While the Cairngorms might be the main reason our guests visit us at Fraoch Lodge, there’s a whole world of coastal charm waiting just a short drive to the north. The exploring the Moray Coast offers a magical mix of sandy beaches, historic landmarks, wildlife-rich estuaries, and quiet villages—ideal for a day trip that feels like a mini-holiday all of its own.
Here’s our guide to a perfect, off-the-beaten-track road trip from Fraoch Lodge to the Moray Firth, including hidden highlights, foodie stops, and peaceful places for a pause.
First Stop: Findhorn – Sands, Sustainability, and Seals
Just over an hour’s drive from Fraoch Lodge, the charming coastal village of Findhorn is a destination in itself. With its wide, windswept beach, shifting sand dunes, and ethereal light, Findhorn offers a different kind of Highland beauty—a place where sea meets sky in broad, open horizons.
The Findhorn Foundation eco-village is worth a wander if you’re curious about sustainable living, but the real draw here is the beach. Walk east along the shoreline and you might spot seals lounging on the sandbars, oystercatchers probing the tideline, or even dolphins out in the bay.
Top Tip: Time your visit for low tide if you’d like to explore further along the beach
Optional Adventure: Boat Taxi to Culbin Sands
From Findhorn, there’s often the option to take a small boat taxi across the River Findhorn to Culbin Sands—a remote, shifting landscape of dunes and saltmarsh. It’s a short but thrilling crossing that feels like you’re escaping to somewhere far wilder.
However, a recent wildfire in Culbin Forest (May 2025) has left parts of the area quite scarred. While some areas remain accessible, others may be closed or still recovering. If you do go, please tread gently and stay on the designated paths—nature is resilient, but it needs time.
Lunch Stop: The Kimberley Inn, Findhorn
Whether or not you make the crossing to Culbin, you’ll likely be ready for lunch. The Kimberley Inn, right on the waterfront in Findhorn, is a cosy, welcoming spot with hearty pub meals, fresh seafood, and local ales.
Enjoy your meal with views over the bay—on a sunny day, the outdoor tables are a real treat. On cooler days, tuck into Cullen skink or a fish pie inside by the fire.
Afternoon Wander: Duffus Castle or Pluscarden Abbey
A little further on, you have a couple of enchanting choices for a peaceful and atmospheric detour.
- Duffus Castle is a remarkably intact ruin perched on a grassy mound, once a stronghold of the Moray lords. Kids love clambering around the site, and the views are sweeping on a clear day. It’s free to visit and usually quiet.
- Alternatively, make your way to Pluscarden Abbey, the only medieval monastery in Britain still inhabited by monks and used for its original purpose. The setting is tranquil and the architecture sublime—a complete contrast to the wild coast earlier in the day. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds and enjoy the serenity (please be respectful of the religious community).
Final Stop (Optional): Logie Steading
If you’re not in a rush to get back, consider rounding off your journey with a visit to Logie Steading. This collection of artisan shops, gardens, and a riverside walk along the Findhorn River makes for a gentle end to the day. There’s a café on site if you’re after a cuppa and cake.
Trip Summary
- Start: Fraoch Lodge, Boat of Garten
- Main Highlights: Findhorn Beach, Culbin Sands (optional), Kimberley Inn, Duffus Castle or Pluscarden Abbey
- Optional Add-on: Logie Steading
- Driving Time (round trip): approx. 2.5–3 hours total, plus stops – this will probably end up being an all day adventure if you make the most of your stops with plenty of oppoftunities to explore on foot. If you have kids with you, make the most of the beach at Findhorn, but be sure to be there around low tide when the beach is much more expansive. At high tide it almost disappears.
- Best for: Nature lovers, coastal walkers, families, slow travel enthusiasts
Ready to Explore?
One of the many joys of staying at Fraoch Lodge is the variety of landscapes within easy reach. While the mountains may steal the show, this Moray Coast loop offers a gentler kind of Highland adventure: sand underfoot, salt in the air, and a fresh perspective on Scotland’s wild beauty.
We’re always happy to help you plan your day trips—just ask!