Spey Bay circuit, Spey Bay

Summary

This is a beautiful short walk which follows the Speyside Way at first before crossing the golf course to return along the shore with the chance of spotting the Moray Firth dolphins. A good walk to combine with a visit to the wildlife centre at Spey Bay.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked woodland path, can be very boggy and liable to flood, crosses golf course, sand and pebbly beach.

Getting there

Start

Spey Bay car park.

Public Transport

Limited bus service from Fochabers (school times only).

Start Grid Ref

NJ348654

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.5km / 4 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 5m (Profile)

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Explorer 424 - Buckie

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Start from the car park at the end of the road at Spey Bay where there the Scottish Dolphin Centre (open 7 days a week Jul/Aug, less at other months, closed Dec - mid Feb) is well worth a visit and has toilets and a cafe. The large Tugnet Ice House also provides interest - used to store ice to pack salmon landed here before it was sent to market in London and elsewhere. There's a also an osprey sculpture - the birds regularly visit the mouth of the river to fish. From the car park head back along the road passing the houses. Eventually the road bends right, passing a campsite and golf course. Look out for a concrete tower building and turn left here, following the thistle sign for the Speyside Way. Immediately branch right onto a path.

Stage 2

Follow the path as it undulates through gorse bushes and runs alongside a fence. Keep left to stay in the woods when a faint path forks right to reach the road, continuing to follow 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.

Stage 3

Turn left here, leaving the Speyside Way to continue inland on its way to Buckie. At a gate bear right towards the golf course. The route now crosses the golf course on a path heading diagonally right. Keep a close eye out for golfers and ensure they have finished their play before crossing and do not disturb the players. Once across the course (aiming for a section of fence near the pebble bank), pass the third tee and head straight down the pebbles to the beach.

Stage 4

Turn left to start the return to Spey Bay along the shore. Depending on the tide it may be possible to walk on the sand or keep to the pebbles higher up, which give harder going. As well as keeping an eye out for members of the 130-strong colony of bottle-nose dolphins that patrol the shore, there are also diving and shore birds to spot. Looking back the other way, Buckie can be clearly seen with the shapely hill of the Bin of Cullen to the right.

Stage 5

After a pleasant walk along the shore, the buildings at Spey Bay come into sight and eventually the sand peters out to force you up onto the pebbles. Alternatively there's a path between the houses and the shore. Further on, you can head out onto the spit of pebbles where the water from the Spey meets the sea. Otherwise, head directly towards the distinctive three turf-domes of the ice house to return to the car park at 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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