Moray Coast
Scotland's sunniest coastline. Bottlenose dolphins hunt in the firth. Beaches stretch for miles. And the birthplace of Cullen skink is exactly where you think it is.
Best Time
May – September
Recommended Stay
2 – 3 Days
Getting There
1 hr from Inverness
Known For
Dolphins + Sunniest Coast
The Moray Coast gets less rain and more sun than almost anywhere else in Scotland — about 1,500 hours of sunshine a year, compared to 1,200 in Glasgow. The geography works in its favour: the mountains to the west catch the rain, and the Moray Firth gets the dry air. The result is a coastline of sandy beaches, fishing villages, and dolphin pods that most visitors to the Highlands never see because they\'re all on the west coast. Their loss.
From Findhorn to Cullen
Chanonry Point (Dolphins)
One of the best land-based dolphin-watching spots in Europe. About 200 bottlenose dolphins live in the Moray Firth. They hunt salmon on the rising tide and come within metres of the shore. Check tide times — dolphins typically appear 1-2 hours after low tide. Bring binoculars and patience. Even without dolphins, the view across the firth to Fort George is worth the trip.
💡 Free. Parking at Fortrose. Walk to the point. Best May-September. Rising tide is dolphin time.
Findhorn
An eco-village on a sand spit with a reputation for alternative living. The beach is vast and usually empty. The Findhorn Foundation runs retreats. The village bakery does excellent bread. It's an unusual place — part commune, part coastal village, completely unlike anywhere else in Scotland.
💡 Park at the beach car park. Walk the sand dunes. The Bakehouse Café is excellent for lunch.
Bow Fiddle Rock
A natural sea arch near Portknockie that looks like the tip of a violin bow. Formed by the sea wearing through quartzite over millions of years. The viewpoint is a 5-minute walk from the car park. Best photographed at sunrise when the light hits the arch.
💡 Free. Small car park in Portknockie. The coastal path continues to Cullen — a good 5-mile walk.
Cullen
The birthplace of Cullen skink — the smoked haddock chowder that's one of Scotland's national dishes. Try it at the Rockpool Café or the Cullen Bay Hotel. The town has a sandy beach, a Victorian viaduct, and a proper ice cream shop (Janet's).
💡 Park at the beach car park. Walk under the viaduct. Eat Cullen skink in Cullen.
Lossiemouth
Two beaches — East Beach and West Beach — both with sand that rivals the Caribbean (in colour, not temperature). East Beach has dunes that go on for miles. The west beach looks toward the Covesea Lighthouse. Popular with surfers despite the cold water.
💡 East Beach for walks. West Beach for sunsets. The Harbour Café does fish and chips overlooking the water.