Findhorn brings together a beach, a coastal route and maritime history. The Moray Coast Trail runs from Findhorn to Cullen and is approximately 50 miles (80 km) long. A shorter stay doesn’t have to include the entire route: the beach and the village’s history offer their own highlights.
Coastal Trail and Beach
Findhorn Beach is a long, uninterrupted stretch of fine white sand near the village. Findhorn is easy to explore on foot; the beach is readily accessible and has plenty of parking. This makes the beach and a walk around the village two distinct ways to get to know Findhorn.
The Moray Coast Trail follows Findhorn Beach around the bay to Burghead, passing Roseisle Country Park and wooded areas. The route descriptions refer to different points: the full trail runs from Findhorn to Cullen, while the description of its course around the bay goes as far as Burghead. Along the route by Findhorn Beach are large concrete anti-tank blocks from the Second World War. They connect the coastal landscape with a visible trace of its wartime history.
Village History and the Icehouse
The historic village of Findhorn dates back to the late 17th century. Findhorn was once Moray’s principal seaport, and the Findhorn Harbour Piers are a Category B listed structure. This maritime past comes to life at the Findhorn Heritage Centre & Icehouse, where the history of the village and the surrounding landscape is explored.
The Icehouse includes underground vaulted chambers dating back about 150 years. They were used to store ice that kept salmon cool on the journey to London. The centre also displays information about Findhorn’s earliest inhabitants and a Bronze Age clay burial urn. Several periods of history are represented side by side: early signs of human settlement, the village’s history from the late 17th century and the harbour’s former importance.
Findhorn Church also adds to the picture of the village’s history. It was built in 1843 as a Free Church, to a design by John Urquhart. When visiting the Heritage Centre, be sure to check its seasonal opening hours: it is open daily from 14:00 to 16:30 in June, July and August, and on Saturdays and Sundays in May and September. As opening hours may change seasonally, it’s worth checking shortly before your visit.
Bay, Nature and Activities
Findhorn Bay is designated as a Local Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Ramsar wetland of international importance. It is also part of the Moray and Nairn Coast SPA. A NatureScot assessment, last reviewed on 2 June 2011, highlights the protected area’s national and international importance for wintering waterbirds.
To get to Culbin Forest, the Findhorn Watersports Taxi runs there and back from Findhorn’s northern pontoon. If you’re planning this trip, check the current timetable, as schedules may change. Findhorn Watersports is also an independent sailing school based at the Royal Findhorn Yacht Club. The water taxi and the sailing school offer two different ways to enjoy a stay on the bay. Visitors to Findhorn are also invited to join the Friends of Park Garden.
Discover more destinations: Fochabers, Drumin, Findochty, Glenlivet, Lossiemouth, Portgordon, Rafford, Burghead.
View the regional travel guide: Moray.
