The signposted Moray Coast Trail runs approximately 50 miles (around 80 kilometres) from Findhorn to Cullen. The full route takes about three to five days, but you can also split it into shorter sections. Along the way, you’ll pass cliffs, caves, sandy beaches and Bow Fiddle Rock. The coastal scenery ranges from striking rock formations to open stretches of beach. Check the route details again before your trip when planning your stages.
Walking and cycling routes
The Speyside Way, which follows the valley of the River Spey, offers a different perspective on the region. The river is Scotland’s second longest. Moray Speyside is part of the long-distance trail, which starts in Buckie and ends in Newtonmore. The Speyside Way, National Cycle Network Route 1 and the Moray Coast Trail meet at the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre in Spey Bay. You can also enjoy walks along the River Spey there. These route connections offer a practical starting point for anyone who likes to spend their time walking or cycling.
For mountain bikers, the Moray Monster Trails offer singletrack routes for everyone from beginners to experts. There’s a skills area near the Winding Walks where visitors can practise their technique before heading out on the trails. Culbin, by contrast, has an extensive network of gravel paths: the Hill 99 Trail leads to the Viewpoint Tower, where you can look out over the treetops to the coast. The routes differ not only in surface, but also in whether you’re riding singletrack mountain bike trails or gravel paths.
Medieval buildings and history
Spynie Palace preserves the remains of a medieval court residence that served as the palace of the Bishops of Moray. Together with St Andrew’s Castle in Fife, it is one of Scotland’s largest and best-preserved medieval bishops’ palaces. Elgin Cathedral was the spiritual centre of the Diocese of Moray. Even as a ruin, it is considered one of Scotland’s most ambitious and beautiful medieval buildings. Both sites tell the story of the region’s religious history, but in different ways: one is the remains of a bishop’s palace, the other a cathedral.
Duffus Castle offers another perspective, with a long history of use: from the 12th to the 18th century, it served as a fortified residence for more than 500 years. Admission is free, and it’s open year-round; check the seasonal visiting arrangements before your trip.
Elgin Museum opened in 1836 and is Scotland’s oldest independent museum. Its archaeological collection tells the story of Moray from the arrival of people in the Mesolithic period around 8000 BC to the Picts, from the 3rd to the 9th century AD. Notable items include carved stones from Kinneddar, also known as Drainie, near Lossiemouth, the famous Burghead Bulls and the Dandaleith Stone. This Class I Pictish stone was found on a farm near Craigellachie in 2013. The collection’s broad span of history makes a visit especially interesting for anyone keen to explore Moray’s past beyond its individual buildings.
A regional perspective on distilleries
Moray Speyside is also a notable regional destination for travellers interested in Scotland’s distillery scene: more than 50 percent of Scotland’s distilleries are located there. Together with its coastal paths, forests and historic buildings, this offers a range of themes to shape your trip to Moray around.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Findochty, Dandalieth, Rafford, Aberlour, Elgin, Fochabers, Lossiemouth, Drumin, Glenlivet, Dufftown, Ballindalloch, Portknockie, Knock, Buckie, Keith, Hopeman, Findhorn, Portgordon, Alves, Burghead.
For the broader travel overview: Scotland.
