Forres is just a short trip from some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches. Plan a full day out or combine with an adventure or two from our other itineraries.
The historic village of Findhorn is just a five minute drive from Forres with an accessible cycle path all the way between the town to the beach. The village has a pretty harbour nestled on the beautiful Findhorn Bay, the perfect place to explore walking, wildlife and watersports. Findhorn has lots of options for cafes, restaurants and takeaway food alongside ample parking and toilets.
The long sandy beach at Roseisle https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/roseisle sits halfway between Findhorn and Burghead. The concrete blocks along the shoreline mark the area’s wartime history. They were defences against invasion in the Second World War. The coastal pinewood forest that hugs Roseisle beach has everything you need for a great family day out. There is play equipment, basic barbeque facilities and accessible toilets open seasonally with a small fee for parking. The flat, accessible woodland trails are perfect for a sheltered walk or gentle cycle and you might even get a glimpse of the red squirrels who call Roseisle home.
Hopeman Beach is a short hop beyond Burghead and is known for its rockpools, colourful beach huts that hug the shoreline. The village has a main street with shops that lead down to the once bustling harbour. There is easy parking, don’t forget to try Hopeman’s world famous ice cream! From here you can explore the many coves and caves along the coast including the enigmatic Sculptor’s Cave
Lossiemouth is often called the ‘jewel of the Moray Firth’. This historic fishing town has two glorious sandy beaches and all the facilities you need for a day out. The three mile long West beach takes you along past Covesea Lighthouse. The East Beach is dominated by sand dunes that run between the river and the sea. Access along the bridge linked between the Esplanade. The town is great for sailing and boat rides dolphin spotting or sea angling and surfing.
Venturing west from Forres, Nairn has a brilliant beach with lots of facilities including a children’s splashpark, cafes, playpark and toilets. Keep your eyes peeled, you might spot the amazing Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins out in the bay along any of these beautiful beaches.
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