Experience the magic of Scotland and explore the stunning fishing villages of this picturesque country. The beaches of Moray coast are totally secluded and allow visitors to trail along the side of the Firth. If you are wondering what to do in Speyside, here is some useful information for you to take note of.
See the historic castles and cathedrals that are situated on the Moray coast where you can take a 50-mile trail between Cullen and Forres. This resort offers clifftop views, hidden caves, and sandy beaches. The historic villages are perfect for fishing and dolphin watching. Look out for a wide variety of birds that often come for a visit around Isla Way and Dava Way pathways.
In a typically attractive fishing village, such as Forres, you can see the stunning parks and gardens of Sueno Stone with many impressive relics. Close to this village, there is the Brodie Castle, a magnificent and ancient 16th century tower house. Another nearby village, Findhorn, attracts many birdlife and sailing boats. This historic village was once a major fort and boasts of two beaches and a golf course.
Speyside is one of the best bases for breaks in the Highland of Scotland and Elgin’s 13th century cathedral is a must-see, considered by mant to be one of Scotland’s most beautiful buildings. The seaside town of Lossiemouth is not far away, having two classic links to golf courses. You can take your family to the Scottish Dolphin Centre where some of the world’s biggest bottlenose dolphins can be found.
Another attractive village in Speyside is Fochabers, which is situated next to River Spey, one of the biggest salmon rivers in Scotland. Here, you can taste delicious local soups at the finest eateries. A little further away from Fochabers, you will find the best beaches in Moray. One of the largest shingles and sand dunes are found in Culbin Sands with a vast expanse of golden sands.
The area offers everything from walking to water sports, cycling, golfing, scuba diving, and fishing. Speyside accommodation offers a diverse choice, from hotels in Elgin, to Grantown guest houses, to bunkhouses along the Speyside Way. There are many holiday cottages in the area where guests can take guided bike rides around the Scottish Highland. You can get direct access to your holiday cottage from Speyside Way and enjoy the forest and riverside walks with your loved ones.
For the adventure seekers, why no climb the 800 metre Ben Rinnes mountain, which is visible from your holiday cottage. This mountain provides you with the most spectacular views of Moray Firth coastline. Whilst you are at the peak, pay a visit to the Highlands Wildlife Park where you can see polar bears and pandas. At Loch Garten, your whole family can take advantage of the fantastic views of the rare birds that are on their annual nesting visits to RSPB Osprey Center.
If you are an arts and crafts lover, consider exploring the numerous galleries of Scottish Highlands. Try your hand at arranging dye wool, throwing a pot, or creating textile embroidery. You may also try watercolour painting, knitting, learning to spin, or even making your own personalised buttons. There is always something to be done in Speyside.
Most holiday cottages are located on the malt whiskey trail of Speyside. There are seven distilleries that can be seen as you take a walk through the Scottish countryside. All these destinations cannot be explored in one day so make sure you spare plenty of time to take part in all the local activities.
Tour operators highly recommend the Moray Firth coastline where you will discover rocky shores, cliffs, fishing towns, and vast sandy beaches where you can follow the footsteps of Vikings, Romans, and dinosaurs. In fact, some of the biggest dolphins live in these waters and visitors get the chance to occasionally feed the dolphins and seals with fish.
Moray and Speyside are full of beautiful towns such as Forres, Rothes, Grantown-on-Spey and Aberlour. These towns are charming and traditional and it will not take you more than two or three hours to explore all of them. Spend a day tasting the traditional Scottish shortbread and tea or the famous haggis that is served for breakfast.
Remember not to miss out on the seaside village of Burghead. This small village is situated on the North Sea and was once known as Torridun. You can easily see the walls of the fortress and check out the history of this village as you pass along the path of Moray coast. Your Scottish holiday is certainly not complete without wearing the local kilt and sampling the finest Angus steak that is served in local pubs.
Speyside Hotel Accomodation:
Aviemore Hotels
MacDonald Hotels, Spey Valley Golf & Country Club,Dalfaber Drive, Aviemore, Inverness-Shire, PH22 1ST Tel 0845 601 1734
Grantown Hotels
Culdearn House, Woodlands Terrace, Grantown on Spey, Morayshire, PH26 3JU Tel: 01479 872106
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