Randalph's Leap
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
Randolph’s Leap is one of those places where history, legend, and raw Highland landscape collide.
The walk is short but packed with drama roaring water, ancient forest, and a story that’s been told for centuries. It’s perfect for a quick adventure, a family outing, or a peaceful nature escape.
Highlights
Dramatic Gorge on the River Findhorn
The river squeezes through a narrow ravine, creating fast‑flowing water, steep cliffs, and spectacular viewpoints.
Legend of the Leap
Despite the name, it wasn’t Randolph who jumped Randalphs Leap. The story tells of Alastair Cumming (Comyn) and companions leaping the gorge to escape during a 14th‑century conflict with Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray. The gap is wide, so it’s likely more legend than fact — but the tale has endured.
Wildlife & Nature
Home to red squirrels, woodpeckers, and diverse river wildlife.
Beautiful Forest Setting
The walk weaves through Darnaway Forest, with views over the Findhorn and Divie rivers.
Practical Information
Best start: Logie Steading Visitor Centre
Includes a café, toilets, children’s play area, heritage centre, and shops.
Alt Start 200yds down road
Parking: On‑site at Logie Steading.
Public Transport: Limited — no direct drop‑off near Logie Steading.
Terrain: Clear paths, some steep unprotected drops above the river.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate — care needed after rain.
Safety Notes
The Findhorn is powerful and fast‑moving.
There have been fatal accidents from people entering the water or getting too close to the edge. Stay well back from the gorge.
Not suitable for wheelchairs or bicycles.
Tips for visitors
Facilities at Logie Steading
Café
Toilets
Farm shop
Heritage centre (includes info on Randolph’s Leap & the 1829 flood)
Children’s play area
Nearby Attractions
Sluie Walk
Findhorn Bay & Findhorn Beach — both areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Ferghas' Adventures
As Ferghas approached the roaring narrows of Randolph’s Leap, he paused, certain he’d heard laughter carried on the spray. Then he saw them pale figures flickering like torn moonlight, darting from cliff to cliff above the churning water. They moved with impossible grace, spirits vaulting the gorge in mid‑whisper, each leap leaving a shimmer that hung in the air like breath on a winter morning. The river below thundered as if trying to drown them out, Ferghas felt a shiver up his shaggy coat and turned round lest he learnt he fate of those that lept.
Comments