Elgin Explorer

This short walk is an exploration of the former Cathedral City of Elgin. The route begins in the heart of the town, visits the High Street, the ruins of the Cathedral, and the banks of the River Lossie before finishing with a visit to the prominent monument to the Duke of Gordon.

Terrain

Roads with pavements, shared cycle paths, clear riverside paths, some steps.

Public Transport

Elgin is well served by buses and trains.

Start

Elgin High Street. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from Elgin High Street, which is pedestrianised, so you'll need to use one of the town's car parks if arriving by car. Start from outside St Giles' Church, which was built in the classical style in 1828, and together with the fountain marks the very heart of the town.

Stage 2

Head east along the High Street, passing the old mercat cross behind the church, and continuing until the Muckle Cross pub on the right hand side. Turn left opposite this, then aiming half right across the parking area to pick up a pedestrian ramp between two blocks of flats. This leads to a footbridge over the busy main A96 road. On the far side follow the walkway as it curves right, and continue ahead at the path junction to keep parallel to the road.

Stage 3

At the next junction fork left to pass in front of a derelict old mansion house. Bear left beyond this and then right beside the Cooper Park bowling green, continuing towards the ruins of the cathedral seen ahead. The Cathedral dates back to 1224 and its remains are in the care of Historic Scotland; there is a charge for admission - which enables visitors to climb the tower. Go left at the cathedral and then follow the street when it turns right to pass along its northern side. On the opposite side of the road is the Biblical Garden.

Stage 4

Cross the pedestrian bridge over the River Lossie, and on the road beyond take the first left onto Kingsmills Court (next to the fish and chip shop). Turn left again beside a warehouse, and then go straight ahead onto a fenced cyclepath (beginning just to the right of the bins). This has been rebuilt as part of Elgin's new flood defence scheme, and follows the banks of the Lossie, with some attractive trees. Keep left onto a larger path and then take the next left to cross a bridge back over the river.

Stage 5

Over the bridge turn right, following the tarred path as it passes between the Cooper Park pond and the river. At the junction follow the path ahead that descends to pass beneath the A941 road. Keep ahead at a cross-paths beyond, passing to the right of the sports centre. When the path reaches a minor road turn right to cross another footbridge.

Stage 6

Turn left onto a rougher path to continue downstream. There are views to the impressive Mansion House hotel on the opposite side of the river. Continue until another footbridge is reached; cross this and then turn left to begin heading back upstream. The path eventually swings right away from the river to emerge at a road.

Stage 7

Turn right up the road, then take a left as houses are reached to head up onto the parkland hill - known as Lady Hill - with the prominent monument. A new path climbs up to the monument via a series of wide zigzags. This was once the site of Elgin Castle of which remains are now scant, but the monument is a prominent Elgin landmark.The 24m high column carries a statue of the 5th Duke of Gordon, and was built in 1839.

Stage 8

The monument commands an excellent view over Elgin, with the tower of St Giles' Church at the start of the walk prominent. Go down the steps to reach the main road, then turn left to reach a roundabout. The High Street is straight across here, but the safest way to cross to it is to use the traffic island to the right to cross the road initially, and then use the next island to cross the road which heads right. Continue along the High Street to return to the start.

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