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 a small but vibrant region and is home to hundreds of coastal gems, intriguing history and heritage, as well as plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.

Whatever you decide to do on your staycation in Scotland, visit somewhere undiscovered, somewhere adventurous, and somewhere new in Moray Speyside. Keep reading our 5-day itinerary to give you an idea of all the great places you can uncover.

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

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

Day 1 Moray 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 (80km) of immense landscapes, coasts and nature to uncover. Linking together quaint settlements along the coastline, this waymarked path is also divided up into 10 sections, so you can walk as much, or as little, as you please. Along the way, stop to marvel at the rugged cliff tops, caves, sheltered coves and coastal formations, as well as quiet fishing towns and harbours, and take in the breathtaking stretches of sandy beaches too.

    The Moray Firth is also 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. How many will you spot?

    Explore The Moray Coastal Trail
    Time to explore
    24 hours
  • 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 has since been labelled the 'Malt Whisky Country'. Here you can 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 fine 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, there's plenty of choice. 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
    Time to explore
    3 hours

Day 2 Cairngorms 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, experience and explore.

  • 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 or a cooling ice cream. You may also come across 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, to name a few.

    Enjoy tasty food and drink in the Cairngorms
    Time to explore
    3 hours
  • 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 family friendly walks that you can explore with the wee ones.

    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
    Time to explore
    3 hours

Day 3 Moray Speyside

Day 4 History & Heritage

Day 5 Outdoor Activities

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