Moray Coast Heritage Gravel

About this route

Between Elgin and Cullen the Moray coast strings together a ruined cathedral, the mouth of the Spey and a run of small fishing towns. Elgin Cathedral, the "Lantern of the North", was burned in 1390 by Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch, and is now a Historic Environment Scotland property. At Spey Bay, where the river reaches the sea, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Scottish Dolphin Centre occupies an old salmon fishing station; dolphins live in the Moray Firth and ospreys fish the river mouth in summer. East of the Spey the route passes Portgordon, Buckie, Findochty and Portknockie to Cullen, under its old railway viaducts — the town that gave its name to Cullen skink.

This page used to carry generated figures and several errors, so it has been reduced to the line. Plan and measure it yourself on OS Explorer 419, 420 and 427; the Moray Coast Trail and parts of the old coastal railway are useful for the eastern half.

Highlights

• Elgin Cathedral, the "Lantern of the North" (Historic Environment Scotland)
• The mouth of the Spey and the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay
• The fishing towns of Findochty and Portknockie
• Cullen and its old railway viaducts

Route notes

Not a traced route — no distance, ascent or timings are published. Expect quiet coast roads, sections of old railway path and short stretches of rougher track. The route is linear, so plan the return from Cullen before you set off. Paths along the coast are shared with walkers.

Best season & site opening times

The Moray coast is often drier and sunnier than the west of Scotland. Ospreys are summer visitors; dolphins can be seen in the Moray Firth through the year.

Water sources on route

• Fill up in the towns

Always filter or treat water from natural sources. Carry at least 1L reserve on remote sections.

OS map sheets