7k Run Fishertown: Scenic Loop Through Culbin Forest

Route Overview & Local Insights

Starting from the Kingsteps Car Park near Fishertown, this 6.8km loop offers a beautifully flat and fast running experience through the enchanting Culbin Forest. With only 11m of total ascent, this route is perfect for runners looking to maintain a steady tempo on a mix of well-maintained woodland tracks and coastal paths. Approximately 5km of the course is paved or smooth hardpack, making it accessible for road shoes while still providing that refreshing trail feel. The first half of the run immerses you in towering pines before you hit the halfway point and transition to the stunning coastline, where you can enjoy wide-open views and the crisp Moray Firth breeze on your return leg.

Culbin Forest is steeped in local lore, known as the "Scottish Sahara" because it was once a vast system of shifting sand dunes that famously buried the Barony of Culbin in a single 1694 storm. Today, the Forestry Commission’s successful stabilization efforts have created one of the most unique coastal ecosystems in Scotland. As you run, keep an eye out for local wildlife; the area is a haven for red squirrels and rare butterflies. Running here feels like a journey through living history, transitioning from the quiet, sheltered forest floor—which served as a vital training ground for D-Day landings during WWII—to the expansive, salty air of the shoreline near Nairn.