Best attractions and places to see around Cullen And Deskford are situated on Scotland's Moray Coast, offering a diverse range of attractions. The area is known for its natural beauty, including picturesque sandy beaches, distinctive sea stacks, and dramatic coastal formations. Significant historical landmarks, such as impressive disused railway viaducts and clifftop castle ruins, also characterize the region. Visitors can explore charming historic fishing villages and enjoy various outdoor activities along the coastline and in the surrounding landscape.
Last updated: August 11, 2026
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Teetering on the side of a 15m high cliff, the castle is built out on a tiny headland, meaning access is only via a narrow strip of land. The first records of the castle relate to preparations for the Viking invasion by King Haakon in the 1260s. King Alexander Ill's military efforts to repel the invasion were inadequate and the Vikings ended up occupying the castle for some time. The present-day ruins probably date from the late 14 century and were built by Sir John Sinclair and modelled on Rosslyn Castle just outside Edingburgh, the stronghold of the Sinclair family. The path down to the castle is narrow and unstable, so it may be best to admire it from the viewpoint on the coastal path.
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Wonderful castle directly in the rock. Freely accessible. Caution when wet, risk of slipping! Parking on site, approx. 1km walk.
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Parts of the route follow the former Moray Coast Railway line. This includes the impressive viaducts at Cullen. The line went from Elgin to Portsoy, supporting local industries including fishing, whisky and agriculture. It closed in 1968. Unfortunatley the Spey Bay viaduct collapsed in December 2025, which necessitates a detour to the road bridge further south.
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A graceful rock arch which looks great from the shore and is even better to kayak through!
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An icon of Moray! With a new gravel path running along the coastal trail.
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Findochty harbour, three miles east of Buckie, has two basins. Over 100 berths are available to accommodate the demand from a wide range of pleasure and fishing boats which mainly consist of creel boards and long-liners catching mackerel.
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Bow Fiddle Rock and The Whalemouth are very impressive.
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The region is rich in natural beauty. A must-see is Bow Fiddle Rock, a distinctive sea arch near Portknockie. You can also visit the picturesque Cullen Bay with its sandy beaches and the unique Three Kings Rocks. For panoramic views, consider a walk up Bin Hill (Bin of Cullen) or explore Logie Head.
History enthusiasts can explore the dramatic ruins of Findlater Castle, perched on a clifftop. In Cullen, the impressive disused railway viaducts now offer scenic walking trails. The historic Seatown area of Cullen, with its colorful fishing cottages, and the ancient Cullen Auld Kirk are also worth visiting. In Deskford, you can find the ruins of Deskford Castle and the historic Deskford Auld Kirk, known for its sacrament house. For more details on Deskford Church, you can check Historic Environment Scotland.
Yes, Cullen Coastal Village and Beach is very family-friendly, offering sandy shores for play and rock pooling. The Cullen Sea School provides various water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Easy walks, such as the path to the Bin of Cullen, are also suitable for families.
The area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy coastal walks along the Moray Coast Trail, explore the Cullen Viaducts, or hike up Bin Hill for views. For cycling, the Moray Coastal Cycle Route offers an easy-to-pedal path. There are also various road cycling, gravel biking, and MTB trails available. For more detailed routes, check out the guides for Road Cycling, Gravel Biking, and MTB Trails around Cullen And Deskford.
Cullen Bay offers picturesque sandy beaches ideal for swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding. Sunnyside Beach, east of Cullen, is another scenic option accessible via a coastal path. Cullen Harbour is a popular spot for water sports, with the Cullen Sea School offering various activities.
Cullen is famous for its traditional Scottish soup, Cullen Skink, which you can try in local cafes. The historic Seatown area provides a glimpse into a traditional fishing village. Deskford is known for archaeological finds, including the discovery of a carnyx, an ancient Celtic brass instrument, and is rich in Pictish remains.
The Moray Coast offers beautiful scenery year-round. For the most pleasant outdoor activities, including coastal walks and water sports, the spring and summer months (May to September) generally provide milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the rugged coastline offers dramatic views even in the cooler, stormier months.
Many of the coastal paths and beaches around Cullen and Deskford are dog-friendly, offering great opportunities for walks with your canine companion. The Bin of Cullen also provides a good outdoor space for dog walking. Always remember to keep dogs under control and clean up after them.
Cullen town has a variety of local shops and cafes where you can sample the famous Cullen Skink. Many establishments offer fresh, local produce and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, particularly the dramatic coastal formations like Bow Fiddle Rock, and the picturesque Cullen Coastal Village and Beach. The historic charm of places like Findlater Castle and the opportunity for glorious coastal walks are also highly appreciated.
Yes, the area caters to various cycling abilities. The Moray Coastal Cycle Route is generally easy and suitable for families. For more challenging rides, there are moderate to difficult road cycling routes, as well as gravel biking and MTB trails, including options around the Bin of Cullen and along the coast. You can find detailed routes in the Road Cycling, Gravel Biking, and MTB Trails guides.


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