Findochty to Portsoy – NB Clocks Change i.e. Back 1 Hour

The walk today sees us returning to the Moray coastline for a linear walk passing through the picturesque old fishing villages of Findochty, Portknockie,Cullen, Sandend and finally arriving at Portsoy.

We follow beaches, cliff paths and rough tracks during our journey with many interesting features on the way including Bow Fiddle rock, the ruins of Findlater Castle and the high old railway arches at Cullen.

There are limited shorter alternative routes but drop offs can be arranged at either Portknockie or Cullen as the bus travels from the start point at Findochty in an easterly direction to the final pickup point in Portsoy.

The walk commences in the village of Findochty near the harbour (NGR 464679) where we walk eastwards along Duke Street and climb up to the top of low cliffs and follow the path along the cliff edge towards Tronach Head. The village of Portknockie comes into view and we pass through the village heading towards Scar Nose headland with fine views of the spectacular Bow Fiddle rock on our left. We then descend on a steep path with steps to reach the beach which is then followed for about a mile to the seatown of Cullen. The seatown or older part of Cullen is separated from the newer area by the embankment and high arches of the disused railway viaduct which at one time carried the railway line along the Moray Coast from Elgin to Aberdeen. Walk along the shore road towards Cullen Harbour and continue along the shoreline towards Logie Head. Continue eastwards along the cliff path towards Sunnyside beach and onwards passing the ruins of Findlater Castle perched on the rocky headland. Our path then rounds two more headlands of Crathie Point and Garron Point Before turning southwards into the village of  Sandend (pronounced locally as “Si’nine” or “San’een”). Pass by the caravan park and the small distillery of Glen Glassaugh to follow the path northwards towards the cliffs at Redhythe Point. The path then cuts inland on a rough track towards a junction where we turn left to follow the route east heading towards the outskirts of Portsoy about a mile away. Once in the town head towards the old harbour where our bus will be parked (near NGR589663).

There may still be evidence of 2 vintage cars used in the TV series “Peaky Blinders” when the final episode was filmed recently at the old harbour.

Walking distance approx  11 miles/ 18 kms

Download file: t253383357_findochty to portsoy.gpx

 

Bus departs at 4.30pm for Aberdeen at 6.30pm

The above notes are for guidance only and are intended as an aid to be used along with a map and compass and/or GPS device with O/S Maps. In the event of an emergency arising, The person in charge of the bus should be notified if possible before the emergency services are contacted.

Committee Member in charge of todays walk is Frank Kelly Mobile No. 07821631362.