Lossiemouth East Beach and the River Lossie

Summary

This excellent circular walk crosses the modern footbridge over the mouth of the Lossie before continuing along its tidal banks on the inland side of the dunes. It then heads into the woods before returning along Lossiemouth's beautiful East Beach.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Riverside path can be slightly wet in places, woodland tracks, dune path and pebbles and sandy beach.

Getting there

Start

East Beach car park, Lossiemouth.

Public Transport

Lossiemouth is served by regular buses.

Start Grid Ref

NJ236704

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.25km / 4 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 25m (Profile)

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Explorer 423 - Elgin

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Park at the Gregory Place (formerly known as East Beach) car park, by the side of the Spynie Canal in Lossiemouth. The canal was built, originally by Thomas Telford, not for boats but to protect the rich farmland from flooding. Cross the road bridge over the canal to reach the edge of Seatown, once the part of Lossiemouth where the fisherfolk lived; the houses were single story as the attics were needed for the drying of nets. Turn left along the waterfront into Lossiemouth, soon reaching the striking footbridge bridge. Opened in 2022 and spanning 75m it replaced a characterful, very long wooden one which stood further inland and was damaged by storms.

Stage 2

On the far side head onto the beautiful East Beach, but immediately turn right at a gap in the dunes to head to the inland side of the dunes, between them and the River Lossie. Now bear left to head along the sand upriver by the Lossie, keeping right of the dunes. The river is tidal here and exactly where you walk depends on the state of the tide, but it's usually no problem to continue on the inland side of the dunes.

Stage 3

Eventually the tidal section narrows and the walk comes alongside the river on rough grass. Continue ahead, eventually entering the pinewoods on a track. When it reaches a fork take the left branch but keep looking out for a clear sandy path that climbs up over the dunes on the left. Follow this over two waves of dunes to reach the beach.

Stage 4

The beach is pebbly at this point and the easiest ground is just at the foot of the dunes. Turn left to begin the walk back towards Lossiemouth; looking back Spey Bay sweeps majestically round to Buckie and beyond, backed by the dome of the Bin of Cullen. Continuing west, the pebbles soon give way to a fine sandy beach.

Stage 5

The waves breaking here can be impressive and the beach is popular with surfers. Continue along it until reaching part of an old wooden breakwater. Cross the modern footbridge and retrace your steps back to the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Elgin & Cullen Hotels

Elgin & Cullen B&B

Elgin & Cullen cottages

Moray hostels

Glamping and Camping

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