Forres is situated 27 miles (43 kms) from Inverness and has received the “Scotland in Bloom” award on a number of occasions.

The Trail officially starts at Forres and follows the cycleway to reach the sea at Findhorn – this section could be avoided by taking a bus. The route then follows the coast along tree covered dunes to Roseisle forest, populated by red squirrels, before the stage ends at the old fishing village of Burghead. Before departing Forres ensure you visit the Suenos Stone, a mighty Pictish monument, dating back to the 9th Century that is housed in a protective glass building. Locate the cycle route to cross a bridge over the Forres and continue to Kinross along a signed path next to the RAF base fence with views along the curve of sand to Burghead in the distance.

A spectacular coastal walk with fine cliff-top section, coves and sea-stacks that ends on a long walk across a huge sandy beach. Depart Burghead past the huge maltings plant owned by drinks giant on a seaside path to join the old railway which follows the coast to Cummingston. Continue along the old railway line until the outskirts of Hopeman and on past a very colourful array of traditional beach -huts across the low, grassy coast until the path climbs and then descends into Clashach Cove and a fine viewpoint above the disused Covesea Quarry and a first glimpse of Covesea Lighthouse. The path soon sweeps down onto the western end of a vast sandy beach towards the elegant Covesea Lighthouse where the beach runs uninterrupted for another two kilometres to reach Lossiemouth.

A varied section along part of the Moray Coast Trail, linking Lossiemouth via its sandy beach with Spey Bay and a chance to watch wildlife, and further on rejoins the coastline for the final stretch to the seaside town of Buckie. This long section could be broken by a stop at Spey Bay. From Lossiemouth take the bridge over the Spynie Canal to Seatown where the houses here are clustered together facing inwards to protect them from sea storms to follow the signed path for School Brae and Garmouth to cross the old railway bridge over the Spey to pass behind the the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Visitor Centre and continue to follow the thistle sign for the Speyside Way. Reach the coast into Portgordon passing and finally Buckpool – the old harbour of Buckie. Pass to the seaward side of several houses through the old conservation area of the Yardie to reach Cluny Square, the centre of Buckie.

The final part of the Moray Coast Trail follows the road east from Buckie but soon becomes a very fine coastal cliff-top walk linking the picturesque former fishing villages of Findochty and Portknockie. A visit to the spectacular Bow Fiddle rock follows, with a final walk along a fine sandy beach to Cullen. The A942 is the route out of overlooking the sea and pass through Portessie and Strathlene Sands to follow the grassy ground behind the sands and then rocky foreshore on to the harbour at Findochty before the path passes a cemetery with good views over the rocky coastline by Tronach Head. Keep on the main path, soon running past an amazing off-shore stack known as the Bow Fiddle eventually taking a signed branch on the left that descends steps to reach the shore, with The Whale’s Mouth – a sea-tunnel – visible over to the left before walking across the wide sands of Cullen Bay past the old fishermen’s houses of Seatown to reach Cullen and on under the old railway viaduct to reach the square at the heart of Cullen.

Congratulations – you have completed the Moray Coastal Trail! After breakfast, it is time to set off on your onward journey.