Colourful beach huts in Findhorn

Moray Coast Trail

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Overview

Route

What’s Included?

Itineraries & Prices

Accommodation

Travel Info

Additional Days

Overview

Walking Holidays

5 - 6 Nights

44 miles / 70 km

Prices from: £590 per person
Start: Forres, Moray
Finish: Cullen, Moray
Availability: Any start date from April to October
Grading: Moderate
Way-marked: Yes

Moray Coast Trail Highlights

Abundant wildlife

Spot an amazing array of marine wildlife in the Moray Firth, such as bottlenose dolphins, grey seals and harbour porpoises.

Scottish seafood

While in Cullen, have a taste of Cullen Skink – a local delicacy. This traditional Scottish soup is creamy and hearty, made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions.

Pictish settlements

While in Forres, visit Sueno’s Stone, the largest surviving Pictish stone of its type in Scotland. It is beautifully carved in several panels, including the depiction of a battle scene among stylized Pictish symbols.

Unique scenery

Take a photograph of Bow Fiddle Rock, with its distinctive ‘bow shaped’ formation. Made from Cullen Quartzite, it is a nesting place for a variety of seabirds.

Magnificent coastline

Admire stunning coastal views from atop rugged sea-cliffs, explore caves and sheltered coves, and sweeping stretches of sandy beaches.

Welcoming villages

Embrace the warm Highland hospitality of the many attractive villages the trail passes through, as you make your way through this beautiful part of the country.

A Coastal Adventure in North East Scotland

The Moray Coast Trail is a 44-mile route along the beautiful coastline between Forres and Cullen. The trail is well way-marked and follows one of the finest stretches of coast in the UK. The route also links charming villages and coastal towns, replete with historical and archaeological interest, from ancient standing stones to Bronze-age settlements.

The coastline along the Moray Firth has previously been voted one of the best in the world by National Geographic. It is one of the top places in the country to spot a great variety of wildlife, including Moray Firth dolphins, minke whales, grey seals, harbour porpoises, fulmars, red throated divers, capercaillie, ospreys, buzzards, wildcats, pine martens, and deer.

Incorporating beaches, quiet woodlands and wonderfully scenic stretches of sandstone coastal cliffs, the walk also offers varied scenery. The quaint fishing villages and harbours along the route all have a unique character and history. Some of the highlights include Forres, with its many gardens and ancient history, or pretty Lossiemouth, the “Jewel of the Moray Firth”.

With its sweeping and expansive landscapes, the Moray Coast is a refreshing and relaxing escape. Enjoy gentle coastal walks as you take in the views of rugged cliffs, dramatic sea stacks and rock formations, caves and sheltered coves, fishing harbours and panoramic sand beaches.

Moray Coast Trail Route Map

Recommended Itinerary

Our most popular itinerary is MCT1 which covers the full route in 4 days / 5 nights.

Travel to Forres for your first night’s accommodation

Arrive in the picturesque village of Forres, located right on the Moray Coast. Forres has an impressive range of parks and gardens containing outstanding floral sculptures, and is home to a number of craft shops and art galleries.

Day 1: Forres to Findhorn (5.5 miles / 9 km)

Begin your journey from the Medieval settlement of Forres, where you could visit Suenos Stone – the largest surviving Pictish stone of its type in Scotland.

Today is a short day to warm up your legs for the rest of your coastal adventure. Follow the cyclepath out of Forres into the pretty eco-village of Findhorn on the shore of the Moray Firth. Idyllically set facing Burghead Bay, Findhorn’s majestic beaches are a sight for sore eyes!

Day 2: Findhorn to Lossiemouth (15.5 miles / 25 km)

This section follows the coastline. See if you can spot the regular whales and bottlenose dolphins that circumnavigate the Moray Coast!

Passing through Burghead and Hopeman, the path will take through Clashach Quarry and Covesea – a spectacular section of the path where you can see caves and rock arches. The final part of the walk leads towards Lossiemouth, the “Jewel of the Moray Firth.” This busy town has a spectacular marina and attracts many surfers and sailors.

Day 3: Lossiemouth to Buckie (16 miles / 26 km)

Today’s section begins in the stunning Lossiemouth East Beach, continuing through the small towns of Kingston and Garmouth and across the old iron railway bridge over the River Spey. Once you cross the bridge, you will continue towards Spey Bay where you could visit the Scottish Dolphin Centre.

From Spey Bay, the path continues along forest paths and an old railway line past Portgordon. As you depart from Portgordon look out for the local seal colony, enjoying a rest on shore. From here you will continue along the dramatic coastline of the Moray Firth towards your destination for tonight at Buckie.

Day 4: Buckie to Cullen (7.5 miles / 12 km)

The last section of the Moray Coast Trail takes you past Gordonsborough and Portessie, until reaching a path hugging the shore which will take you up the clifftops. The path leads into Findochty harbour, where you will join a cycle path offering lovely views over the rocky coastline.

As you approach the village of Portknockie, you will soon see amazing sea stacks on your left. Don’t miss taking a photo of Bow Fiddle Rock, with its unique ‘bow shaped’ formation. As you continue along the path, taking in the wonderful sea views to your left, you will eventually reach the long beach at Cullen Bay.

Onward travel

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the Moray Coast Trail.

What’s Included?

Your Moray Coast Trail walking holiday includes:

Carefully selected accommodation along the route and trail transfers when applicable
En-suite or private bathroom facilities whenever possible
Daily door-to-door baggage transfers
Comprehensive information pack, kit list, guidebook and map (one set per room)
Personalised itinerary with details of your accommodation, route and recommendations for lunch and dinner
Traditional Scottish breakfast
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your walking holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Transport to and from the start and end of the walk
Lunches and evening meals

Itineraries & Prices

We offer 2 suggested itineraries for walking the Moray Coast Trail.

Our most popular itinerary is MCT1 which covers the full route in 4 days.

Tour code

Itinerary

Average miles

Difficulty

Price per person

MCT1

4 Days / 5 Nights

11 miles per day

Moderate

From £590

Average miles : 11 miles per day

Tour code: MCT1

Difficulty : Moderate

4 Days / 5 Nights (MCT)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is also a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Forres for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Forres to Findhorn 5.5 miles / 9 km

Day 2 Findhorn to Lossiemouth 15.5 miles / 25 km

Day 3 Lossiemouth to Buckie 16 miles / 26 km

Day 4 Buckie to Cullen 7.5 miles / 12 km

Depart Onward travel from Cullen

Prices

Premium

Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels

From £780 per person

Carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels throughout your walk, which will be the best available in each location. As premium accommodation is in short supply on this trail, please note that some establishments will be of a higher standard than others. En-suite facilities or private bathroom guaranteed.

Enquire Now

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £590 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Enquire Now

MCT2

5 Days / 6 Nights

9 miles per day

Moderate

From £685

Average miles : 9 miles per day

Tour code: MCT2

Difficulty : Moderate

5 Days / 6 Nights (MCT2)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag, there is also a solo walker supplement in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Forres for your first night's accommodation

Day 1 Forres to Findhorn 5.5 miles / 9 km

Day 2 Findhorn to Burghead (overnight Lossiemouth) 6 miles / 9.5 km

Day 3 Burghead to Lossiemouth 9 miles / 14.5 km

Day 4 Lossiemouth to Buckie 16 miles / 26 km

Day 5 Buckie to Cullen 7.5 miles / 12 km

Depart Onward travel from Cullen

Prices

Premium

Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels

From £875 per person

Enquire Now

Standard

Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels

From £685 per person

Enquire Now

Moray Coast Trail Accommodation

All of the accommodation that we reserve for you has been personally selected by our expert team to ensure it meets our exacting standards. We regularly review our extensive database.

We will always prioritise accommodation as close to the walking trail as possible. Occasionally, your accommodation may be located a short distance from the trail, or you may need to spend more than one night in the same place, in which case we will provide return transfers.

Travel Information

As an environmentally conscious tour operator, we actively encourage the use of public transport by providing clients with a detailed breakdown of travel options in their information packs. The following information may help with your pre-trip planning.

Getting to Forres

By Air

Nearest Airports: Inverness Airport

Nearest Major Airports: Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow International Airport.

All airports run regular shuttle bus services to the city centres. From Glasgow and Edinburgh, you can then connect with train and bus services to Inverness, from where you can continue your journey to Forres by public transportation.

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Forres

Scotrail operates train services from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Inverness (journey time approximately 3 hours 30 min).

If you are travelling from London, trains depart from London Kings Cross to Inverness (journey time 9 hours).

From Inverness, there are train services to Forres (journey time 30 min).

By Car

If you plan to travel by car, it may be possible to park at your accommodation in Forres for the duration of your holiday. We can advise you about parking options when you make your enquiry.

Departing from Cullen

By Air

Nearest airports: Inverness Airport and Aberdeen Airport.

Nearest major airports: Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow International Airport.

The end of the Moray Coast Trail is at Cullen, which is situated on the north-east coast. There is no train station in Cullen, but Stagecoach bus services are available to Inverness (journey time 3 hours 30 min) and Aberdeen (journey time 3 hours 40 min).

From Inverness and Aberdeen, you can then connect with train and bus services to Glasgow or Edinburgh. All airports run regular shuttle bus services to the city centres.

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Elgin or Keith

From Cullen, we would suggest taking a taxi to Keith (journey time 20 minutes). The fare is approximately £30. From Keith, there are train services to Aberdeen (journey time 1 hour)

Otherwise, you could travel from Cullen to Elgin by bus (journey time 1 hour 45 min). From Elgin, there are train services to Inverness (journey time 40 min) or Aberdeen (journey time 1 hour 25 min).

Scotrail operates train services to Edinburgh and Glasgow from Aberdeen (journey time approximately 2 hours 40 min) and to Edinburgh and Glasgow from Inverness (journey time approximately 3 hours 30 min).

If you are travelling to London, trains depart to London Kings Cross from Aberdeen (journey time 7 hours) and Inverness (journey time 9 hours).

By Car

If you plan to travel by car, it may be possible to park at your accommodation in Forres for the duration of your holiday. There are local bus services from Cullen to Forres operated by Stagecoach (journey time 2 hours 40 min).

We can advise you about parking options when you make your enquiry.

Additional Days

We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation for you along the Moray Coast Trail.

You may wish to plan a rest day or have an additional night at any of the locations along the route which offer activities or sightseeing opportunities – we’ve made some suggestions below. Please request this when you make an enquiry.

Forres

Take a tour around Benromach Distillery and see the master distillers at work.
Explore nearby Brodie Castle, featuring an extensive art collection, as well as beautiful grounds
Visit the historic distillery of Dallas Dhu. While this picturesque distillery no longer produces whisky, the site remains a fascinating place to learn about the history of whisky production in Scotland in the 1900s

Findhorn

Take a boat trip on the Moray Firth with North 58˚ Sea Adventures to spot local bottlenose dolphins, seals, porpoises, minke whales, and maybe even orcas!

Lossiemouth

Enjoy a leisurely day at East Beach and treat yourself to a scrumptious homemade ice cream from Miele’s of Lossie
Visit nearby Elgin Cathedral. Even as a ruin, the 13th century cathedral is one of Scotland’s most ambitious and beautiful medieval buildings

Cullen

Play a round of golf at the Cullen Golf Club, formed in 1870 and designed by Old Tom Morris
Take a tour around Glenglassaugh Distillery, a short bus ride from Cullen.
Visit nearby Banff, where you could explore the 18th century Duff House—a stately country house with fantastic collection of paintings and furniture from the National Galleries of Scotland

How do our Walking Holidays Work?

For more than 20 years, we’ve been weaving together unforgettable walking holidays amidst the enchanting landscapes of the British Isles. Dive deeper into how they work in our comprehensive guide. Read more