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Our final stage of the Moray Coast Trail seemed fraught with problems. The bridge over the Lossie to the east beach was closed. We'd known since 2019 it was closed and had decided to wait until it was back in use, except it was turning into a very long wait!
Then there was the firing range. If it was in use it was a no go area and we'd have to do a detour. We had both tried phoning the number given on Walkhighlands, to enquire about it, but there was never a reply.
We didn't know about the third obstacle until we got there - fallen trees blocking paths - but that wasn't surprising given the damage the NE suffered in recent storms.
Bridge over River Lossie
Original MCT route was to cross it
So what do we do if we can't cross it? Wading is absolutely not recommended, even at low tide! I should have known this from reading gld73's report but at the end of the closed bridge there was a helpful diversion sign. Moira had already worked out a diversion by road but this diverted us through local woods beloved of Lossie dog walkers, which made for a more pleasant start and let Keira be off lead for a bit.
Diversion sign for Moray Coast Trail
Lossiemouth
Moira checks route while Keira checks French Bulldog
When we reached a minor road coming out of a work site building we started along a path which had three trees (and possibly more) across it. We checked the map and realised that at this point we were meant to be on the road anyway.
Trees across path
The minor road led to the B9103 where we turned left and followed it to Arthur's Bridge.
Take first track on left after bridge
Finally crossing the River Lossie
Soon after the bridge we turned left along a track back towards the woods. This time we were met by signs warning not to use informal paths which were likely to be blocked by fallen trees. So we stayed on the wide track which followed the edge of the forest to a junction where straight ahead would lead to the beach.
Track we followed
Straight ahead here
We passed two areas of water on our right before emerging on the shoreline which wasn't a beach exactly but a row of concrete blocks in front of a raised shelf of stones.
WW2 defences
I thought there might have been a sandy beach on the other side of the shelf of stones but the tide was in so I don't know if there's no sand here, or there is sand, but it's covered at high tide.
Looking west
Looking east
We commented on how durable these concrete blocks are to be standing here after 80 years of North Sea storms and not just standing here but still a barrier to any would be landing vehicles. With Putin's invasion of Ukraine at the front of our minds the relics of WW2 seemed almost friendly by comparison.
MCT path between concrete blocks and wall of stones
This path continued for several kilometres, between the stones and the concrete blocks, hearing the sea but not seeing it. Since we had not been able to check on the status of the firing range we were listening out for gunshot and looking ahead for the green signpost in WH's directions. From there we were supposed to be able to see if a red flag was flying, in which case we'd have to take another detour inland. I was tempted to think going down on to the sea side of the barrier of stones would work, but from the map the beach was out of bounds as well.
Green signpost
We couldn't see any red flag so proceeded with caution since it seemed logical to think if all was clear a green flag would be flying and we couldn't see a green flag either.
Look out post at firing range
A bit further on we met a local who said the firing range hasn't been in use for the past two years and he didn't know if it ever would be. That made us laugh after all our caution over it.
Bin of Cullen in distance
When we reached the first buildings of Kingston we took a path inland which led to a road lined by white cottages from where there was a signed turn off to the right.
Right turn here
At a right bend in the road out of Kingston we took a path to the left which climbed to give a view over the fields towards Spey Bay.
Bin of Cullen again
Zoomed to Dolphin Centre and houses of Spey Bay
We followed the road through Garmouth which took us over an old disused railway line which instinct said must be the way to the bridge over the Spey. But there was no MCT sign there to say "Go down those steps", which I think there should gave been. We went down the steps on to the old railway line which led us to the ornate metalwork bridge crossing over a wide part of the River Spey.
Old railway line and bridge we came over
Bridge over River Spey
We and the dog all kept to the centre section of the bridge as the see through slats on either side didn't look as strong and it was a long way down into a fast flowing river! I'm sure they are strong enough, it was just an optical thing.
Mouth of the Spey
Hills of Sutherland beyond
Birds in mosaic, bronze and feathers
Takeaway lattes at Dolphin Centre to celebrate completing the Moray Coast Trail
We ended our walk here but for the continuation to Buckie (including shots of basking seals) see link below.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=93743