The Bin
Explore terrific trails at The Bin
It might be called ‘the Bin’ but it’s got nothing to do with rubbish! This site takes its unusual sounding name from the Gaelic for hill or mountain – bheinn (pronounced ‘ben’).
Bin forest was first planted in the 1840s with fir tree seeds brought back from North America by the famous Scottish plant-hunter David Douglas. Originally planted to supply timber, this forest now offers much more than just wood.
You'll find more great trails in the Forests of Aberdeenshire guide (PDF 4.1MB).
Notice
- Tree-felling work will be taking place at locations within the Bin Forest between 12 February and the end of April, affecting access to trails as work progresses. Please obey all signage while the work is taking place.
Life’s essentials
You’ll find plenty of places to eat and public toilets in the small historic town of Huntly, just a couple of miles away. Huntly also has a Visitor Information Centre, open from April to October in the town square (telephone 01466 792255).
Walking trails
Ferny Knowe Trail
A short stroll around Ferny Knowe and Boddum Hill with some great views through the majestic larch trees.
Mostly wide, uneven gravel and grassy surface. Some exposed tree roots and slightly soft sections. Includes one fairly steep slope.
1 ¾ miles / 2.8 km Allow 1 hour
Queen Tree Trail
Generations of trees can be seen on this trail, from grand firs planted in the 1840s to seedlings pushing through the soil.
Firm but uneven gravel and grassy surface. Some steep slopes. Includes exposed tree roots and slightly muddy sections.
3 ½ miles / 5.5 km Allow 2 hours
Bin Hill Trail
A high-level circuit of The Bin through pine, larch and birch forest with views across Strath Devon.
Largely wide, firm but uneven gravel surface. Some short grassy sections that may be muddy. Long moderate slopes with some steeper sections.
4 miles / 6.5 km Allow 2½ hours
Ord Brae Trail
A short loop through the varied forest on the slopes of Ord Hill.
Section of rough grassy path with rocky and rooty parts. Long moderate slopes with some steep sections. Short patches may be muddy.
1 ½ miles / 2.6 km Allow 1 hour
Gallon of Water Trail
Climb through the forest to the top of The Bin for great views and a pool that was believed to have healing powers.
Sections of rough, narrow earth path. Long steep slope with one short flight of wooden steps. Includes some rocky, rooty and potentially muddy parts.
4 miles / 6.5 km Allow 2½ hours
How to get here
The Bin is about 2 miles / 3.2 km north of Huntly on the A96. The car park is signposted on the right.
The car park is at OS Grid Reference: NJ 505 418.
Using Sat Nav?
AB54 4TS is the nearest postcode.
You’ll find details of public transport at Traveline Scotland.
Nearby places
There are lots more trails to explore at nearby Coynachie.
Share your experience
For questions and complaints, please contact us directly.
