The Beaches
One thing the Highlands are not famous for is the beaches… they should be though!
When you think of the Scottish Highlands, you might think of beautiful snow topped mountains, lots of Whiskey distilleries and maybe one or two West Highland Terriers. Here is another to add to the list, endless beaches with the clearest water (granted it’s a bit nippy), to which you almost have completely to yourself.
I think this was one of the biggest shocks when we moved up, the fact that we had so many great beaches to walk the dogs or just laze on, all around us. Below are a few of the beaches we have found so far, however there are so many yet to be discovered by us. I’ll keep adding to the list as and when I find some good ones.
The Secret Beach
The first great beach we found when we moved up. Whenever we met someone from the local area and were talking about walking the dogs, they’d always mention the Secret Beach and tell us that we should go there as it was within walking distance from our house (it’s about 20 minutes walk) and that it was beautiful.
Now, when I say it’s called the Secret Beach, some might think it’s super hush hush and you need a special password in order to get directions to it. However, it is pinned on google maps as ‘Secret Beach’, so it’s clandestineness could be called into question, maybe. However, what isn’t questioned is it’s beauty. The beach is huge, you will most likely be one of the few people on it, it has amazing views over to the Black Isle and has great 4G reception, if you want to work at the beach one day.
Ease of access : The route to the beach on foot is along a country road, which doesn’t have a pavement, so care is needed. If you wish to drive, you can, but there isn’t a specific car parking area. Once at the end of the road, there is a stile that you will need to climb over to get onto the path for the beach. From there, it’s a sandy path to the beach.
What four words : cage.eyelid.senders
Latitude : 57,5845 / Longitude : -3,9344
Beach to ourselves
Looking across to the Black Isle
Culbin Forest
A short drive from Findhorn, Forres and Nairn, Culbin forest is perfect for hikers that are wanting to do some serious miles or just as good for the everyday “I want to get out and have a walk” kind of person.
The reason we first went to Culbin forest was to have a forest walk with the pups, as we heard it was pretty big and they could go crazy off the lead. While walking the first time, I have to say, we got lost, the forest is huge!! However, in the act of getting lost we found a forest look out tower and spotted the beach. On the next visit, we made our way to the beach.
The beach always reminds me of pictures of untouched wildness in Alaska. The forest literally goes right to the beach.
Forest…forest….forest…sand…sea.
The water is as always crystal clear and again, you will most likely be the only person on the beach. Depending where you are along the beach (as I said the forest is huge, so you could come out anywhere along the coast), at the end of the forest closest to Findhorn is where seals come to shore to rest at low tide.
Always remember to keep your distance from the seals, a good lens on your camera is normally needed to get some good photos of them and always, always keep your dogs on a lead if you’re anywhere need wild animals.
Ease of access : Culbin forest has to be one of the most well maintained forests (from an access point of view) I have seen. From the car park (there is a £1.50 charge for the car park), there are a multitude of well maintained paths, covering different levels of ability. As I have said a few times, the forest is huge, so keep on the paths and take a map.
What four words : sands.view.treaty
Latitude : 57,6315 / Longitude : -3,6804
Looking across to Findhorn beach
Tree top lookout to the beach
Culbin forest from Findhorn beach