This figure-of-eight route visits some of Moray's coastal defences from World War Two, before climbing steeply through the woods to enjoy the fine sea views from Binn Hill.
Bog Factor
Tracks and clear paths throughout; section in woods over Binn Hill is quite steep.
Car park near shore in Kingston on Spey.
Kingston on Spey is served by bus from Elgin.
NJ334656
Drive right through Kingston on the road nearest the coast; there's a signed car park on the right just after the end of the village (with a 2m height barrier). Begin the walk by returning to the road and turning right along it - it soon becomes a track, and there's more parking off to the right. Pass the information board and continue on the track ahead, entering the Scottish wildlife Trust's Spey Bay reserve. Soon afterwards the track forks - take the right branch (the left is used on the return). The track becomes rougher and then a path, soon reaching the massive pebble beach and continuing at the top edge of the pebbles.
This area, the size of 14 football pitches, was made barren by the extraction of shingle to make concrete between 1935 and the 1970's. Nature has now taken over and plovers, skylarks, and many species of butterflies and plants have made it their home. On the right amidst the stones are the crumbling remains of some of Moray's coastal defences from the Second World War. Pass a metal barrier and lookout tower which marks the start of the Binn firing range - at the time of writing this has become disused, but if red flags are flying you cannot continue and complete the walk. Otherwise, keep ahead until a track junction just before a green mound on the left - turn left here.
The track now heads inland along the edge of the former firing range - note the many trenches on the right used by training soliders. As the woods are reached there's a signed t-junction with another track - turn right here. Continue past the old Nissen hut, then turn left - signed for Binn Hill. The path now climbs steeply through the woods.
Eventually the woods are left behind and the path heads through a natural pass in the ridge. Take the second of two paths on the right that head up onto the Binn ridge. The two routes join and continue through the trees, eventually coming closer to the edge of the escarpment. After passing the highest point still amongst the woods, there are increasingly fine views over to the right.
The path descends gradually along the escarpment edge, eventually passing a bench with superb views over the Moray Firth, with Caithness clearly visible on a fine day. Beyond the bench the path slopes downhill through a more open area, eventually reaching a staggered cross-paths.
Turn right here onto a clear path that continues the descent, eventually reaching a track at a signed t-junction. Turn right along the track through the woods. Soon it returns to the Nissen hut passed earlier - continue ahead, and keep ahead again where you came out from the left at a signed junction on the outward journey.
Immediately after passing a metal barrier turn left onto a clear path. Just before this path reaches an area of gravel, turn right on a good path that leads through the trees and gorse bushes. This eventually becomes a track and rejoins the outward route at the fork. Keep ahead to return to the start.
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