Moray Coastal Trail: Lossiemouth to Buckie

Summary

A varied section along part of the Moray Coast Trail, linking Lossiemouth via its sandy beach with Spey Bay and a chance to watch wildlife, and further on rejoins the coastline for the final stretch to the seaside town of Buckie. This long section could be broken by a stop at Spey Bay.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Sandy beach, path on edge of dunes, track, minor roads. Some boggy sections in the woods beyond Spey Bay.

Public Transport

Lossiemouth, Spey Bay and Buckie all have bus services; Spey Bay infrequent.

Start

Lossiemouth. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 25.25km / 15.75 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 69m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NJ238708

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

From the centre of Lossiemouth head right along the harbour. Continue to the fine new modern footbridge which spans the river; this opened in 2022, 3 years after storm damage led to the original wooden bridge being closed. The bridge is 75m long and cost £1.8 million. On the far side, the Moray Coastal Trail continues along the beach to the left of the dunes.

Stage 2

The dunes here were created by using old railway carriages from the, now closed, railway line that used to bring day trippers to the town. The carriages trapped the sand which built up to form the high dunes which protect Seatown from storms. Cross to the seaward side of the dunes and head to the right along the beach. This part is popular with surfers, kitesurfers and sand yachts. When eventually the sand turns pebbly, follow a path on the edge of the dune bank, keeping to the path in spring and early summer so as not to disturb nesting terns. Soon the first concrete pill box of the line of world war II fortifications is passed. There are a number of large gun emplacements on the dune bank on the right. The path now widens to a shingle track, stay on the main one following the line of the coast which runs parallel with the defensive concrete tank traps.

Stage 3

Approximately 7km from Lossiemouth a green sign post is reached at the edge of a military firing range. At the time of writing this is not used, but if you see any red flags flying then you need to follow the signed alternative route on Binn Hill which returns to the coastal path on the other side of the firing range. Assuming there is no red flag continue ahead along the line of WWII defences, many now lying amongst deep gorse bushes. In spring and summer the shingle here comes alive with flowering sea-loving plants and can be popular with butterflies. Ahead in the far distance the conical shape of the Bin of Cullen - a distant coastal hill - can be seen.

Stage 4

Look out for the place where the Moray Coast Trail turns right to cross to the other side of the tank traps, then turn left to continue along a track now on the inland side of the defences, soon passing a concrete building and the place where the alternative route rejoins the coastal trail, and past the second flag pole and a vehicle barrier. Keep following the track next to the shingle bank and turn right to head slightly inland at marker post to cross the area known as the Lein before reaching the houses at Kingston. 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. Continue along the main track to pass and information board and then the car park.

Stage 5

After the first few houses on Beach Road, watch out for a green sign to the right signed for Garmouth via School Brae. Follow the grassy track between the houses and then a narrower path which crosses a field and stream. At the road turn right for a short distance and then left to follow the signed path for School Brae and Garmouth. Keep ahead at a junction and eventually emerge on the main street in Garmouth. Turn right to pass the shop, keeping left at the war memorial. Just before the Garmouth Hotel turn left along Church Road and keep on this road out of Garmouth until it crosses over the old railway. Here turn left down steps signed for the Moray Coast Trail, to reach the cycle path where you turn right to cross the old railway bridge over the Spey.

Stage 6

The River Spey is very wide here as it reaches the sea from its long journey from the Cairngorms. On the far side of the bridge continue straight ahead until a clear crossroads with a picnic bench down on the right. Turn left here, joining the route of the Speyside Way, following a track along the edge of fields to the houses at Spey Bay. Turn left at the houses to pass behind the back of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society visitor centre, where there is also a seasonal cafe and toilets. If not visiting the centre, continue on the path which passes the back of the large Tugnett ice house to reach the car park at Spey Bay. This is a great place to bird watch or hope to spot some of the 130 strong colony of Bottlenose Dolphins.

Stage 7

From the car park head back along the road passing the houses. Just after the bend where the Spey Bay Hotel stands look out for a tall concrete building and turn left here following the thistle sign for the Speyside Way - this is followed for the rest of this stage. Almost immediately branch right onto a path. Follow the path as it undulates through gorse bushes and runs alongside a fence. This area can sometimes be very wet or even flooded in winter but is usually passable with care. Keep left to stay in the woods when a faint path forks right to reach the road and keep following the Speyside Way markers. This section in the pine woods sometimes floods in winter, usually there are signed diversions around any problem areas. After a long straight section the path emerges at a farm track. Follow the Speyside Way which turns right - on a path beside the track, and then joins the old railway line heading left. This eventually passes under a minor road before heading up to join the tarmac. Follow the road to reach the coast and walk along the pavement beside the sea into Portgordon. Head left past the harbour and then right, running along the back of the houses.

Stage 8

The route becomes a coastal path, returning to the road at one point to pass a house before again branching left as a path, eventually passing a derelict house and finally Buckpool - the old harbour of Buckie. Pass to the seaward side of several houses, returning to the main road but round a loop through the old conservationa area of the Yardie. Further on the main road splits - Cluny Square, the centre of Buckie, is to the right, whilst the Moray Coastal Trail continues to the left.

Next stage: Buckie to Cullen

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