We are renowned for our whisky heritage and world-class golf courses, this is true, but we also have mountain trails through the Cairngorms, pristine rivers teeming with salmon and trout, fine sandy beaches and lakes to swim in, idyllic fishing villages, ski slopes, historic landmarks and the list goes on…

A dramatic trail…

Known as the The Sunshine Coast, Moray is one of the most breathtaking stretches of coastline in the world. One of Scotland’s Great Trails, it is accessible between the royal burghs of Forres and Cullen for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and runners. However you wish to make the journey, you will be spoiled by dramatic cliff formations and picturesque fishing villages from start to finish. Moray also boasts some of the most incredible seafood restaurants; it takes virtually no time at all for fresh produce to be caught, cooked and served to you.

A view from the munro…

Cairngorm National Park is an unspoilt wilderness with more than 50 mountains, or Munros, as we call them here, for you to climb or hike up. There are plenty of challenging mountain bike trails to follow, too. Hiking routes lead you through the landscape on various paths ranging in intensity from an easy walk in the wilds to a punishing 11-mile hike between Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui. The latter is more for the seasoned walker but offers the most striking view of the Park. Come prepared, though!

The salmon and the speed…

Whether it’s fishing for your supper, cliff jumping or white water rafting that floats your boat, the Highlands has it all. The River Spey is one of Scotland’s longest and fastest rivers and is world famous for excellent salmon and trout fishing. Being Moray’s third great river, the Findhorn offers world class rafting opportunities and is the best river in Scotland for this daring sport. If you have a head for heights, you could try jumping off some of those steep cliffs at Randolph’s Leap, too. The Findhorn makes its way through shallow pools and riffles all the way up to the Moray Firth where dolphins, porpoises, sea otters, minke whales and seals can be spotted from the shore or a boat. In the Summer months, a plethora of seabirds grace the shore with gannets, shags, puffins, guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, razorbills and osprey enjoying nature’s bounty.

Appreciate the finer things…

The Malt Whisky Trail tells the most Scottish of stories. From humble beginnings in hidden heather-clad hills to industrial scale fine whisky production, experts are on hand to initiate you into their world. You will be enlightened as you experience a taste of everything from boutique small batch whiskies like Tamdhu to established brands like Aberlour. Here at Dalvey, we can also bring the trail to you and provide you with a private tasting party. Whatever you choose, you will come away with the essential skills to appreciate the delights within each bottle you sip.

An impressive backdrop for a strike…

Everyone knows that Moray is famous for it’s impressive golf courses but do they know why they are so esteemed? Prestigious courses like Royal Dornoch are ranked in the world’s top ten. The Walker and Curtis Cups are held at Nairn. The striking views from Castle Stuart golf course may well distract you from a perfect strike if you don’t focus! With the sea and the sunshine coast always in sight, there is nowhere more transporting for the keen golfer.

Kids

The Loft Fun and creative activities both indoors and outdoors for everyone from babies to grandparents. Quad biking, laser tag, grass sledging, zip wire and more.
theloft.co.uk

Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. Eco-friendly adventure park on the edge of the Cairngorms. Suitable for kids of all ages and adventurous adults.
www.landmarkpark.co.uk

Explore marine life

North 58° Sea Adventure. Explore marine wildlife with four regular excursions leaving Findhorn Marina every day.
www.north58.co.uk

WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre, Spey Bay. One of the best places to visit in the UK for dolphin watching.
www.wdcs.org/connect/wildlife

Outdoor Persuites

Cairngorms National Park. Everything you need to know about great walking, cycling and climbing.
www.visitcairngroms.com

Dava Way. Take one day or three walking this twenty-four mile footpath following the course of the old Highland Railway.
www.davaway.org.uk

Moray Coastal Trail. A fifty-mile footpath skirting the Moray Firth along cliff paths, quiet roads and old railway lines. Expect incredible seaside views.
www.morayways.org.uk

Speyside Way. One of four official 'Long Distance Routes' in Scotland. Follows the course of the River Spey.
www.speysideway.org

Fishing

It’s rich pickings for keen anglers on the Findorn, Spey or Avon. Here’s a guide to what you can expect.
forreslocal.com

All rounders

Logie Steading. Originally built as a model farm in the 1920s and now hosts the independent businesses of artisans and retailers. Café, salmon fishing, walking and more.
www.logie.co.uk

Museums

Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre. Take a tour of the site and discover the events surrounding the tragic end of the 1746 Jacobite Uprising. An Impressive new visitor centre has exciting interactive exhibitions.
www.nts.org.uk/Culloden/Home

Fort George. The mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, built following the 1746 defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden. Regimental museum tells the story of the Highland Regiments from just after the Battle of Culloden to the present day.
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Knockando Woolmill. Beautifully preserved and restored district mill dating back to 1754. The shop sells the Woolmill’s tartan textiles. Lovely garden cafe with a working waterwheel.
www.knockandowoolmill.org.uk

Whisky

Speyside is the centre of excellence for Scottish whisky and you are spoiled for choice if your plan is to develop your understanding of this tradition. Whether you join the Malt Whisky Trail or visit individual distilleries, you are coming to the right place to discover Scotland’s whisky heritage.

The Malt Whisky Trail
Aberlour Distillery
Ballindalloch Distillery
Benromach Distillery
Cardhu Distillery
Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery
Glenfiddich Distillery
The Glenlivet Distillery
The Macallan Visitor Centre
Speyside Cooperage

Golf

The Highlands have a long and rich tradition of providing some of the best golfing opportunities in the world. Enjoy a game with the Moray coastline as your back drop.

www.castlestuartgolf.com
www.grantownonspeygolfclub.co.uk
www.nairndunbar.com
www.nairngolfclub.co.uk
www.rothesgolfclub.co.uk

Where to eat

The Old Mill, Forres. Good pub food.
https://oldmillinnspeyside.co.uk/dining/
01309 641605

Kristoff’s Bar and Restaurant, Forres. Scottish cuisine and beyond. Vegan and gluten-free options.
www.facebook.com/Kristoffs-bar-restaurant-1661180124136839/
01309 676434

The Bothy Bistro, Burghead. Excellent seafood.
https://www.restaurantji.co.uk/scotland/kinloss/the-bothy-bistro-/
01343 830006

The Kimberley Inn, Findhorn. Fantastic pub with great fish and chips.
www.kimberleyinn.com
01309 690492

The Bandstand, Nairn. Great food and sea views.
www.braevalhotel.co.uk
01667452341

Sundancer, Nairn Harbour. Plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options. Great sea views.
sun-dancer.co.uk
01667370037

Boath House Restaurant & The Kale Yard Garden Café, Nairn. Wood-fired pizza, lovely garden. Go posh or not!
boath-house.com/the-kale-yard/
01667 452233

Photos courtesy of Visit Scotland