| Distance (km) | Ascent (metres) | Number of days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 410 | 3 - 5 | |
| Start: Forres | Finish: Cullen | ||
|
Linked to other Scotland’s Great Trail(s): Dava Way Speyside Way |
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Books
Below we list printed maps and/or guidebooks in ascending order of cover price: click image or title for more info. To add or alter any items in this list, please Contact us.
Route type and direction
Linear. The recommended direction is to go east from Forres to Cullen, because of prevailing winds, but it can also be completed from Cullen to Forres.
Overview
The coastline and settlements of Moray are linked by a waymarked trail stretching from Forres to Cullen and linking all the places between. It offers a wide variety of scenery and wildlife, with great views over the Moray Firth and its famous dolphins. Enjoy a sense of wilderness with imposing cliffs, sandy beaches and rare plants of the coastline, while never being far from civilisation. The trail links a number of attractive coastal villages and towns, with quaint harbours and extensive services and accommodation.
Highlights
- Tugnet Ice House and Findhorn Heritage Centre
- attractive villages with beach huts, lighthouses and railway heritage
- Burghead Visitor Centre (Pictish fort)
- wildlife including bottlenose dolphins
- sea views over coves, skerries and beaches
- Bow Fiddle Rock at Portknockie
Be aware
- The route crosses Lossiemouth and Cullen beaches: at high tide you have to follow an alternative (unsigned) foreshore route. Check Tides4fishing.
- There is a military firing range between Lossiemouth and Kingston. When in use, red flags are hoisted and nobody can pass. To find out when the range is in use, phone 0131 310 8692 (Fort George).
The challenge
Suitable for beginners as follows good paths which are generally level with a few short steep climbs in places and is very well waymarked. There are extensive services and accommodation along the way in some attractive coastal villages. There are varied surfaces including tar, gravel and earth paths, with some beach and rock sections. In places the trail follows pavements through the towns and villages, whilst in other areas the route uses rough tracks along the coastal cliff tops and forests.
Accommodation
The coastal communities have an extensive range of guest houses, B&Bs and hotels. There are also caravan sites at Findhorn, Hopeman, Burghead, Lossiemouth, Buckie, Findochty and Cullen. Further information can be obtained from Visit Scotland and the Tourist Offices at Elgin and Forres.
Support services
Public transport
You can travel by mainline rail to reach stations at Forres or Elgin. Local buses serve the coastal settlements with connections to Elgin, the main bus station with services to Aberdeen and Inverness. Moray can be reached by car from Aberdeen and Invernessusing the A96T, and public car parking is free along the coast.
For details, visit Traveline Scotland, or, for the entire UK, Traveline. For travel from anywhere to anywhere, try Rome2Rio.