Lossiemouth

East Beach

Often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Moray Firth’, Lossiemouth is a friendly, picturesque seaside town where you can find plenty to do and explore.

As you fill your water bottle, look ahead and you can see the pebbly East Beach; a popular spot, particularly with surfers. Fancy trying out surfing? Take a visit to The Surf Hut on the East Beach. Here you can get kitted out in all the surf gear you will need as well as have some lessons to help you catch those waves.

Choose to paddle in the water or wander across the beach, but keep your eyes peeled for the famous resident Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins. Although there are no guaranteed sightings, spotting the Moray Dolphins in their natural habitat can quickly become the highlight of any trip. Follow the visitors guide to increase your chances of getting a glimpse of these majestic mammals.

Grab yourself a gelato from Miele’s of Lossie situated across the street from the Top up Tap, and  watch the world go by looking onto the River Lossie and beyond to the seafront.

As you follow the path towards the beach and away from the Top Up Tap towards the harbour you will see UNIQUE Boutique. Here you can browse a range of clothing, accessories, toys and gifts. The perfect place to pick up something to remember your time in Lossiemouth.

Head left from the Top Up Tap and follow the road to the end of the Marina to find ‘Harbour Lights’, a brilliant cafe which serves up a range of breakfasts, brunches and lunches to keep you fuelled for more adventures.

Once you have filled up, head next door to The Lossiemouth Fisheries & Community Museum. Here you can learn more about the fishing industry through the years and get an insight into the life and dangers of being a fisherman.

Do you have a bike? Then take a trip around the Lossiemouth Loop. One of five circular cycle routes in Moray, the 14-mile loop takes you from the Top Up Tap to the West Beach Car Park, round the perimeter of the airfield via Duffus Castle and back. The route is relatively flat, perfect for any level of cyclist and passes through fertile farming country. For full details, including map, visit The Moray Way website: https://www.morayways.org.uk/routes/lossiemouth-loop/

RIVER LOSSIE ESTUARY WALK
Duration: 40-60 minutes

This loop takes you along the river and offers the perfect spot for bird watchers. Starting at the Top Up Tap, walk along the river side towards the caravan park, away from the harbour.

Keep walking along the edge of the water. Be aware, this can be muddy. To your left and keep your eyes peeled for sea birds on the far side of the water.

There are no waymarkers so it’s up to you how far you wish to walk out. You will see various opportunities to turn right which will swing you back in the direction you came. Once on your way back you will travel through woodland where again keep your eyes peeled and ears open for different birds. This is one of few locations in Scotland where the European crested tit can be spotted. Red squirrels also call this forest home.

Keep walking back towards the caravan park and along the river to return to the Top Up Tap.

For more information, including a map, click here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/scotland/moray/river-lossie-estuary-walk

LOSSIEMOUTH HARBOUR CIRCULAR WALK
Duration: 25-30 minutes

This walk takes you around beautiful Lossiemouth harbour area. Look out for all the fabulous boats in the harbour, shops and cafes. The waves here are also great for budding surfers with a strong community that take to the water regularly. Look out for them along the beach.

From the Top Up Tap, walk towards the harbour and join Pitgaveny Road to continue to the Harbour Tearooms. Turn left along Shore Street to the junction with Kinnedar Street.

Turn left again along Kinnedar Street until the junction with Queen Street, then cross James Square diagonally along the path. Continue left along James Street turning left just past the Library and then right down Hill Street.

Turn right along Pitgaveney and Seatown Road back to the Top Up Tap.

For full details, including map, visit The Moray Way website: https://www.morayways.org.uk/routes/lossiemouth-harbour-walk/

All that walking can be thirsty work, why not sample some local beer at the Windswept Brewing brewery. An informative guided tour which will give you an insight into the brewing process and show you what ingredients are used. Finish off the tour with a tasting session in the Brewery Tap Room. Windswept believe that pints taste better when you earn them, so they teamed up with the RunSpeySide running group to offer a guided 5k around the roads and beaches of Lossiemouth, exploring the landmarks and history of the village. Finishing off back at the Tap Room for the tour and tasting.

So, enjoy Lossiemouth, but make sure to pack your swimming costume, walking boats and your reusable water bottle.

Be sure to tag #WhereWaterTakesyou in your snaps you take during your adventures in Nairn!