A lovely circuit taking in Findhorn village, the shingle spit overlooking Findhorn Bay and the coast and dunes. Findhorn has a couple of good cafes, two pubs and a shop.
Paths, road with pavement, shingle and sandy beach
Bus from Forres (336)
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West Dunes car park, Findhorn. Map and directions.
If driving park at the West Dunes car park, following the signs for the Heritage Centre through Findhorn, the car park is just beyond. The bus stops at the Post Office on the main inland street in Findhorn. From the car park walk back along the road towards the Heritage Centre (open summer only). The ice house is passed on your right and is part of the Heritage Centre with a display about the local salmon industry and is well worth a look.
Immediately after the ice house turn right and keeping the field of sailing boats on your right head down to the water and turn right. Pass the excellent cafe and boatyard to continue onto the shore to cross the inside of the “hook” of the shingle spit formed at the mouth of Findhorn Bay, and passing the windsock. This is known as the Ee, a natural barrier built by storm-driven waves dragging sand and shingle across the Bay.
The sandspit makes Findhorn Bay the sheltered haven it is for birds and boats. Follow the tideline around the bay and out onto the spit. Take care near the water's edge as there are strong currents in the deep channel. On the opposite side the Culbin forest can be seen. Once on the seaward side head east along the shore, dunes soon appearing on the inland side.
Common and Grey seals can often be seen in the waters here as well as Arctic Terns, Eider Ducks and the ever-present Oystercatcher. Keep following the shore until the 6th set of wooden steps up over the dunes to the right. Take this set of steps to reach the East Dunes car park. From here the anti-tank fortifications from the second world war can still be seen. Aim to the left to take the road heading inland from the car park through the dunes system.
When the road reaches the houses keep straight ahead to reach the main road and turn right. If you want to visit the Findhorn Foundation, a holistic community and eco-village (with cafe), detour to the left to reach the entrance. Otherwise head right along the seaward street with lovely views over Findhorn Bay.
At the junction with the war memorial you can either continue along the waterside road to reach the piers and return to the outward route near the sailing boats, or you can fork right and then continue ahead to pass some pretty cottages, the shop and cafe, and then chip shop. Follow the signs for the Heritage Centre to return to the car park at the north end of Findhorn.
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Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.
