Travelling to Forres by car is straightforward. From the west, follow the A96 until you come to the town.
The road bypasses Forres and goes directly to Aberdeen, so the journey from the east is the same in reverse
The A96 is mostly single carriageway (two lanes), with occasional lay-bys, and good signage.
From Grantown-on-Spey, Aviemore and Carrbridge, you can go along the A96 to Inverness, or across the Dava Moor on the A940.
Some rural roads are single-track (one lane) with passing places. Drive a little slower and be prepared to slow down, pull over or stop to let oncoming cars past. There is no right of way in either direction (unless specified), but common sense will go a long way. If there are several cars together, they might need more space to pull over to let you past, whereas a single car will fit nicely into a passing place to let traffic pass.
Dash cams and SatNav works well, although you might find signal drops in some remote parts and accuracy is sometimes not guaranteed. Remember that postcodes in rural areas can stretch for miles. Ask for a What3words locator for greater accuracy.
Parking
There is ample parking in Forres with all public car parks and on-street parking being free of charge. There is limited parking on the high street, limited to a 45-minute wait, which is useful for quick access to high street shops, and there is also on-street parking off the high street, eg South Street, Castlehill Road and in residential areas.
For longer periods, park in the main car parks listed below:
- Cumming Street, IV36 1PJ – 11 spaces, 1 disabled space
- Leask Road, IV36 1AB – 62 spaces, 4 disabled spaces, 2x EV charging
- Tulloch Park, IV36 1AY – 74 spaces, 2 disabled spaces, 2x EV charging
- Orchard Road, IV36 1PJ – 112 spaces, 7 disabled space, 2x EV charging
- High Street (Leys Road, IV36 1PG – 42 spaces, 5 disabled spaces
- Leys Road, IV36 1PH – 57 spaces, 4 disabled space
- Grant Park/Nelson’s Tower
Tesco and Lidl have their own dedicated car parks.
Car hire
There is a Practical Car and Van Hire franchise at Thomson Garages on the Greshop Industrial Estate, 01309 679707
Garage services
If your vehicle needs attention during your visit, there are many garage services who will be able to help.
Filling stations
There are two filling stations in the area.
- Nairn Road, Forres (petrol, diesel)
- Seapark, Kinloss (petrol, diesel, autogas)
Electric Vehicle charging
Please see out electric vehicle page for details of EV charging points.
