Coastal Walk: Findhorn Bay to Forres
Date: Tuesday 2nd September 2014
Company: Just myself
Distance: 16.1km, Ascent: 89m
Time: 3Hrs 50Mins
Coastal Walk Index
On Tuesday my car had to go into the dealer for a fairly major repair so I was forced to take the day off. The garage offered me a lift to anywhere relatively nearby, so I asked them to drop me off just outside Findhorn. I then walked round Findhorn Bay and along the River Findhorn to Forres. It was a really nice day
.I wasn't really planning to go for a walk today so all photos were taken with my iPhone.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
The tide was well out on arriving at my starting point so I ventured down onto the mud in Findhorn Bay and commenced walking round the bay.
Findhorn Bay:
Looking across Findhorn Bay towards Forres:
I soon arrived at the first of several water channels that I could not cross without heading back to the road. I wasn't sure why there was a cage near the top of the channel. On asking a friend who is knowledgeable about such things, he suggested that it is a water outlet to let water into the bay and the cage is there to stop fish swimming up into the outlet.
One of several water outlets with cage leading into Findhorn Bay:
Water channel leading into Findhorn Bay:
After passing the first water channel, I ventured back down onto the mud. However circa 100m further on I came to a second impassable water channel. I again had to return back to the road.
Looking across Findhorn Bay towards Findhorn:
I then decided to walk along the road instead. This was probably a good decision as I subsequently passed more water channels.
Findhorn Bay:
On reaching the former RAF Kinloss base, I passed a Nimrod aircraft. I was quite surprised to see this as the former RAF base is now used by the Army.
Nimrod at Kinloss:
Another water channel leading into Findhorn Bay:
Kinloss:
Beyond the military base, I entered the village of Kinloss. Kinloss is located approximately half-way between Findhorn and Forres.
Kinloss and Findhorn Parish Church:
As I hadn't been planning to go for a walk, I stopped at the shop in Kinloss to buy some food and drink.
Moray Coastal Trail road leading to Mill of Grange:
I then took a right-turn walking along the Moray Coastal Trail towards Forres.
The Moray Coastal Trail runs from Cullen to Forres. I have now walked this entire stretch of coast but preferred not to stick to the actual trail. The coast is much more interesting when you get down onto the shore.
Looking towards Findhorn:
On walking along the road I walked past a Sloe Berry bush. This got me thinking of one of my friends who makes Sloe Gin using these berries.
Sloe berries:
National Cycle Network sign on Moray Coastal Trail:
Looking towards Findhorn Bay:
As I progressed along the road I came to the Burn of Mosset. I wasn't aware that this is the same burn that runs through Forres until looking at the map afterwards.
Burn of Mosset:
At the burn I could see lots of a large plant that I believe to be Giant Hogweed. The sap from this plant can cause Lime Disease (not to be confused with Lyme Disease) also known as Phytophotodermatitis - a reaction that makes the skin hypersensitive to ultra-violet light which can result in long-lasting scarring. Having received burns previously from a Euphorbia plant, I took care to avoid the Giant Hogweed that I encountered later in the walk.
Burn of Mosset and lots of Giant Hogweed:
Seeing lots of Hay bales in the field reminded me that summer is now over. Autumn is probably my least favourite season with Spring being my favourite. Now looking forward to winter
.Hay bales:
Findhorn Bay from small track leading down to bay:
As I approach the section of road alongside the River Findhorn, I could see some recent work undertaken to prevent flooding. At this point I decided to leave the road and get down to the river.
Flood prevention work raising the bank of the River Findhorn near Seafield:
Track alongside River Findhorn:
Where possible, I walked along the pebbles next to the river. Where not possible, I walked along the track above.
River Findhorn:
Track alongside River Findhorn:
There is lots of Giant Hogweed alongside this track however it has been cut back to be at least three or four feet back from the track.
Lots of high Giant Hogweed:
I also spotted a nice flower that I had to look up. It is apparently Himalayan Balsam also known as Policeman's Helmet weed. This is an invasive species that can spread significantly a bit like Japanese Knotweed.
Policeman's Helmet weed (Himalayan Balsam):
Cycle track alongside River Findhorn:
I eventually reached a footbridge at Broom of Moy that I didn't know existed.
Footbridge at Broom of Moy:
Footbridge at Broom of Moy:
Soon thereafter I came to the railway bridge. To avoid going over the railway line, I attempted to follow the track leading under the railway line. However, this track is currently closed off as it is part of the building site for the Forres Flood Prevention scheme. Faced with either going over a busy railway line or ignoring the building site signs, I chose to ignore the building site signs. I did pass staff on the site but they didn't seem bothered by my presence on site.
River Findhorn and railway bridge:
Below the railway bridge:
I then walked along the A96 into Forres. Circa ten minutes previous, I coincidentally received a text from my friend Derrick who stays in Forres. On replying, I was offered to pop in past for a visit. It was nice to visit Derrick who I had walked with less than a week ago in Ireland.
A96 at the outskirts of Forres:
I then walked back into the town centre where I caught a bus back to Elgin.
Walking alongside the Burn of Mosset in Forres:
Burn of Mosset, Forres:
St. Laurence Church, Forres:
High Street, Forres:
The mouth of the River Findhorn may only be 100m - 200m wide but the traverse around the bay from Findhorn to Culbin by track/road must be at least 20km - 25km.