Moray Banffshire, Scottish guides
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Moray & Banffshire
Front cover: Strathisla Distillery
This page: Cullen
The very definition of ‘off the beaten track’, the northeast corner of Scotland casts a spell
on first-time visitors that causes them to return time and time again. It could be the unique
light which makes the whitewashed fishing villages sparkle alluringly, the tempting array of
single malt whiskies which seem to stem organically from the heather-strewn soil or simply
the warmth and welcome of the local people. In this region rich in heritage and traditional
culture, you’ll soon feel the magic that
inspired the film ‘Local Hero’.
welcome
Disabled Access
BASE YOURSELF IN
LOCATION MAP
Banff
DON’T MISS
£
Paid Entry
Seasonal
Dogs Allowed
Tea-Room
Gift Shop
WC
Cullen
Elgin
4 12
18 22
1
13
Lossiemouth
Burghead
A941
Spey Bay
1
17
19
Sandend
Sandend
Sandend
Forres
1
16
Buckie
Crovie
Findhorn
Cullen
1
Pennan
Macduff
4
Elgin
Banff
5
Gardenstown
Huntly
A96
7 8
Fochabers
6
Forres
23
Keilhill
Nairn
9
15
A947
Auldearn
Auldearn
A95
A939
1.
For the ultimate
opportunity to ‘get back to
nature’ take a wildlife cruise
along the
Moray Firth
.
Sailingwild from
Lossiemouth, Gemini
Explorer from Buckie, North
58° from Banff and Puffin
Cruises from Macduff are
just some of the boat
operators offering the
chance to spot dolphins,
porpoises, seabirds and
seals in stunning
surroundings. Pop into the
Moray Firth Wildlife Centre at
Spey Bay to learn more.
2.
An eleven-mile stretch of
railway
track from the malt
whisky capital of Dufftown to
the market town of Keith will
take you through some of
the most picturesque
scenery in the area. Leave
the car behind and enjoy the
train journey which will
reward you with an
adventure into the heart of
Speyside. Pre or post
journey, grab a bite to eat at
the Buffer Stop on the
platform at Dufftown.
3.
The
Malt Whisky Trail
incorporates eight distilleries
and the Speyside
cooperage. This is an
excellent way to find out all
about Scotland’s National
Drink. Indeed, two annual
celebrations of whisky take
place each year at the
Spirit of Speyside
Whisky Festival
in late
April/early May and the
Autumn Speyside
Whisky Festival
in late
September. Fine malts such
as Glenlivet and Glenfiddich
can be savoured as well as
kilt-making demonstrations
and tours of nearby
distilleries.
4.
A succession of unique
and wonderfully picturesque
fishing villages
lines the
coast of the region. Many
are situated below steep
sandstone cliffs, with little
room for traffic along their
narrow waterfront streets.
Particularly renowned is the
community of
Pennan
, east
of Macduff, which doubled
as ‘Ferness’ in Bill Forsyth’s
much-loved film ‘Local
Hero’. Other villages well
worth visiting are
Crovie
,
Cullen
and
Gardenstown
.
5.
Built as the seat of the
Earl of Fife between 1735
and 1740,
Duff House,
Banff
, has been welcoming
visitors for over two and a
half centuries and is now an
outpost of the National
Galleries of Scotland. The
house has in previous years
taken the form of a palm
court hotel, a sanatorium
and a prisoner of war camp.
Today it stands as a country
house gallery, following
extensive renovation.
£
Presley
Keith
Aberchirder
A940
Rothes
11
IDEAL FOR
Whisky
A97
3
Craigellachie
Aberlour
20
A96
2
21
14
Dufftown
Huntly
Castles
Gardens
10
A95
A941
Coastal villages
Glenlivet
24
Tomintoul
A939
To find out more about
accommodation in these areas,
call 0845 22 55 121
or click on visitscotland.com
£
Principal photography: Paul Tomkins/Scottish Viewpoint
All information checked in August 2005. VisitScotland can accept no responsibility for errors.
£
FCS:
Forestry Commission Scotland
NTS:
National Trust for Scotland
HS:
Historic Scotland
£
ESSENCE OF SCOTLAND
Banff
Banff
HERITAGE & GARDENS
LOW LEVEL WALKS
VIEWS
6.
Built in the 16th century,
Brodie Castle
is
located 4
1
/
2
miles west of Forres in a peaceful
wooded setting. The castle contains a magnificent
collection of paintings and art. The gardens, open
year round, include woodland walks, a nature trail
and a unique collection of daffodils which carpet
the grounds in spring. A haven for wildlife, specially
constructed hides can be found throughout the
grounds. Nearby Brodie Countryfare is ideal for a
lunch stop post-visit. (NTS)
7
12.
Cullen – Logie Head
– Findlater Castle –
Sandend
– This unspoilt
coastline boasts cliffs and
bays interspersed with
traditional fishing villages.
The walk from Cullen to the
quaint village of Sandend
arrives at a beautiful sandy
bay – Sandside beach –
and, just beyond it,
Findlater Castle, an ancient
ruined fortress built on a
narrow promontory. The first
stage of the walk is along
good paths with sections of
beach but the second half
is less developed, so may
be less manageable for
some. Allow 3 hours for the
full 4-mile route.
13.
Burghead –
Hopeman Circular Walk
– This is another coastal
walk between two peaceful
villages on the coast of
Moray. The walk passes
several quiet sandy beaches
and has extensive views
across the Moray Firth. You
can start at either end, and
shops, food and drink are
available in either village.
From Burghead the path
follows the track of a long
disused and removed railway
line, a spur line linking the
two villages. You can return
by the same path or instead
follow a path alongside the
shore. Allow 3 – 3
1
/
2
hours
for the 4-mile route.
14.
Huntly and the
Banks of the River
Deveron
– Starting in the
centre of Huntly, this walk
leads to Huntly Castle (HS)
along an avenue of lime
trees. It then passes
through a picnic area, past
a dry cross-country ski
centre, and follows a
riverside walk out into the
countryside before returning
to the town centre in a
circular route. This 3-mile
route should take no more
than 2 hours.
15.
Black Burn Trail,
Torrieston Forest
– This
1-mile ‘all abilities’ trail
south-west of Elgin winds
through the woods to the
delightful meandering Black
Burn. Resting places and a
picnic area make this an
ideal walk for less active
visitors and wheelchair
users. Perfect for seeing a
wide variety of woodland
birds, including siskins and
warblers or even a roe deer.
(FCS)
19
£
Malt Whisky Trail
7.
One of the most awe-inspiring ruins in Scotland,
Elgin Cathedral
contains the country’s finest
octagonal chapter house. The infamous ‘Wolf of
Badenoch’ (otherwise known as Bishop Alexander
Stewart) set fire to the church in 1390, forcing
much modification in the architectural style. (HS)
DRIVES
£
8.
Incorporating all 110 plants mentioned in the Bible, the
Biblical Garden
, adjacent
to Elgin Cathedral, is a unique attraction which depicts the different parables. Open May
to September, this garden will appeal to those who study the scriptures and also those
who simply enjoy gardens and gardening.
The north-eastern corner of Scotland prides itself
on its wealth of themed car trails, and the three
within this area take in some truly world-class
attractions. The Whisky Trail, signposted
throughout Speyside, offers the opportunity to visit
eight of the most famous distilleries on earth, along
with the Speyside Cooperage. To the south and
east, the Castle Trail winds its way between some
of Scotland’s finest fairytale homes and fortresses.
Meanwhile, all around the shoreline, the Grampian
Coastal Trail incorporates some of the prettiest
fishing communities in Britain, rich in character and
heritage. Between these communities, you’ll
encounter unspoilt beaches and spectacular cliffs
which make for a memorable touring holiday.
9.
Pluscarden Abbey
is the only medieval monastery in Britain still inhabited by
monks and being used for its original purpose. This beautiful abbey, founded in 1230 by
Alexander II, is found 6 miles west of Elgin in tranquil surroundings. Striking architecture
and a restful atmosphere combine to make this a must-visit attraction.
16.
Spey Bay
is a haven for wildlife and popular among walkers for the magnificent views
available. Situated on the east side of the Spey estuary, the site also offers a number of walks
to suit all ranges of ability. Fantastic views of the Moray Firth can be enjoyed from Kingston.
10.
Set in magnificent grounds between the River Spey and the River Avon, the
gardens of
Ballindalloch Castle
include a walled garden which was redesigned in
1996 to mark the 350th anniversary of the castle. Still a much loved family home, the
castle dates back to at least the 16th century.
13
17.
Findlater Castle
and
Sandend
, situated 2 miles east of Cullen, provide fantastic
coastal views (see walks).
£
18.
30 minutes drive from Elgin, the town of
Cullen
and its surroundings epitomise north-
east coastal scenery. Disused railway viaducts make for extremely interesting photographs
of the vicinity and are best viewed looking up at the town from the seafront.
11.
A Victorian garden, the
Glen Grant Distillery Garden
has been renovated
meticulously using historical evidence, old maps and memories of the local people.
The garden includes mature orchards, old woodland walk and Major Grant’s Dram Hut.
19.
East of Macduff on the B9031,
Crovie
viewpoint is home to stunning views of a
remarkable coastal village. This clifftop vantage point also contains a picnic area and is ideal
for a lunchtime stop.
Moray and Banffshire
For more information, call 0845 22 55 121 or visitscotland.com
6
23
FOOD & DRINK
20.
In the centre of Aberlour, the
Old Pantry Restaurant
offers fresh,
local produce to ensure that high quality food is served throughout the day.
Noted for its homemade scones and cakes, this is an ideal place to stop for
a snack or lunch while exploring Speyside.
21.
Also in Aberlour is the renowned
Walkers Shortbread Factory
,
complete with a shop offering all your favourite varieties. Ideal for stocking
up or for purchasing gifts to take home!
22.
While in the area ensure you try
Cullen Skink
– a thick soup made
with the morning’s catch of smoked haddock. This local speciality is sure to
warm you up before setting off to explore the coastal village of Cullen.
23.
Renowned for use of fresh ingredients in their quality soups and
sauces,
Baxters Highland Village
is situated beside the small village of
Fochabers. There’s a range of gift shops and a restaurant to sample
Baxters’ local produce.
24.
Discover how the different elements of Scottish life affect the taste of a
whisky. Each distillery produces different tasting malts, while taking
influences from their surroundings and using different distilling equipment.
The
Glenlivet Distillery
is on the B9008 and has a visitor centre well
worth a visit.
Brodie Castle
Baxters Highland Village
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