Moray has a coastline alive with wildlife

The coastline and settlements of Moray are linked by a waymarked coastal trail of approximately 50 miles from Findhorn to Cullen and all the places between. The route can be extended from Findhorn to Forres along a section of cycle route.

With its marvellous landscapes from rugged cliffs, caves and sheltered coves to fishertown harbours and sweeping stretches of sandy beaches, Moray has a coastline alive with wildlife that would be the envy of many other regions in Britain.

Forres to Burghead 11.5 Miles
The route then follows the coast along tree covered dunes to Roseisle forest, populated by red squirrels, before the stage ends at the old fishing village of Burghead. Before departing Forres ensure you visit the Suenos Stone, a mighty Pictish monument, dating back to the 9th Century that is housed in a protective glass building. Locate the cycle route to cross a bridge over the Forres and continue to Kinross along a signed path next to the RAF base fence with views along the curve of sand to Burghead in the distance.

Burghead to Lossiemouth 9 miles
A spectacular coastal walk with fine cliff-top section, coves and sea-stacks that ends on a long walk across a huge sandy beach. Depart Burghead past the huge maltings plant owned by drinks giant on a seaside path to join the old railway which follows the coast to Cummingston. Continue along the old railway line until the outskirts of Hopeman and on past a very colourful array of traditional beach -huts across the low, grassy coast until the path climbs and then descends into Clashach Cove and a fine viewpoint above the disused Covesea Quarry and a first glimpse of Covesea Lighthouse. The path soon sweeps down onto the western end of a vast sandy beach towards the elegant Covesea Lighthouse where the beach runs uninterrupted for another two kilometres to reach Lossiemouth.

Lossiemouth to Buckie 15 Miles
A varied section along part of the Moray Coast Trail, linking Lossiemouth via its sandy beach with Spey Bay and a chance to watch wildlife, and further on rejoins the coastline for the final stretch to the seaside town of Buckie. This long section could be broken by a stop at Spey Bay. From Lossiemouth take the bridge over the Spynie Canal to Seatown where the houses here are clustered together facing inwards to protect them from sea storms to follow the signed path for School Brae and Garmouth to cross the old railway bridge over the Spey to pass behind the the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Visitor Centre and continue to follow the thistle sign for the Speyside Way. Reach the coast into Portgordon passing and finally Buckpool – the old harbour of Buckie. Pass to the seaward side of several houses through the old conservation area of the Yardie to reach Cluny Square, the centre of Buckie.

Buckie to Cullen. 9 miles and 400 feet of ascent.
Today is a more rugged coastal path running along the cliff top, linking the little fishing villages of Findochty (pronounced Finnechty) and Portknockie. You finish across the lovely sandy sweep of Cullen Bay to the hotel in Cullen.
Before reaching Cullen there are some fin-like sea-stacks known as the Three Kings – great for a wind-break! Head up into the car park beyond and cross this to reach the footbridge over the Burn of Cullen. Head along the front past the old fishermen’s houses of Seatown to reach Cullen Harbour. From here a road sweeps sharply right to head up into the main part of the village. Pass under the old railway viaduct to reach the square at the heart of Cullen. This is the end of the Moray Coastal Trail – though there is nothing to stop you continuing your coast walk into Aberdeenshire and on to Banff

Cullen to Portsoy. 9 miles and 600 feet of ascent.
This walk is again a coastal path, sometimes on the cliff top, sometimes close to the waves, passing the jagged cliffs of Logie Head and Redhythe Point, with the spectacular ruins of Findlater Castle and the lovely beach at Sandend as highlights. From the 17th century harbour at Portsoy you take an additional short inland walk to the conservation village of Fordyce and return to Portsoy. Dinner can be ordered at the hotel or nearby inns (not included in tour price). Overnight at Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Portsoy to Banff. 11 miles (18km) and 600 feet of ascent.
The starting point here is at Scotsmill and the romantic ruins of Boyne Castle, nestled in a crook of the stream, you follow a minor road and farm tracks to the fishing village of Whitehills, then cross the sands of Inverboyndie Bay with its healing well to arrive at the guesthouse near the town of Banff, where the outlaw Macpherson was hanged in 1700.