Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated epic The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon, releases in cinemas on July 17, 2026. While the film is set in ancient Greece and the Mediterranean, parts of the blockbuster were shot in Scotland, specifically at Findlater Castle and Culbin Forest in Moray.
Culbin Forest Features in Key Scene
According to film magazine Empire, Culbin Forest appears in one of the film's most exhilarating and brutal moments, where Matt Damon's Odysseus and his crew face off against an army of man-eating giants. The forest is part of the Culbin Sands, Forest and Findhorn Bay area, a huge stretch of land offering views across the Moray Firth.
Biodiversity and Protected Status
The area is famous for its biodiversity and is officially classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Managed mostly by Forestry and Land Scotland, Culbin Forest features various trails through dense woodland, guiding visitors to Culbin Sands beach—a stretch of salt marsh and sand dunes with mountain vistas.
Hill 99 Viewpoint
One notable landmark is Hill 99, which has a tall wooden tower blending into the woodland. From the top, visitors enjoy mesmerising views over the dunes and Moray Firth, accompanied by the sounds of birds singing. The Forestry and Land Scotland website describes Culbin as 'a vast and varied forest that's perfect for a family day out' with an extensive network of gravel tracks.
Folklore and History
Culbin Forest has a fascinating history involving sandstorms, witches, and curses. Legend holds that a small village was buried under sand in 1694 during the Great Sand Drift, reportedly due to a witch's curse during her trial, as reported by BBC Countryfile. During World War II, the forest served as a mock battleground to prepare troops for D-Day landings, with the Royal Navy shelling the land from the Moray Firth, leaving scars that remained for many years.
Visiting Culbin Forest
Visitors can reach Culbin Forest by car, parking at the Wellhill car park and walking the Hill 99 Trail. Forestry and Land Scotland notes: 'The Hill 99 Trail at Wellhill car park is ideal for first time visitors. Go through the forest and mossy glades to reach the Viewpoint Tower. From here there are breathtaking views over the treetops to the coast.' A shorter, gentler Gravel Pit Ponds Trail offers an easier introduction. More information is available on the Forestry and Land Scotland website.
