Moray is one among Scotland’s best-kept secrets and techniques. Identified for its beautiful seashores dotted throughout the northern shoreline, and residential to a variety of whisky distilleries, Moray is the proper vacation spot for the traveller craving to get off the crushed path.
This summer season we spent an exquisite 5 days exploring the area. Though this wasn’t our first rendezvous to Moray, it was actually our most memorable as Alex (six months outdated on the time) and Angus (our canine) joined us on our journey.
On this information, I’m highlighting the finest issues to do in Moray and useful recommendation for planning a visit right here.
Planning A Journey To Moray
There are some things it is best to know if you’re planning a visit to Moray.
One of many fundamental issues to consider is that you simply’ll must plan your actions prematurely. Moray isn’t a touristy space in comparison with different areas in Scotland, and so lots of its sights and eating places work on lowered hours or are solely open sure days of the week- particularly north of Elgin.
My greatest tip is to search for opening hours and days for any eating places or sights you need to go to, or chances are you’ll miss out!
Attending to the Moray Coast & Getting Round
By Automotive
One of the best ways to discover the Moray Coast is certainly by automobile. There are lots of hidden gems dotted about, and since Moray is a reasonably huge area in Scotland, it’s much more sensible to get round by automobile. That is how we selected to discover the area, and we achieved rather a lot in our brief time there.
For automobile rent, I like to recommend Celtic Legend.
Public Transport
You’ll be able to utilise public transport to get round, nevertheless, I extremely advocate trying out bus schedules prematurely and planning your route effectively as a result of Moray isn’t usually a touristy space, and chances are you’ll discover buses solely run on sure days, or sure instances of the day!
Stagecoach North Scotland is the principle bus firm that providers Moray.
Right here’s a fast abstract of how one can attain Moray by public transport:
- Aberdeen to Cullen – Stagecoach North Scotland bus 35 (2 hr 45 min common)
- Aberdeen to Elgin – Scotrail practice (1 hr 30 min) OR Stagecoach North Scotland bus 10 (2 hr 40 min common) or M96 (2 hours)
- Aberdeen to Dufftown – Scotrail practice to Elgin after which catch Stagecoach North Scotland bus 36 to Dufftown (2 hr 30 min common)
- Inverness to Cullen – Scotrail practice to Elgin, stroll 13 min to bus cease, after which catch Stagecoach North Scotland bus 35 to Cullen (2 hr 15 min common)
- Inverness to Elgin – Scotrail practice (1 hour)
- Inverness to Lossiemouth – Scotrail practice then Stagecoach North Scotland bus 33A (or 33C) to Lossiemouth (1 hr 40 min common)
- Inverness to Dufftown – Scotrail practice to Elgin, after which trip the Stagecoach North Scotland bus 36 to Dufftown (1 hr 45 min common)
- Edinburgh to Elgin – Scotrail practice to Inverness then leap on the practice to Elgin (4.5 hours)
- Edinburgh to Cullen – Scotrail practice to Aberdeen, after which observe my Aberdeen to Cullen directions above (5 hr 15 min common)
Please word the above is a information and bus and practice providers change seasonally. I like to recommend utilizing Google Maps or Traveline Scotland to plot your route by way of public transport.
Scotland Journey Tip
Should you’re spending time in Aberdeenshire earlier than or after your journey to Moray, be sure you learn my submit about issues to do in Aberdeenshire.
Lodging in Moray
The perfect place to base your self in Moray (for my part) is Cullen. Cullen has the most effective of the whole lot; it’s an enthralling coastal city with a stunning seaside, wonderful cafes and eating places and a few nice lodging choices.
When you have a automobile (which I like to recommend should you’re exploring Moray) you will have the flexibleness to remain wherever, however I’d nonetheless advocate sticking to the Moray Coast. We stayed at an Airbnb close to Buckie, which was instantly throughout the highway from the seaside and fairly central to the opposite coastal villages on the Moray Coast. There are many beautiful choices for self-catering cottages alongside the Moray Coast which have sea views on Airbnb.
If you’re wanting to go to a number of the Speyside Distilleries, Dufftown is an effective base and has full amenities, eating places and a variety of lodging.
Advisable lodging
Issues to do in Moray
Bow Fiddle Rock
Made widespread by Instagrammers, Bow Fiddle Rock is a putting pure rock formation that resembles a fiddle- therefore the identify!
A brief stroll (a few minutes) takes you from the automobile park to a shocking view of this uncommon stack. If it’s a pleasant day, I counsel spending a while right here to benefit from the views breathe within the salty air. The realm could be very atmospheric, and a pleasant place to calm down with a cup of tea from a flask or a wee picnic. You’ll spot seabirds darting between the rocks, and wildflowers in the summertime.
There are additionally another spectacular sea stacks you possibly can see within the rapid space.
Make sure to discover the lovable coastal village of Portknockie, the place Bow Fiddle Rock is situated.
Cullen
Cullen is one among my favorite villages alongside the Moray Coast. Stuffed with vintage shops (I counted a minimum of 5!), a wonderful seaside, and historical past of kings- this village actually is a must-see, or an excellent place to base your self to discover Moray.
Begin your day at Cullen with a slice and a espresso at Espresso By The Kings, who, undoubtedly, make the most effective turmeric latte in Scotland. The proprietor’s companion additionally makes lovely wee clay bothies- a neat memento to take house. Then go for a stroll down Cullen Seaside to The Three Kings, uncommon rock formations that seem to pierce by means of the center of the seaside.
Going vintage procuring within the village is a should– I ended up returning house with a number of new-looking Beatrix Potter books for Alex, a classic suitcase, and an authentic watercolour portray of Cragievar Citadel that was over 100 years outdated, however in pristine situation!
I like to recommend lunch or dinner at The Seafield Arms Resort. We had two excellent meals right here, they usually have a dog-friendly seating space. This award-winning resort can also be the proper lodging to your Moray escape!
One other must-do is having Cullen Skink in its own residence city. Cullen Skink is a standard Scottish soup manufactured from smoked haddock, potatoes and onions.
We had an exquisite dinner on the Royal Oak Resort which included a scrumptious starter of Cullen Skink.
Lossiemouth
Lossiemouth is a pleasant village on the Moray Coast that’s effectively price a go to. One of many first stuff you’ll discover if you go to Lossie is the intense bonnie sands of East Seaside.
Settle your self within the sand dunes and look out for bottlenose dolphins! The ocean is extraordinarily tough right here so don’t try to swim. Merely benefit from the sand in your toes and take a while out to only be.
Eating places and gin and whisky bars line the marina, making Lossie an important place to get pleasure from lunch or dinner (or perhaps a chippy on the seaside).
The marina esplanade can also be house to a few ice cream outlets, serving domestically made ice cream. Miele’s of Lossie is at present the best rated on Journey Advisor, nevertheless, why not check out all three and resolve for your self?
Buying is a bit restricted in Lossie, nevertheless, one store I completely cherished was Brown’s Giftware. Promoting beautiful presents made by Lossie locals and small companies round Scotland, you possibly can choose up some distinctive presents here- together with AVVA Scottish Gin and handmade candles by Covesea Candles!
Windswept Brewing Co
Everybody is aware of Moray is house to a lot of whisky distilleries, however do you know the area is house to some unbelievable breweries?
Windswept Brewing Co is one among these breweries and is situated in Lossiemouth.
I despatched the Haggis and Grandad Haggis on a tour of the brewery, which included a tasting session of their award-winning beer. They have been actually jolly once I picked them up after the tour!
Glenfiddich Distillery
My favorite whisky distillery tour has received to be the Glenfiddich Distillery– I discover the story of how the distillery was constructed fascinating!
I received’t spoil the story for you- since you’ll find out about this on one among their distillery excursions. A enjoyable truth I’ll share with you, although, is that the proprietor of the distillery bought the complete land surrounding the Robbie Dhu Spring, so he had full entry to each drop of water that helps to create this well-known dram.
Balvenie Citadel
Situated on the identical highway as Glenfiddich Distillery, you’ll discover the fantastic destroy of Balvenie Citadel.
If the identify Balvenie rings a bell, it’s as a result of there may be additionally a Balvenie whisky, which takes its identify from the citadel. The identical firm that personal Glenfiddich Distillery additionally personal Balvenie Distillery, one other unbelievable dram.
Balvenie Citadel is without doubt one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland. It was initially a stronghold for the Comyn earls of Buchan, who dominated over this a part of north-east Scotland. Nonetheless, Robert the Bruce took Balvenie Citadel from the Comyns in 1308, and afterwards, it disappeared into historical past till the 1400s.
It was then handed to Sir James Douglas, however after the Black Douglases’ downfall in 1455, James II granted the citadel to his half-brother, John Stewart, Earl of Atholl. He and his spouse, Margaret (a Douglas), paid hire of a single crimson rose for the citadel!
The citadel is at present closed to the general public, nevertheless, you possibly can nonetheless see the citadel from the roadside. It’s price wandering up the highway to catch a glimpse.
Findlater Citadel
Findlater Citadel is a ruinous citadel embedded in a 50-foot cliff between the villages of Cullen and Sandend.
The unique citadel was constructed someday within the thirteenth century and is the outdated seat of the Earls of Findlater and Seafield. Anticipating an invasion from King Hakon IV of Norway, the citadel was strengthened within the 1260s by King Alexander III. Regardless of King Hakon’s military dropping the Battle of Largs, Findlater Citadel was occupied by the Norse for a time frame.
The current citadel was in all probability constructed on the finish of the 14th century by Sir John Sinclair of Findlater.
Learn how to get there: Park on the Findlater Citadel Automotive Park (marked on Google Maps) and observe the 4×4 path for half a mile which takes you previous the Findlater Doocot, a shelter made for pigeons. You’ll attain a viewing platform the place you possibly can see the coast on the cliff beneath.
Please word, there are paths that lead right down to the citadel, nevertheless, as a result of erosion of the citadel and the cliff exploring the citadel itself is extraordinarily harmful. I don’t advocate following the trail right down to the citadel.
Sunnyside Seaside
Should you plan on visiting Findlater Citadel, be sure you go to one among Moray’s most beautiful beaches- Sunnyside Seaside.
Situated to the west of Findlater Citadel, and accessed by way of the identical path, Sunnyside Seaside is an actual serene gem. Sheltered by tall cliffs, the huge white-golden sand stretches towards superbly clear waters.
This seaside is the proper place to spend a number of hours stress-free.
Brodie Citadel
Brodie Citadel is without doubt one of the most spectacular castles in Moray. This Sixteenth-century citadel was house to the Brodie clan for over 400 years.
The citadel is stuffed to the brim with effective furnishings, antiques, artwork, and over 6,000 books!
The 71-hectare property is house to landscaped gardens, a pond, a walled backyard, an journey playground, and a woodland walk- making it an important exercise for households.
The citadel is alleged to be haunted by Woman Margaret Duff, who was the spouse of James Brodie, a earlier clan chief within the 18th century. She fell asleep in entrance of the fireside, the place her garments caught on fireplace and he or she burned to loss of life.
The perfect time to go to Brodie Citadel is in spring when the daffodils are in bloom. Look out for dragonflies, wildfowl and crimson squirrels across the property.
The citadel is open for guided tour only- see the Nationwide Belief For Scotland web site to guide. Excursions final 45 minutes and run all through the day.
Enjoyable truth: Brodie Citadel has over 400 sorts of daffodils!
Moray Coastal Path
When you have a minimum of 3-4 days, strolling the Moray Coastal Path is a superb strategy to discover one of many high 20 most lovely coastlines as named by Nationwide Geographic.
The route is 72 kilometres lengthy and runs between Forres and Cullen. Count on to find huge sandy seashores, dramatic rock formations and cute fishing villages. Should you’re fortunate, chances are you’ll spot dolphins frolicking within the clear waters!
Elgin Cathedral
The city of Elgin is the largest in Moray, and is house to Elgin Cathedral– which was as soon as thought-about Scotland’s most lovely cathedral and often known as ‘the lantern of the North.’
Established within the thirteenth century, Elgin Cathedral was the principle church for the Bishops of Moray, some of the highly effective teams of males in Medieval Scotland.
My favorite a part of the cathedral was the Western towers. We climbed over 100 steps to succeed in the highest of every tower, every degree crammed with ornately carved stones that had been rescued from the dilapidated partitions. I discovered these totally fascinating; every of the carvings was categorised with placards explaining their significance. Strolling round this cathedral a long time in the past will need to have been like strolling by means of a storybook!
Contained in the destroy there’s a Pictish slab from the 12 months 700AD, and the destroy can also be house to Scotland’s tallest headstone (5 metres tall!).
The cathedral is a must-see when visiting Moray!
Extra suggestions for visiting Moray
- The web site Go to Moray Speyside is useful for planning your journey to Moray. That is the official tourism web site, and so it has all of the need-to-know data on lodging, issues to do, and occasions occurring within the area.
- I loved the journey information Moray Speyside: A Journey Information by native Iona Grant.
