A calm and tranquil nature spot
Last updated: June 2024

This beautiful place, just outside Forres, is a haven for wildlife and a relaxing place to visit.
Ongoing work by volunteers has lifted it from a derelict and overgrown place to be accessible for all, while the boathouse and bothy – unused since the 1960s – have been completely transformed into a modern, educational centre.
There are woodland walks around the loch as well as picnic benches and hides for birdwatchers.
It is situated on the Altyre Estate just four miles from Forres, and the loch covers an area of around 11 hectares. All the improvement work has been done by a group of volunteers called the Friends of Blairs Loch.
Introducing trout fishing
Trout fishing is now available from a hired boat. Although subaquatic weeds are present which can make angling a challenge, the volunteers are continuously working to deal with them. Boat hire is from sunrise to 1pm or 1pm to sunset, with no fishing after dark. The cost is £25 per session and you can book by emailing blairsloch@gmail.com. All profits go back into making the loch and its environs a lovely place for all.
The path is a circular route around the loch and has been improved substantially, with particular focus on the areas around the boathouse, where boarded walks lead to the picnic area and wheelchair-friendly bird hide. Following the construction work to put these in place, the surrounding flora is now blending in to make it a calm and peaceful place.
Outdoor seating has been added as well as a pond-dipping area, where it has been made safe for supervised youngsters to approach the water’s edge.
The boathouse and bothy can be hired for nature-inspired or educational events.
Directions
Travel south on the A940 road towards Grantown. About three miles from Forres, turn left down an unmarked road into Altyre Estate. You’ll go past a stone building – the Altyre Estate Office – take the next track on the left and park near the gate, You’ll see the buildings down a short track and the walks that start from here.

















Further information
W: https://blairsloch.com/ E: blairsloch@gmail.comFacilities
Travel itinerary planner
Blairs Loch (Loch of Blairs) is in the following sections: Rather than give you a fixed itinerary, here you’ll find details of nearby attractions and links (tags) to help you find activities similar to those at this location. Don’t rush, slow down, go at your own pace and enjoy your experiences fully. You can use this information to help you plan your stay without missing a thing.- Distance from Forres: 3.9 miles
- Postcode: IV36 2SQ
- What3words: eradicate.reveal.hood
- What’s nearby: Forres
- Tags: Waymarked walks, birdwatching, nature, views, wildlife (all areas)