The “Moray Coast Trail” covers almost the entire 50 miles of Moray’s coast, linking the settlements between Forres and Cullen. Part of Moray’s core path network, there are numbered routes, information panels and a colourful free guide.

Shifting shingle shores at Spey Bay, the tidal flats of Findhorn Bay Local Nature Reserve and Lossie river mouth all provide sheltered waters and fast food for a vast array of wildfowl and waders. Between Culbin and Roseisle is one of the largest dune systems in Britain and the estuaries are designated areas because of the bird life.

Burghead with its working harbour and ancient citadel was the capital of the Northern Picts. The nearby dune sandstone ridge was formed when Moray was a red-hot desert. Follow the footprints of Cynodont reptiles and early dinosaurs where they roamed across the dunes.

Lossiemouth, a Victorian spa town and fishing port, once had lead and silver mines. Its harbour is now a marina. RAF Lossiemouth is a base for Tornado aircraft. The 18th century salmon-curing factory at Kingston is home to the Spey Bay Wildlife Centre. The firth’s resident bottlenose dolphins are studied from here.

Further east, Buckie was home of the herring fishing fleet. In the Yardie Conservation area the fishermen’s cottages are gable end to the sea, like those in the nearby picturesque fishertowns of Findochty, Portknockie and Seatown in Cullen.

From Portessie to Logie Head, the shoreline is spectacular and rugged, where the Grampian Mountains meet the sea. Here you can see Portknockie’s “Bowfiddle Rock” arch. Grey seals haul up on the shoreline. Their eerie sounds, like people talking, gave rise to Scots stories of “silkies” - seal folk.

Just inland, don’t miss Moray’s capital town Elgin with its Motor Museum and cathedral, The Palace of Spynie, Duffus Castle, Gordonstoun (Prince Charles’ old school) and Brodie Castle.