Lossiemouth to Fochabers

Date/Time

Date(s) - 12/10/2025
8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Walk Details

Pub Stop?: If Time Permits
O/S Map Sheet No.: 28
Grid Ref. Start: 236 704
Grid Ref. Finish 345 588
Walk (Miles): 13
Walk Hours: 6.5
Bus Time to Walk:2 hrs
Bus Time from Walk: 2 hrs
Departure time from walk: 5:00 pm

Walk Notes

1. Today’s walk follows the shore of the Moray Firth from Lossiemouth to the mouth of the River Spey at Kingston, crosses the River over a disused railway bridge and then turns inland along a part of the Speyside Way long distance path towards Fochabers.

The walk commences at Seatown of Lossiemouth, where the River Lossie and the Spynie Canal enter the North Sea (NGR. 238,706). Cross the bridge over the canal and then the footbridge over the river to the East Beach. From here walk along the foreshore either along the seaward or landward side of the dunes depending on the state of the tide or preference. After about two miles stunted trees begin to appear and the sand gives way to shingle bank mixed with sand dunes. Hereabouts where the forest begins will be found relics of the last war in the form of concrete tank traps and gun emplacements. Just before reaching the T-shaped rock, which lies offshore, look out for a bothy in the trees and near it leave the shore for a sandy track heading inland along a forestry track with a south-east/east direction. This track junctions is crossed and the right before arriving at a junction of tracks. Take the forestry track to the left which then brings one south-east of the areas for target practice. This passes between the Bin Hill and a rifle range which is still used. Keep a lookout for red flags indicating that firing is taking place and, if so, retain vigilance on the right where it is to cross the range. Once past the range either return towards the shore by turning left at the first junction or pick up a path just beyond the junction which bears east right to reach the north shore, others will lead to the outskirts of Kingston at the mouth of the River Spey.

(This is the place where Charles II landed in 1650 on returning from exile from the continent, hence the name of the village).

Take the road southwards through the village and on to the neighbouring village of Garmouth where it is to cross the mill and building commemorates the royal connection. At a road fork at the south end of the village take a secondary road on the left of a church for a short distance to gain access to the disused railway track bed which is then followed across the viaduct to the east bank of the River Spey.

(This long viaduct carried the forest coast branch line of the Great North of Scotland Railway over the river, on its way from Elgin to Grange Junction near Keith, and was opened in 1886. Due to frequent shifting of the river bed and flood risks the central main girder span of the bridge is 350 feet long, together with six shorter spans of 100 feet each).

To gain access to the viaduct look out for a “Thistle” marker post of the Speyside Way which passes under the railway track and drop down to it. Turn right and follow the way southwards along the edge of a plantation before entering the belt of trees and emerging on the bank of the river.

Cross a car park at then follow it for one and a half miles to join the B.9104 Spey Bay/Fochabers road about a mile from Fochabers. Bus will be parked in the centre of Fochabers.

2.

For a shorter walk, stay on the bus and get dropped off in Fochabers and walk to Spey Bay and back. Walk Distance – 10.8 Miles

Download file: Lossiemouth-to-Fochabers.gpx

Bus departs from Fochabers – 5PM

Committee member in charge – Paul Mackie – 07891125532

The above notes are for guidance only and are intended as an aid to be used along with a map and compass and/or a GPS device with OS maps. In the event of an emergency arising the person in charge of the walk today should be notified, if possible, before the emergency services are contacted on 999.

 Cancellations/Waiting List: It is important to contact Gilbert (Mobile number 07807240817) if you cannot attend & have to cancel your booking. The bus is often fully booked which means any cancelled seats can be re-allocated to those persons on a waiting list. Anyone unsuccessful in booking a seat should contact Gilbert who will put them on a waiting list

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