Cullen to Portknockie (return- 4 miles [7km]) Essential Walking
The old railway that once connected the Moray Coast to Elgin
and Aberdeen is one half of this four-mile walk. Start from
the harbour in the ancient Royal burgh of Cullen. At the height
of the herring boom in the late 19th century, this tiny harbour
had 90 boats working from it, providing employment for 500 men
and women.
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Head
west through the old Seatown, traditional home of the
fisherfolk, taking the upper path above the imposing
sweep of the sands of Cullen Bay. On your right on the
seashore is the trio of rocks known as the Three Kings.
Near the
fine Cullen Bay Hotel, take the former railway line,
and continue west with the golf course on the left.
After
a mile (1.5km), you’ll reach the little village
of Portknockie. |
Walk along
the road, turn right on to the main road, then right again
(all in about 200m) to walk down to the tiny harbour. Follow
the road round above the shore, and at the road end continue
on the path around Scar Nose. Pass the colourfully named Whale’s
Mouth and Bow Fiddle Rock, and refresh yourself from the clear
waters of Jenny’s Well.
The way ahead
to Cullen Beach is clear, as is the sight of the magnificent
railway viaducts. For generations these have been an admired
historical feature of the Moray Coast.
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