a peaceful stroll and a moment of connection with Scotland's natural beauty.
All information was correct at the time of writing, please check things like entry costs and opening times before you arrive.
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