sign in sign up
<<
Home , Banffshire, Crovie, Findlater Castle, Sandend

ESSENCE OF &

Front cover: Strathisla Distillery This page: Cullen

The very definition of ‘off the beaten track’, the northeast corner of Scotland casts a spell on first-time visitors that causes them to return time and time again. It could be the unique light which makes the whitewashed fishing villages sparkle alluringly, the tempting array of single malt whiskies which seem to stem organically from the heather-strewn soil or simply the warmth and welcome of the local people. In this region rich in heritage and traditional culture, you’ll soon feel the magic that inspired the film ‘Local Hero’. BASE YOURSELF IN LOCATION MAP welcome Banff DON’T MISS £ Paid Entry Seasonal Disabled Access Dogs Allowed Tea-Room Gift Shop WC Cullen 4 12 18 22 1 Elgin 13 Lossiemouth Burghead 17 A941 1 19 1 16 SandendSandend Findhorn Cullen 1 Forres MacduffBanffBanff 4 Elgin Banff 5 A96 7 8 Fochabers 6 Forres 23 Keilhill Nairn 9 A947 15 A95 Auldearn A939 Presley Keith 1. For the ultimate 2. An eleven-mile stretch of 3. The Malt Whisky Trail 4. A succession of unique 5. Built as the seat of the A940 Rothes 11 A97 opportunity to ‘get back to railway track from the malt incorporates eight distilleries and wonderfully picturesque Earl of between 1735 IDEAL FOR 3 Craigellachie A96 nature’ take a wildlife cruise whisky capital of to and the Speyside fishing villages lines the and 1740, , 20 2 Whisky 21 14 cooperage. This is an Dufftown Huntly along the . the market town of Keith will coast of the region. Many Banff, has been welcoming

Castles 10 Sailingwild from take you through some of excellent way to find out all are situated below steep visitors for over two and a A95 Gardens Lossiemouth, Gemini the most picturesque about Scotland’s National sandstone cliffs, with little half centuries and is now an A941 Drink. Indeed, two annual Glenlivet Explorer from Buckie, North scenery in the area. Leave room for traffic along their outpost of the National Coastal villages 24 58° from Banff and Puffin the car behind and enjoy the celebrations of whisky take narrow waterfront streets. Galleries of Scotland. The Cruises from Macduff are train journey which will place each year at the Particularly renowned is the house has in previous years

Tomintoul just some of the boat reward you with an Spirit of Speyside community of Pennan, east taken the form of a palm A939 operators offering the adventure into the heart of Whisky Festival in late of Macduff, which doubled court hotel, a sanatorium To find out more about chance to spot dolphins, Speyside. Pre or post April/early May and the as ‘Ferness’ in Bill Forsyth’s and a prisoner of war camp. accommodation in these areas, porpoises, seabirds and journey, grab a bite to eat at Autumn Speyside much-loved film ‘Local Today it stands as a country call 0845 22 55 121 seals in stunning the Buffer Stop on the Whisky Festival in late Hero’. Other villages well house gallery, following or click on visitscotland.com surroundings. Pop into the platform at Dufftown. £ September. Fine malts such worth visiting are Crovie, extensive renovation. Principal photography: Paul Tomkins/Scottish Viewpoint Moray Firth Wildlife Centre at as Glenlivet and Glenfiddich Cullen and Gardenstown. £ All information checked in August 2005. VisitScotland can accept no responsibility for errors. Spey Bay to learn more. £ can be savoured as well as FCS: Forestry Commission Scotland kilt-making demonstrations NTS: National Trust for Scotland and tours of nearby HS: Historic Scotland distilleries. £ HERITAGE & GARDENS LOW LEVEL WALKS VIEWS

6. Built in the 16th century, Brodie Castle is 7 12. Cullen – Logie Head 14. Huntly and the 19

located 41/2 miles west of Forres in a peaceful – – Banks of the River wooded setting. The castle contains a magnificent – This unspoilt Deveron – Starting in the coastline boasts cliffs and centre of Huntly, this walk collection of paintings and art. The gardens, open bays interspersed with leads to Huntly Castle (HS) year round, include woodland walks, a nature trail traditional fishing villages. along an avenue of lime and a unique collection of daffodils which carpet The walk from Cullen to the trees. It then passes the grounds in spring. A haven for wildlife, specially quaint village of Sandend through a picnic area, past constructed hides can be found throughout the arrives at a beautiful sandy a dry cross-country ski grounds. Nearby Brodie Countryfare is ideal for a bay – Sandside beach – centre, and follows a and, just beyond it, riverside walk out into the lunch stop post-visit. (NTS) £ Findlater Castle, an ancient countryside before returning 7. One of the most awe-inspiring ruins in Scotland, ruined fortress built on a to the town centre in a narrow promontory. The first circular route. This 3-mile Elgin Cathedral contains the country’s finest stage of the walk is along route should take no more octagonal chapter house. The infamous ‘Wolf of good paths with sections of than 2 hours. Badenoch’ (otherwise known as Bishop Alexander Malt Whisky Trail beach but the second half 15. Black Burn Trail, Stewart) set fire to the church in 1390, forcing is less developed, so may Torrieston Forest – This much modification in the architectural style. (HS) be less manageable for 1-mile ‘all abilities’ trail £ some. Allow 3 hours for the south-west of Elgin winds DRIVES full 4-mile route. through the woods to the 8. Incorporating all 110 plants mentioned in the Bible, the Biblical Garden, adjacent The north-eastern corner of Scotland prides itself 13. Burghead – delightful meandering Black to Elgin Cathedral, is a unique attraction which depicts the different parables. Open May Hopeman Circular Walk Burn. Resting places and a on its wealth of themed car trails, and the three to September, this garden will appeal to those who study the scriptures and also those – This is another coastal picnic area make this an within this area take in some truly world-class who simply enjoy gardens and gardening. walk between two peaceful ideal walk for less active attractions. The Whisky Trail, signposted villages on the coast of visitors and wheelchair 9. Pluscarden Abbey is the only medieval monastery in Britain still inhabited by throughout Speyside, offers the opportunity to visit Moray. The walk passes users. Perfect for seeing a monks and being used for its original purpose. This beautiful abbey, founded in 1230 by several quiet sandy beaches wide variety of woodland eight of the most famous distilleries on earth, along 16. Spey Bay is a haven for wildlife and popular among walkers for the magnificent views Alexander II, is found 6 miles west of Elgin in tranquil surroundings. Striking architecture and has extensive views birds, including siskins and across the Moray Firth. You warblers or even a roe deer. available. Situated on the east side of the Spey estuary, the site also offers a number of walks with the Speyside Cooperage. To the south and and a restful atmosphere combine to make this a must-visit attraction. east, the Castle Trail winds its way between some can start at either end, and (FCS) to suit all ranges of ability. Fantastic views of the Moray Firth can be enjoyed from Kingston. 10. Set in magnificent grounds between the and the River Avon, the shops, food and drink are of Scotland’s finest fairytale homes and fortresses. 13 17. Findlater Castle and Sandend, situated 2 miles east of Cullen, provide fantastic gardens of Ballindalloch Castle include a walled garden which was redesigned in available in either village. Meanwhile, all around the shoreline, the From Burghead the path coastal views (see walks). 1996 to mark the 350th anniversary of the castle. Still a much loved family home, the Coastal Trail incorporates some of the prettiest follows the track of a long castle dates back to at least the 16th century. £ 18. 30 minutes drive from Elgin, the town of Cullen and its surroundings epitomise north- fishing communities in Britain, rich in character and disused and removed railway east coastal scenery. Disused railway viaducts make for extremely interesting photographs heritage. Between these communities, you’ll 11. A Victorian garden, the Glen Grant Distillery Garden has been renovated line, a spur line linking the two villages. You can return of the vicinity and are best viewed looking up at the town from the seafront. meticulously using historical evidence, old maps and memories of the local people. encounter unspoilt beaches and spectacular cliffs by the same path or instead The garden includes mature orchards, old woodland walk and Major Grant’s Dram Hut. 19. East of Macduff on the B9031, Crovie viewpoint is home to stunning views of a which make for a memorable touring holiday. follow a path alongside the shore. Allow 3 – 31/2 hours remarkable coastal village. This clifftop vantage point also contains a picnic area and is ideal for the 4-mile route. for a lunchtime stop. Moray and Banffshire For more information, call 0845 22 55 121 or visitscotland.com

6 23 FOOD & DRINK 20. In the centre of Aberlour, the Old Pantry Restaurant offers fresh, local produce to ensure that high quality food is served throughout the day. Noted for its homemade scones and cakes, this is an ideal place to stop for a snack or lunch while exploring Speyside. 21. Also in Aberlour is the renowned Walkers Shortbread Factory, complete with a shop offering all your favourite varieties. Ideal for stocking up or for purchasing gifts to take home! 22. While in the area ensure you try Cullen Skink – a thick soup made with the morning’s catch of smoked haddock. This local speciality is sure to warm you up before setting off to explore the coastal village of Cullen. 23. Renowned for use of fresh ingredients in their quality soups and sauces, Baxters Highland Village is situated beside the small village of Fochabers. There’s a range of gift shops and a restaurant to sample Baxters’ local produce. 24. Discover how the different elements of Scottish life affect the taste of a whisky. Each distillery produces different tasting malts, while taking influences from their surroundings and using different distilling equipment. The Glenlivet Distillery is on the B9008 and has a visitor centre well worth a visit. Brodie Castle Baxters Highland Village