Covesea Lighthouse on the Moray Coast Trail

Things to Do in and around Moray Speyside Itinerary

Located in the north east of mainland Scotland, Moray Speyside is home to hundreds of coastal gems, intriguing history and heritage, as well as plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.

Start / Finish
Moray Speyside / Moray Speyside
  • Days
    5
  • Distance
    135Miles

    216km
  • Transport
    Car
  • Main theme
    Activities
Highlights
Cullen Bay
Lossiemouth
Elgin Cathedral
Watersports
Surfing
Wildlife
Dolphin spotting
Areas covered
East
North

Day 1Moray Coastal Trail

Transport:
Car
Walking

Your adventure starts with stunning scenery, coastal seascapes, wildlife and a breathtaking long-distance walking route. Afterwards, explore the local food and drink scene before cosying up in your welcoming accommodation option of choice.

  • Moray Coastal Trail Moray Speyside

    Visitors explore Findhorn beach in Moray Speyside

    This long-distance walking trail stretches from Findhorn to Cullen and encompasses 50 miles (80 km) of immense landscapes, coasts and nature. Linking together quiet fishing towns and harbours, this waymarked path divides up into 10 sections, so you can walk as much or as little as you like. Along the way, stop to marvel at the rugged cliff tops, caves, sheltered coves and coastal formations, and take in the breathtaking stretches of sandy beaches too.

    The Moray Firth is alive with a range of wildlife. You can often spot pods of dolphins playing in the sea, as well as many species of birds flying overhead too.

    Explore The Moray Coastal Trail
  • Food, drink and accommodation Moray Speyside

    Whisky casks at Speyside Cooperage

    © VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields

    Speyside is well-known for its delectable whisky blends and known as 'Malt Whisky Country'. You'll find historic and famous distilleries, coopers, bottlers, and retailers, and even a Malt Whisky Trail which takes you through the stunning landscapes, stopping off at cosy café's, outdoor activities and more along the way too. Stop in for a dram or two at Aberlour DistilleryDallas Dhu Distillery, or Glen Moray Distillery, to name a few. For food, head to the café at the Logie Steading set in a beautiful courtyard, or enjoy a meal out at The Bothy Bistro or Bijou By The Sea

    Tucked away in Findhorn Valley, snuggle into Ace Adventures camping and glamping accommodation, with woodland surrounding the campsite, a cattle byre steading to stay in, motorhome pitches, and Bell Tents to try out. In Forres, head to The Loft and experience a stay in wigwams for a quirky getaway with lots to do in Moray Speyside. Or if you're a fan of Shakespeare, indulge in a spot of luxury glamping at Macbeth's Hillock

    Enjoy a taste of Moray Speyside

Day 2Cairngorms National Park

Transport:
Car
Walking

Continuing with the outdoor adventures, head to the wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park with plenty of things to see & do.

  • Outdoor Activities Cairngorms

    Wild Swimming at Loch Morlich

    © VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

    From watersports and archery, to gorge walking, Munro bagging and horse riding, you won't be short of outdoor activities to get involved in in the Cairngorms. Head to Loch Morlich or Loch Insh for amazing watersport experiences surrounded by towering mountains and stunning views. Try out horse riding at a range of places nearby, including Highland Horse Fun in Kingussie, Alvie Stables, and Rothiemurchus.

    If you'd like to tick a few Munros off your list, you've got a great choice in the Cairngorms including Ben Macdui, Braeriach and Cairn Gorm, Mount Keen and Beinn Dearg. If you are planning on conquering a Munro, make sure you have all the essential equipment and supplies with you before you head off - read up on Safety Outdoors in Scotland.

    If you've got wee ones, don't miss out on a day trip to Landmark Forest Adventure Park. Located just north of Aviemore in Carrbridge, let the kids run free with treetop trails, a Dinosaur Kingdom, Wild Water Coaster rides, a Bamboozeleum, and much more.

    Find more outdoor activities in the Cairngorms
  • Food & Drink Cairngorms

    Ord Ban Restaurant, Rothiemurchus

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Exploring all the sights of the Cairngorms National Park will have your appetite craving something tasty! Dotted across the park you can find many little cafés or shops where you can pick up a bite to eat. Look out for farmers' markets and shops selling a variety of local produce and homegrown goods - perfect for taking home to cook up a storm.

    Enjoy a mid-bike-ride pit stop at the Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre, venture up to the Cairngorm Café on Cairngorm Mountain for magnificent views, or stop in at Cobbs Café at Glenmore Visitor Centre after an afternoon of walking.

    If you're looking for a fine dining meal out, head to the Old Bridge InnThe Boathouse at Loch Insh, the Letterbox Restaurant in Newtonmore, or The Cross at Kingussie.

    Enjoy tasty food and drink in the Cairngorms
  • Family Friendly Walks The Cairngorms

    An Lochan Uaine

    The Cairngorms is arguably one of the best places in Scotland to enjoy a variety of walking trails and paths through beautiful forests and past towering mountains. Although there are many trails for experienced hikers, there are also plenty of easier, gentle walks too.

    Loch an Eilean - with an easy, flat terrain, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the woodland that surrounds you as you wander to and around the loch.

    Lochan Uaine and the Ryvoan Pass - park up by Glenmore Visitor Centre and take the path past the Reindeer Centre and Glenmore Lodge. After walking for around 30 minutes, you'll come across the clear blue-y green Lochan Uaine. With a steep scree backdrop, it's quite a beautiful lochan to come across. 

    RSPB Loch Garten - a great place to admire the ancient scenery of Abernethy, it is also an ideal location to spot an array of Scottish wildlife. 

    River walk, Nethy Bridge - an easy terrain, waymarked path along the River Nethy and through Dell Woods, starting from the Community Centre Car Park in Nethy Bridge.

    Find more family-friendly hill walks in the Cairngorms

Day 3Moray Speyside

Day 4History & Heritage

Day 5Outdoor Activities

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