Forres is a good sized town situated on the floodplain of the River Findhorn -it’s one the the region’s most attractive places. It was first mentioned in Roman documents from the 2nd century, and received royal burgh status in 1140. It has won Scotland in Bloom on several occasions and the town features in Shakespeares play Macbeth. Brodie Castle and gardens lie a few miles to the west the original building (other than one tower) was destroyed by fire in 1645 and is an example of a Z-plan castle. It was home to the Clan Brodie before being taken over by the National Trust for Scotland. Your start point is beside Nelson Tower, which was built in 1806 to commemorate Nelsons victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. While this corner of Moray is a little distance away from the River Spey, the town is a real whisky town with Benromach Distillery and the histric Dallas Dhu which is not in production but acts as a museum to the Speyside whisky industry. It’s a an excellent spot for cycling with flatter routes on the coast towards Lossiemouth and Elgin and tougher prospects heading south towards Speyside. Califer hill on the edge of town is a RtN favourite and short ride for some great views.
If you are a day trip visitor to Forres you can take the train (with bikes) from Aberdeen or Inverness. Parking is avaiable at Orchard Road but if busy with town centre visitors try at Grant Park on the east side of the town.
