The beaches of the Moray Coast are simply some of the most beautiful in the UK. Skirting the edge of the Moray Firth, these oceanside swathes offer a stunning slice of coastal heaven hugged by the Highlands in the west, the Cairngorms in the south, and the wilds of the North Sea. Calling to wanderers and wonderers throughout the year, each one embodies its own unique character and promises to delight lovers of nature throughout the seasons.
Uncover some of the best beaches in Moray Speyside with our curated guide and look forward to a wild romance written by the tides. With a dram of local whisky and picnics of local favourites, a day by the shore is sure to enchant.
Findhorn Beach
Burghead Bay is a sweeping sandy arc that curves from Findhorn and Roselie Beach and beyond to the fishing village of Burghead. A beautiful beach lined with multi-coloured beach huts, Findhorn Beach is a particular pleasure for coastal pursuits. At high tide, its pebble-covered collar tops the shore, while at low tide, the sea recedes to reveal large tracts of golden sand. Behind the beach, an ancient dune system tufted with coastal shrubs has existed for 10,000 years and is a designated Site of Great Landscape Value. Venture over for unforgettable forays and soak up the soul-soothing sea air. Ensure you pack a pair of binoculars too, as whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals can often be seen in the bay.
Hopeman East Beach
Set at the foot of the village of Hopeman, Hopeman East Beach is a charming dog-friendly beach. Adored for its pretty huts and proximity to the village, it is also renowned as one of the best places on the Moray Coast for surfing. Often graced with glassy waves during autumn and winter swells, it is a beloved destination for local surfers chasing exhilarating escapism. For lovers of sports, there’s also a well-known golf club, where an 18-hole course takes pride of place overlooking the beach. Venture over to make the most of the outdoor activities or simply take a spot on the sand and savour the setting for moments of shoreside serenity.
Lossiemouth East Beach
The sweeping Lossiemouth East Beach sits at the foot of the town of Lossiemouth. At the tip of a sandy peninsula, it is separated from the mainland by the River Lossie and embraced on the other by the North Sea. To find tranquillity by the water, step across the town’s contemporary footbridge and discover the silky shore, where seven uninterrupted miles extend all the way to Portgordon. Whether you’re seeking surf, wildlife watching, or beach bathing under the sun, this dog-friendly beach has something for everyone. For further exploration and photo opportunities, neighbouring Lossiemouth West Beach (or Silversands) is home to Covesea Lighthouse, built in 1846 and manned until 1984.
Portknockie
The historic fishing village of Portknockie lies on the Moray Firth and is a charming destination during oceanside sojourns. Wend down the village’s winding roads to reach the harbour, where a naturally sheltered cove has provided a haven for fisherfolk and seafarers since the 17th century. Rebuilt in the late 1800s, the harbour of today tempts for leisurely hours and flourishes with activity in summer. An especially beloved feature is the harbour’s gently sloping sandy beach that’s unveiled at low tide, as well as its historic open-air swimming pool – just perfect for little paddlers. Settle down with a sizzling barbecue under sun-kissed skies in summer and absorb the unique setting. To stretch your legs, you can also walk from Portknockie to neighbouring Cullen Beach, past its famous Bow Fiddle Rock.
Cullen Beach
Cullen Beach is one of Moray Speyside’s dog-friendly beaches and an idyllic spot for those looking for a touch of wilderness whilst also enjoying great local conveniences. Overlooked by white-washed cottages, it resides within Cullen Bay and is often protected from prevailing winds and the strongest sea currents. Perhaps most notably, the beach is also recognisable for its striking rock formations known as The Three Kings. Reaching 14ft high, these quartzite stacks are believed to be the legendary gravestones of Norse Kings who died at the infamous Battle of Bauds nearby in 962. For a luxury twist to your visit, book a reservation with Sauna at the Kings for a delicious wood-fired sauna experience overlooking the ocean.
Culbin Beach
Backed by a thick forest of trees and met by glistening sea, Culbin is one of the most mesmerising beaches on the Moray Coast. Once the largest dune system in the UK, it has been at the centre of extensive conservation efforts in recent years to protect its unique landscapes and rare wildlife. Planted with thousands of acres of trees, it blends coastal and botanical beauty to create an enchanting sea-lapped realm. Walk or cycle through the forest along tree-lined pathways to reach the beach and relish moments of mindfulness between land and sea. A Special Area of Conservation and looked after by the RSPB, this beach is especially enchanting for wildlife lovers who can see everything from yellow-feathered Eurasian siskins in the trees and oyster catchers on the shore to whales and dolphins at sea.
East Beach Nairn
The stunning East Beach Nairn is hugged between Culbin Beach and the River Nairn and overlooks the mouth of the Moray Firth. Set below the town of Nairn, it is a treasured beach amongst locals and visitors and beckons for adventures throughout the year. Cross the footbridge from Nairn to reach the waterfront or park in one of the car parks above the beach. With a fringe of marram-tufted dunes and a spectacular ocean aspect, its otherworldly aesthetics are simply breath-taking. For the activity seekers, kitesurfing and surfing can often be relished in the beach’s breakers. Meanwhile, for those pursuing more leisurely pastimes, birdwatching, kite flying, dog walking and sandcastle building are equally as captivating.
Spey Bay
Found within a spellbinding coastal reserve, Spey Bay is home to the largest shingle beach in Scotland. Traced on one side by the River Spey and the sea on the other, its diverse habitats intertwine shingle shoreline, coastal grasslands, brackish saltmarsh, woodland and more. The dream place for pursuers of wild reveries, it is also the base of Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s Scottish headquarters, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the area’s cetaceous residents. Head to where the river meets the sea and immerse in coastal forays. Parking is available in Spey Bay car park and a plethora of coastal routes awaits for strolls in the salty air. For something a little different, you can practice your swing at Spey Bay Golf Course, a links golf course set above the beach, or pick up part of the Speyside Way, one of the best long distance walking trails in Scotland.
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